Alexei Volkov
If you suspect your plastic pool is leaking, it's important to address it quickly to prevent more serious damage and costly repairs. Pool leaks can be difficult to detect, and even dangerous if the leak is near electrical wiring. While some leaks are obvious, with water visibly leaking out, others are more subtle and require specific tests to identify. The first step is to rule out other causes of water loss, such as evaporation or splashing, and to check your pool equipment and plumbing for any issues. If you suspect a leak, there are several methods you can use to locate and fix it, including the bucket test, dye test, and using repair patches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pool leaks can occur | Anywhere in the pool |
| Before searching for a leak | Rule out evaporation or a crack in the filter system plumbing |
| To check for a leak in the plumbing | Check the entire filter system area, including the pool pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and any O-ring or connections where water may be leaking |
| To check for a leak in the pool | Look for water leaks or wrinkles in the liner |
| To confirm a leak | Use a bucket test or a dye test |
| Bucket test | Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a step in the pool so that the pool water level is about two-thirds up the outside of the bucket. Mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket with a permanent marker. Ensure that no one swims in the pool for 24 hours and then check the water levels |
| Dye test | Turn off the filtration system and ensure the water is calm. Put on plastic gloves and add a few drops of pool leak dye or food colouring in the suspected leak area. The dye will flow towards the source of the leak |
| To repair a leak in a vinyl liner pool | Use a patch kit or waterproof tape |
| To repair a leak in a concrete pool | Use pool plaster |
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What You'll Learn
Rule out evaporation or plumbing issues
Before you start searching for a leak, you should rule out a few issues, including evaporation and plumbing problems.
Evaporation
Evaporation is a common cause of water loss in pools, and it can occur even in cooler climates. High temperatures, high humidity, and high winds can increase the rate of evaporation. Residential pools without a cover can lose up to a quarter of an inch of water per day due to evaporation during the summer. If you notice that your pool is losing more water than usual during the cooler months, there may be a leak.
To determine whether water loss is due to a leak or evaporation, you can perform a simple bucket test. Secure a bucket to a step in your pool, fill it with water to the same level as the pool water, and mark the water level in the bucket. Leave the bucket overnight and check the water level in the bucket and the pool the next morning. If the pool water level has dropped but the bucket level has not, there may be a leak. If both levels have dropped at the same rate, evaporation is likely the cause.
Plumbing issues
Pool leaks can occur in underground pipes, and these can be difficult to detect. If there is a leak in your plumbing, you may notice consistent wet spots in your yard or patches of overgrown grass. The pressure gauge on your filter can also indicate a plumbing leak; if the pressure is lower than normal, a leak in the plumbing is likely.
To find a leak in your pool's plumbing, you can conduct a pressure test using a pressure testing stick to test each line. You can also listen underground for any escaping air using a hydrophone. If you suspect a leak in your pool's plumbing, it is recommended to hire a professional to accurately locate and fix the problem.
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Use the bucket test
If you suspect a leak in your plastic pool, you can perform a bucket test to confirm or rule out your suspicions. This test is simple and can be done without calling a professional.
- First, ensure your pool is filled to its standard level.
- Get a clean, leak-proof, 5-gallon plastic bucket.
- Turn off your pool pump and any autofill valves, and wait for the water to settle for about 5 minutes.
- Fill the bucket with pool water, leaving about 1-3 inches at the top.
- Place the bucket on the steps of the pool so that the water level in the pool is about two-thirds up the outside of the bucket.
- Use a permanent marker to mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket. Make sure to follow the instructions on the marker packaging for use on wet surfaces.
- Do not allow anyone to swim in the pool for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, check the water levels. If it has rained during this period, you will need to restart the test.
- If the water level outside the bucket has dropped more than the water level inside, you likely have a leak.
If the bucket test indicates a leak, you should call a professional leak detector to determine the cause and offer solutions. Unattended leaks can lead to high water bills and structural damage to the pool, surrounding structures, or your house.
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Try a dye test
If you suspect a leak in your plastic pool, a dye test is a great way to investigate. Before you begin, ensure that the leak isn't in your plumbing or pool equipment. Check your entire filter system, including the pool pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and any O-rings or connections. If you have an inground pool, you may want to call a professional to avoid damaging your property.
