DIY Pool Repair

How To Find Swimming Pool Leaks

Menu:

• Home
  Swimming Pool Leak Detection
• Pool Resources
  List of swimming pool resources - Must read for any pool owner
• Signs of damage
  Obvious deficiencies can be a significant possibility for water loss
• Water loss characteristics
  Has the leak developed slowly over time or suddenly over a short period of time
• Pool plumbing systems
  Understanding your plumbing system is critical in being able to diagnose a leak in your swimming pool
• Hydrostatic test
  Learn how to monitor water loss and conduct a hydrostatic test for your pool
• Test Analysis
  Analyze the data from this leak detection test to find out where your pool is leaking
• Condition 1
  Leaking the same with plumbing system on and off
• Condition 2
  Leaking more when plumbing system is on, but water loss in both conditions
• Condition 3
  Leaking more when plumbing system is off, but water loss in both conditions
• Condition 4
  Leaking when plumbing system is on, not leaking when it is off
• Condition 5
  Leaking when plumbing system is off, but not leaking when it is on
• Leak detection test 2
  Another easy method to determine where your pool is leaking
• Water Level Test conclusions
  Analyze the results of the water level leak detection test
• Faceplates & Gaskets
  water level holds anywhere where gaskets or faceplates are touching the waterline
• Skimmer & Mid Wall
  water level below skimmer mouth but above return outlets
• Return Outlets
  water level holds at the height of wall returns
• Indefinite Drop
  water level continues to drain down past wall returns or lower
• Leak Detection Dye Test
  Use colored dye to locate leaks in your swimming pool
• Common Pool Leak Points
  Breakdown of pool components prone to failure and associated water loss symptoms
• Hole In the Liner
  See symptoms associated with a hole in the liner of your swimming pool
• HRV Failure
  Hydrostatic relief valve failure symptoms
• Filter Head Gasket
  Filter head gasket alignment is a common location for unexplained water loss
• Leaking Skimmer
  See symptoms associated with a leaking or cracked skimmer
• Leaking Return Lines
  See symptoms associated with leaks in the swimming pool return lines

Damage To Your Swimming Pool

It would seem that if you are experiencing water loss, a likely suspect would be any aspect of the pool which appears to specifically be in disrepair. If one corner of your liner is duct taped to repair a tear in the liner, you likely have found the culprit.

Should any noticeable inconsistencies in the liner exist, whether on the walls or the floor, this would be well worth noting. Inconsistencies in the wall and floor can be either the direct problem, or a symptom thereof so heavy scrutiny should be given to any area of the pool which appears to be abnormal.

Start In The Pool Pump Room

The pool itself will be relatively easy to inspect for damage. The plumbing system which is largely buried below ground is much more difficult to inspect. The pool mechanical or pump room will be a good place to get a look at the type of plumbing that was used in the construction of your swimming pool.



You are looking for any signs of leaks, but you are also viewing the quality of the plumbing installation, the type of plumbing materials used, and the relative condition of these materials.

If you have a plumbing system that is very old and appears to be installed in a haphazard way you would rate the possibility of a leak in your plumbing system higher than a swimming pool mechanical room which looks like it was installed yesterday. Another example would be to check the type and condition of any pipe clamps which are used with black poly propylene piping material.

Pipe Clamps Are A Huge Leak Source

Pipe clamps should be compromised of stainless steel and should be free of rust and decay. Additionally these clamps should always be installed in tandem, meaning that two clamps are tightened over each fitting.



Again, you are not looking for definitive causes for the water loss in your swimming pool just yet, but instead creating a profile of your swimming pool which will allow you to follow a logic system to systematically determine the location of the leak in your pool.

Gaskets & Faceplates

In a vinyl liner swimming pool you should inspect all gaskets and faceplates in the returns, skimmers, in-wall stairs, lights and any other location where a compression seal is made around a hole in the vinyl liner. Should obvious signs of rust be present on the faceplate itself or the screw heads that would increase the likelihood of leaks in these locations

Pool Damage Inspection Conclusions

If visible damage exists on any part of your swimming pool you can consider this location a high likelihood for water loss. Still, only so much information can be garnered from a simple inspection and you must further analyze the pool leak characteristics in order to gain a full understanding of where your pool is leaking, and how to fix it.

Move on to the section dealing with water loss characteristics to continue diagnosing you pool leak problem. You can also stay with this subject and read advice from an expert about what to look for when inspecting a pool for signs of damage.



The menu on the right is a chronological step by step process to determine where a swimming pool is leaking. This website is written as a readthrough technical assistance guide for locating leaks. When you believe you have identified where the pool is leaking you need to go to our sister website to see pictures and learn more about the actual swimming pool leak repair process.