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

Leak Test Condition 3

Leak condition 3 refers to the pool leaking more when the plumbing system is off, but water loss is experienced in both conditions

Sometimes when there is a leak in a suction line the process of running the pump actually reduces the amount of water that is able to escape the system. This creates a unique situation where the pool actually loses more water when the filtration system is shut down which on the surface can appear to be confusing. The is also the possibility of multiple leak locations being present. This is commonly seen with older swimming pools or pools that have been neglected for repair and renovation.

Leaking More With The Pump Off

A pressure test of the suction lines of the pool are very likely to reveal a leak present somewhere which can be confirmed with listening devices at the leak location or by process of elimination.

If multiple leak locations are present in the pool then you could get leak symptoms such as seen with condition 3. Any time multiple leak locations are a concern then you must be diligent and not cut any corners with your leak detection.

Multiple Leak Locations

If you suspect multiple leak locations you may want to consider enlisting a leak detection company to assist you, at minimum with a pressure test combined with electronic listening device. You will still have the opportunity to save money by repairing the leaks yourself as most leak detection companies only locate the leak.



Based upon the leak characteristics displayed by your swimming pool during the hydrostatic leak test, here is a list of the more likely areas of concern for your pool.

This information is not sufficient for stand alone diagnosis of your swimming pool leak in most cases, but can very often lead to an efficient diagnosis and repair due to recurring instances of these common pool failures:



(small leak of less than 1” / 2.5cm per day)
-Filter head gasket out of alignment
-Loose fitting or crack in suction line

(medium leak of 1-3” / 2.5-7.5cm per day)
-Filter head gasket out of alignment
-Loose fitting or crack in suction line
-Multiple leak locations

(large leak of more than 3” / 7.5cm per day)
-Filter head gasket out of alignment
-Broken fitting or broken suction line
-Multiple leak locations


If your pool leaks more with the pump off then you may want to continue reading about this before continuing to the next section - the leak detection water level test



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.