Once you've ruled out other issues, you can perform a dye test. First, turn off the filtration system and ensure the water is calm and still. Put on plastic gloves to protect your hands from dye stains. Then, in the area you suspect a leak, add a few drops of pool leak dye or food colouring. Red, yellow, and blue dyes are commonly used, with red being the most popular choice. However, fluorescent yellow is recommended for dark surfaces or low-light conditions, while dark blue dye is ideal for light backgrounds.
When a leak is present, the dye will be sucked into the crack or hole, allowing you to identify the area and the water movement. Keep applying the dye to other areas where you suspect a leak. If you find the leak, use an underwater adhesive repair patch to fix it. If you don't have an adhesive patch, you can use a non-adhesive repair patch with PVC glue. Ensure you clean and dry the area before applying the patch.
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Check for wrinkles in the liner
Before you start searching for a leak, it is important to rule out other potential issues such as evaporation or a crack in the filter system plumbing. Evaporation is a common cause of water loss and can be accelerated by wind speed. Splashing can also cause water loss, with an average of 0.75 litres of water lost per person each time they exit the pool.
If you suspect that the pool liner is leaking, check for wrinkles in the liner. Wrinkles can form in areas where water is leaking. If you notice wrinkles, you can perform a dye test to confirm the presence of a leak. Turn off the filtration system to allow the water to settle, as this will make it easier to observe the flow of the dye. Put on plastic gloves and add a few drops of pool leak dye or food colouring in the wrinkled area. If there is a leak, the dye will be sucked into or pulled toward the hole.
If you are uncomfortable spending time underwater to perform the dye test, or if you are unsure how to identify the source of the leak, it may be best to hire a professional. A pool technician or leak detector professional will be able to determine the cause of the leak and offer solutions to remedy the issue.
It is important to address leaks swiftly, as they can lead to sinkholes, greater pool damage, and foundation shifts if left ignored. Additionally, always be cautious when working around water and electricity to avoid the risk of electrocution.
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Call a professional
If you're unsure whether your plastic pool has a leak, there are a few initial steps you can take before calling a professional. Firstly, check for any water leaks or wrinkles in the liner by simply walking around your pool. Wrinkles can form in areas where water is leaking. If you notice any wrinkles, you can perform a simple dye test to confirm the presence of a leak. Turn off the filtration system and ensure the water is calm and still. Put on plastic gloves and add a few drops of pool leak dye or food colouring to the suspected area. If the dye is sucked into or pulled towards a hole, you've likely found the leak.
However, if you're unable to detect a leak through these methods, or if the leak is underground, it's time to call a professional. Professional leak detection services can cost between $100 and $1,000, with an average price of $300. While this may be expensive, it's a worthwhile investment to avoid further damage. A professional will have the necessary equipment to safely and effectively locate and repair the leak. They will be able to determine the cause of the leak and offer solutions to remedy the issue.
If your leak is within the pool deck, a concrete saw may be required to expose the leaking or cracked pipe. This type of power equipment can be dangerous for those without experience, and there is a risk of electrocution when water and electricity are present. A professional will have the knowledge and expertise to handle such equipment safely.
Additionally, choosing the right product to fix your leak permanently is crucial. Epoxies, rubber-based sealants, or putties may be used, but knowing which product to use and how to use it often takes knowledge and experience. A pool service company will have certified technicians with the expertise to make these decisions and properly repair your leak.
In summary, while you may be able to detect and temporarily fix a simple leak in your plastic pool, more complex or hidden leaks require the expertise of a professional. They will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively locate and repair the leak, preventing further damage and ensuring a long-lasting solution.
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Frequently asked questions
If the water level in your pool is dropping, it may have a leak. However, water loss can also be caused by evaporation or splashing, so you will need to run some tests to be sure.
One way to test for a leak is to fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a step in the pool so that the water level is about two-thirds up the outside of the bucket. Mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket with a permanent marker and check that they haven't changed after 24 hours. If they have, your pool probably has a leak.
If you suspect your pool has a leak, you can use food colouring or a special dye to help you find the exact location. Turn off the filtration system and put on some plastic gloves. Add a few drops of dye to the water near the suspected leak and watch to see if it gets sucked into a hole.
If you can't find the leak in your pool, you may need to call a professional leak detector. Although this can be expensive, it may be more costly to ignore the problem, as serious damage could occur.
Before you start looking for a leak, make sure there is no water around any electrical equipment in the pool area. If there is, do not attempt to fix the leak yourself. If there is no leak in your pool equipment, turn off the pool to allow the water to settle.
