What to Do If Your Pool Is Leaking

Pool leaks can be a headache for new or experienced pool owners. If your pool is losing water, your autofill keeps running, or your water bill is higher than usual, these are common signs of a pool leak.

To be sure, we always recommend performing a bucket test first to determine whether your pool is leaking or if the water loss is due to normal evaporation. This also helps you understand how much water your pool is actually losing each day.

If you are not familiar with how your pool system operates, it is safest to contact a professional for pool leak detection to accurately identify the source of the issue.

Signs Your Pool May Be Leaking

Autofill system constantly running
Pool losing water every day or overnight
Autofill system constantly running
High water bill without clear reason
Water level dropping faster than normal
Spa draining into the pool

Your Pool Leaks a Certain Amount of Water Every Day or Week

If you’ve spent time trying to identify the source of the leak, chances are you have already performed a bucket test. In many cases, pools losing up to 1/2 inch of water per day do not have a broken underground pipe.

Instead, the source of the leak is often related to:

Cracks in the pool shell
Skimmer grout leaks
Light leaks
Plaster leaks around fittings or pipes

Pool size should also be considered, as larger pools may lose more volume of water even with the same level drop. However, if a pool is losing more than 1 - 2 inches of water per day, there is a strong possibility of a pool plumbing leak, such as a return line leak or suction line leak. In this situation, it is recommended to contact a professional to perform pressure testing on all pool plumbing lines. In many cases, this can be done without draining the pool. If your pool has an in-floor cleaning system (pop-ups), additional testing may require draining the pool to properly inspect those lines.

Your Pool Loses More Water When the Pump Is On

This is a key indicator during leak detection. If your pool loses more water when the pump is running, there is a high chance of a leak in the pressure-side plumbing. You can begin by isolating return lines - if your system allows it - especially if you have additional lines such as water features or pressure-side cleaners. If the water loss remains the same, repeat the process for other pressure-side lines, including:

Water feature lines
Aerator line
Quick skimmer line
Pop-up lines
Return lines

Always monitor your pressure gauge. If pressure exceeds 30 PSI, reopen the line immediately to prevent damage to your equipment. Another important component to check is the backwash system. In some cases, water may be leaking through the backwash line without being visible. Since pool pumps often run at night, leaks from the backwash line may go unnoticed. If possible, inspect the backwash valve and check O-rings and gaskets for damage. If these components are worn or broken, water may be escaping through the backwash system.

When to Call a Pool Leak Detection Professional

If the steps above do not clearly identify the issue, it is best to contact a professional for a comprehensive pool leak inspection. Professional leak detection can accurately locate underground leaks, structural issues, or equipment failures without unnecessary damage to your pool or property.