How to find a leak in your swimming pool liner
An ongoing leak in your pool can create a safety hazard so getting to the source of the problem quickly is important.
If your pool is losing between 1cm to 1 inch of water a day it’s a sure sign your swimming pool has a leak.
Here are four easy ways to perform a pool leak test:
No1 - DIY Pool leak detection, the ‘Bucket test’
The bucket test is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to identify if your water loss is from evaporation or a leak.
Step 1: Fill your bucket with the same amount of water level as your pool. For example, if the pool is 95% full also fill your bucket 95% full.
Step 2: Place your bucket of water on the steps, ladder, or bench. We recommend also making a note of the water on the bucket's exterior as well as inside.
Step 3: Ensure your pump is operating and leave the bucket in position for a full day.
Step 4: After 24 hours check if your pall water has fallen noticeably more than your bucket water levels. If your pool water has fallen you may have a leak.
No2- The ‘Dye Test’
You have noticed your water level is dropping and a possible rip or leak in your liner this is when the dye test works best.
Step 1: Turn off the pool's electrical and plumbing systems
Step 2: Apply a few drops to a suspected region
It is a possible leak if the area draws the ink in quickly in the suspected area.
It might not be a leak in that area if the dye is still present and then gradually disappears and dilutes in the water.
Note: The dye is not very useful for pinpointing the initial precise leak location, but it can help you assess whether the affected area is genuinely leaking.
No3 - Visual Observations
There are a few visual signs that can help you identify a possible leak.
Pool liner bubbles or discoloration
The floor of the pool feels spongy to the touch. This could mean there may be a leak in the bottom of the liner.
An inspection of the tile line, corners, pipe openings, around lights, and skimmer's throat.
Damp ground or puddling around the outside of the pool
No4 - Invest in a ‘Pool Manager’
This is a great investment as an early alert system. A Bayrol pool manager helps you manage the pool and part of its job includes a digital flow metre alarm system that will notify you of an overflow or underflow.
It also has some other great features that make managing your pool so much easier throughout the year such as:
Detecting sources of water loss
Alert you to the presence of foreign particles
Automatic adjustment of pH values and chlorine levels
Inform you when it's time to change the filter cartridges
and so much more
Still cannot find the leak - Book a ‘Leak Detection’ Appointment
If you just cannot find the leak or the source of the leak we highly recommend booking a leak detection appointment. Our pool engineers have the experience and the equipment to track down even the trickiest of leaks.
Underwater Dives
Due to pools often already being filled with water, our team can offer underwater dives that allow us to work around your entire pool without you having to empty it. Underwater dives can be used in above-ground and inground pools.
Can you fix it?
During the dive, some damage to your pool liner may have been identified. Often a patch kit can be applied this may be a permanent solution or a temporary measure depending on the age of the liner, the location, and the accessibility of the leak.
Should the damage be too great, we will advise you on the next best steps which may include considering a new liner.
The good news is finding a leak and getting it fixed swiftly before further damage can occur is possible. If you have already tried to find the leak but would like more advice or to book a leak detection appointment, drop us a message.