As a pool owner, you probably already know that a pool leak can be easy to overlook at first—but if left for long enough, a leak can lead to higher water bills, structural damage, and unnecessary wear on your equipment, so it’s important to take action as soon as you can.
Whether it’s your water level is dropping faster than expected or you’ve noticed soggy patches in the yard, there are some indicators that it definitely is a leak and you need to arrange a repair. However, finding the leak itself is a different matter.
Let’s check out how you can tell if you have a pool leak, and what to do about it if you do.
Normal Evaporation vs. a Leak
If the water level in your pool is dropping, and you think it might be a leak, you’ll need to rule out evaporation first.
All pools lose water to evaporation, especially in hot or windy conditions. However, if you’re experiencing excessive water loss it could indicate something more serious.
Typical pool evaporation looks like:
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water loss per day in hot climates is normal.
- Pool covers can reduce evaporation significantly.
How can you tell if you have a pool leak then? If you’re losing more than that, especially with little sun or wind, a leak may be the cause.
Common Signs You Might Have a Leak
In addition to a lower water level, there are several other symptoms that would suggest you have a leak. If you are seeing a drop in water level, plus any of the following, you might have a leak:
- Wet spots or sinkholes around the pool: These can signal underground leakage.
- Cracks in the pool structure: Visible cracks in the plaster or decking could be entry points for leaks.
- Air bubbles in the return line: This could mean a leak in the suction side of your plumbing.
- Constant need to adjust chemicals: Leaks dilute the water, making it harder to maintain a stable balance.
- Unusually high water bills: Spikes in water usage can be an early warning sign.
The Bucket Test: A Simple At-Home Check
If you want to be sure it’s a leak before calling in professionals, you can try the simple “bucket test” by doing the following:
- Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool step (weigh it down with a brick if needed).
- Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level on the outside.
- After 24 hours, compare the levels.
If the pool water level drops more than the bucket level, it’s likely you have a leak and not just evaporation.
When to Call in the Experts
While some leaks are easy to diagnose, many occur underground or behind walls where they aren’t visible. If the signs persist after basic troubleshooting, it’s time for a professional leak detection service to perform an assessment.
Swimming Pool Leak Detection by Hill Country Pools
Serving Austin, TX since 1972, Hill Country Pools offers expert leak detection services for both new and existing pools. Whether you’re noticing a sudden drop in water level or seeing signs of soil erosion around your pool, their team can:
- Accurately diagnose leaks using non-invasive equipment
- Identify whether the issue is structural, plumbing-related, or equipment-based
- Provide a detailed report before your pool builder or contractor takes action
This saves you time and ensures that any repairs are targeted and efficient—avoiding unnecessary digging or guesswork.
Hill Country Pools is CPO certified. It proudly uses Anderson Manufacturing and Leaktronics equipment and
How can you tell if you have a pool leak and what to do? Conclusion:
If your pool is losing water faster than normal or showing other signs of trouble, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Try a simple test, monitor for the signs, and when in doubt, contact a trusted local expert.
They can detect leaks early, helping you protect your investment and get back to enjoying your backyard oasis with confidence.
HCP Construction
HCP Construction is a Texan owned pool building company. The family behind HCP has been serving Austin’s pool owners since 1972. We are licensed, insured and here to stay; we also have an excellent reputation.
We offer custom pool building, pool remodelling and pool replastering services – so you can contact us to repair your pool leak once you have confirmed you have one. We operate in Austin, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.
