Pool Leaks: How to Detect, Prevent, and Repair Them Effectively

Your Pool’s Water Level Has Dropped: Possible Causes

Several reasons can explain a drop in your pool’s water level:

• Evaporation: At the beginning and end of the season, the temperature difference between day and night is greater. The pool releases heat at night, which can cause faster evaporation. 
• Swimming: Have you had some busy days at the pool? Jumping, cannonballs, water games… All that activity can splash water out of the pool. 
• Accessories: Waterfalls, infinity edges, water slides… Even though the water returns to the pool, some of it can evaporate or splash outside the pool, reducing the overall water level. 
• A leak: If none of the reasons above explains the water loss, your pool may have a leak.

How to Detect a Leak: The Bucket Test

To check for a leak, try this simple test:

1. Place a piece of tape on the wall of your pool to mark the water level. 
2. Fill a bucket with water and mark its water level as well. 
3. After 12 to 24 hours, compare both water levels.

If the water level in the pool has dropped more than the water level in the bucket, your pool likely has a leak.

Identify the source of the leak: filter media or filtration system

1. Turn off your filtration system. 
2. Place a piece of tape to mark the water level. 
3. Wait 4 to 8 hours. 

If the water level drops, the leak is likely coming from the pool liner.

If the water level remains stable, repeat the test with the filtration system running. If the water level drops this time, the leak is likely located in the system (pipes or filtration equipment).

If there is no noticeable change, the initial water loss was likely due to a natural cause, such as evaporation, pool activity, or accessories.

Common Causes of a Leak

• Hole or tear in the liner: A branch, sharp object, animal, or ice during the winter can weaken and tear the liner.
• Detached seam: Over time, the seams between the bottom liner and the wall liner can come apart.
• Leak in the system: The pool’s pipes, pump, or accessories may also be the cause.

For a leak in the liner, put on a mask and visually inspect the surface to locate the damaged area.

Preventing Water Loss in Your Pool

• Use only cleaning equipment that is in good condition. Damaged poles or robotic cleaners can damage the pool liner. 
• Avoid allowing pets in the pool, as their claws can damage the liner. 
• Use a solar cover at night to reduce evaporation by up to 90%. A liquid solar cover can also be a good alternative. 
• Choose plastic cups or glasses around the pool. Broken glass can not only cause injuries but also puncture the liner. 
• Only use toys designed for swimming pools, as unsuitable objects may cause damage. 
• Perform a visual inspection regularly (every 15 days):
  • Make sure there is no water loss coming from the pipes. 
  • Watch for any unusual condensation around the pool.

How to Fix a Leak

Liner leak: For a small leak, use a suitable pool liner repair kit.

System or plumbing leak, or a major liner leak: Contact a professional to avoid causing further damage to your installation.

Think you may have a water leak? Visit your nearest Sima Pools and Spas store. Our experts can advise you and help you resolve the problem efficiently.