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

Swimming Pool Leak Detection

This simple leak detection test can be preformed by absolutely anyone with minimal effort, yet the results from this test are incredibly important in locating the leak in your pool. By closely observing the pool under different conditions and recording the results for comparison, you will have the ability to more accurately and efficiently solve your leaking pool problem.

Why pay a service professional when you can save money by doing the job yourself. Even if you intend to bring in a service professional for the repair it can reduce your expense greatly if you can isolate the leak location before the repair technician ever comes over. This way you can request a specific service, in this case a repair, as opposed to requesting a full diagnostic of your pool system which woul certainly be more expensive.



Much like bringing your car to a mechanic - they always seem to find more wrong than you were there for to begin with. Depending on where the leak is perhaps there is an easy repair you can employ and avoid bringing in a professional completely.

Hydrostatic Leak Detection Test

To determine if the water loss problem is in the plumbing system of the pool, or in the pool structure itself you will need to monitor the water loss over given periods of time in a log book. Start by filling up your swimming pool and marking the water level line with a PENCIL on the faceplate on the mouth of the skimmer. Be sure to let the water settle before making your mark to get an accurate reading. Note the exact time that you filled the pool in your log book.

Next, simply let the pool run as per normal for a full 24 hours and then mark the new water level on the face of the skimmer. You will now be able to measure the amount of water loss with a ruler or tape measurer.



Fill the pool back up and mark your water line again being sure to erase the previous marks to avoid confusion in the future. This time you will turn off the plumbing system for the 24 hour period and then measure the total water loss again.

Find Out Where Your Pool Leaks

Be sure to factor into consideration extreme weather such as heat or rain that could easily negate the validity of your test results. If your measurements are in question, repeat the process to achieve accurate test results. Once you have completed the test you will be able to process this data to help you fix your leaking swimming pool using the hydrostatic test conclusions. You can also read more about the testing process for this leak test before continuing to the next section.



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.