Pool Leak Detection: How To Quickly Find The Leak Yourself

How much does a pool leak detection cost?

Swimming pool leak detection may not be as expensive as you think. There are many things that can happen to your pool to cause the water level to drop. We start with a base fee, which covers your pool leak inspection. The pool leak detection includes electronic liner scan, pressure testing of all underground plumbing, and scuba diving visual inspection of all fittings and fixtures in the pool.

We can patch vinyl liner pools with a specific glue and patch designed to bond back to the existing vinyl liner. Our gunite pools can be repaired with a putty; this is not included in the inspection, but will fix most minor leaks within your gunite swimming pool.

However, please note that we will schedule and bill any major repairs separately from the inspection. We work with individuals across the upstate who provide some of the best swimming pool repairs around the region. These repairs may or may not be invasive. The leak detection is not generally invasive.

Performing a Bucket Test on a swimming pool to detect water loss.

How to Perform a Bucket Test for Pool Leak Detection

If you’re worried that your swimming pool might be losing water, one of the easiest DIY methods to confirm it is the bucket test. This simple step-by-step process helps you figure out if your water loss is normal evaporation or if you need professional Pool Leak Detection and Repair Services.

Prepare the Pool

•  Begin by noting the current water level. If your pool has an auto-fill device, turn it off before starting. Accurate measurements are essential for detecting a possible swimming pool leak.

Keep the Pool Undisturbed

• Make sure no one swims and no pets enter the pool during the test. Extra splashing will interfere with results, making it harder to tell if you actually need pool leak repair services.

Fill the Bucket

• Fill a bucket with pool water up to about one inch from the top. This will allow you to compare evaporation against potential leak loss.

Position the Bucket

• Set the bucket on a pool step or ledge so it’s submerged about 5–6 inches. This ensures the bucket experiences the same conditions as your swimming pool.

Mark the Water Levels

• Mark the water line inside the bucket and the water line on the outside (the actual pool level).

Check After 24 Hours

• After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool’s water line drops more than the bucket’s, that means the pool is losing water faster than natural evaporation. This indicates you may need Swimming Pool Leak Detection and Repair Services.

Important Note: If it rains during the test, redo it for accurate results.

Pressure testing plumbing in a swimming pool.

Why does this matter?

Undetected leaks waste water, increase bills, and can cause structural damage. Performing a bucket test can save you time and money by quickly determining if you need pool leak repair. If the test shows a problem, reach out to a trusted company that specializes in pool leak detection and repair services.

Whether it’s a vinyl liner pool or a concrete/gunite pool, professional pool leak services can locate the exact issue and provide long-lasting solutions for your swimming pool.

Pool Leak Detection & Repair Tips

When your pool begins losing water, the first step is figuring out where the problem is happening. Not all leaks are alike — some show up only when equipment is running, while others are tied to the pool structure itself. Below are several practical tips to guide you through the pool leak detection process and decide whether you need professional pool leak repair services.

Leaks with Equipment Running

If your pool only seems to lose water when the pump is on, this often points to a pressure-side leak. The plumbing that carries water back into the pool is under pressure, and small cracks or weak joints can quickly turn into gushers once the system is active. Signs include water flowing constantly through the backwash line or soggy spots in the yard downhill from your pool. In these cases, calling for professional pool leak detection services is the safest way to prevent major water

loss.

Leaks with Equipment Off

If water loss happens only when your system is shut down, that’s usually a suction-side problem. This involves the plumbing that pulls water from your pool to the pump. Instead of losing water, suction leaks allow air to sneak in — leading to bubbles in the pump basket, air spurting through return jets, or pressure problems inside your filter. Left unresolved, these issues can damage your equipment and lead to the need for more extensive swimming pool leak and repair services.

Leaks That Happen All the Time

Constant water loss, regardless of whether the pump is on or off, often points to structural issues. Cracks in plaster, gaps around tile lines, or separations at the skimmer throat are common culprits. Another frequent problem area is the pool light — water often escapes through the conduit behind the fixture. A simple dye test can confirm whether these problem spots are pulling water. Many of these issues can be resolved with pool leak repair putty, sealants, or patches, though larger cracks may require professional repairs.

Equipment Pad Leaks

Don’t overlook your pool equipment. Pumps, filters, heaters, and valves can all develop leaks over time. A slow drip may not seem like much, but if your pool is losing noticeable water, it’s usually more than a minor drip — it’s a continuous flow that requires pool leak services to repair before it gets worse.

Stabilized Water Levels

Sometimes, the water will drop to a certain point and then stop. This can be an important clue. For example, if water stops just below the skimmer, the skimmer might be the source. If it stabilizes near a light or return fitting, that’s the spot to test. A dye test along the waterline can help pinpoint cracks, voids, or gaps.

Wet Spots Around the Pool

Take a walk around your pool deck and yard. Unexplained damp soil, soft spots, or areas of erosion may reveal where the water is escaping. On sloped lots, leaks often make themselves known as water seeps downhill.

Vinyl Liner Pool Leaks

Vinyl liners present their own set of challenges. Tears, punctures, and stretched seams around steps or corners are common. Even small claw marks from pets or wildlife can become pinhole leaks. Often, leaks in vinyl liners can be repaired with a patch kit or clear vinyl sealant. For larger tears, professional swimming pool leak and repair services are recommended to ensure the liner remains structurally sound.

Final Thoughts on Pool Leak Detection

While many leaks can be spotted with careful observation and a few DIY tests, others are hidden underground or behind fixtures. If you suspect your pool is losing water, don’t wait — even a one-inch drop can equal hundreds of gallons of wasted water. Local experts in pool leak detection and repair have specialized equipment to locate leaks quickly and provide reliable solutions.

Whether you own a concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl pool, knowing how to troubleshoot potential leaks is the first step. But for lasting peace of mind, professional pool leak services ensure your swimming pool stays in top condition all season long.

Stop Water Loss Before It Becomes Costly

Don’t let a small leak turn into a major repair. Whether it’s a hidden plumbing issue, a tear in your vinyl liner, or a crack in the pool shell, every drop counts. If you’ve noticed your water level dropping, air in your system, or soft spots around your pool, it’s time to act.

At Precision Pool Leak Services we specialize in Pool Leak Detection, Pool Leak Repair, and Swimming Pool Leak Services across Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, Greenwood, and Clinton. Our proven methods and advanced tools quickly pinpoint the problem so you can enjoy your pool without the worry of wasted water or rising utility bills.

Call today to schedule your professional pool leak inspection and repair service. Let’s solve your pool leak before it costs you more time, money, and water.