The water in the above-ground pool decreases naturally, whether evaporation or splashed-out water. However, if you regularly have to add more than 2” of water each week, leakage is possible.
So, how do you find a leak in an above-ground pool? Here’s the guide for it.
How to Find a Leak in an Above-Ground Pool
Before you even wonder, ‘how can I tell where my pool leaks? It must be confirmed that there’s indeed a leak. Here are the steps to confirm that your pool has leaked on it:
- Set a bucket of water with 5 gallons of water beside the pool.
- Put a mark on the level of water inside the bucket by using painter’s tape.
- Mark the level of water inside the pool using painter’s tape.
- Wait for a day, then look for the difference in water level in the pool and bucket.
- If the pool’s water difference is more significant than the one on the bucket, then it is confirmed that there’s a leak in your pool. If the disparity is slight, then the water loss might be caused by evaporation.
- If there’s a leak, it’s time to find out where.
Quick Overview of Leak Detection Methods
| Leak Detection Method | Description | When to Use | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Moderate to High depends on accuracy. | First step, especially for visible damage. | High for visible leaks. |
| Bucket Test | Comparing water loss between a bucket and the pool to determine if there’s a leak. | When unsure if the water loss is due to a leak or evaporation. | Moderate to High, depends on accuracy. |
| Food Coloring Test | Using food coloring to track leak paths in the water. | When you suspect a small or pinpoint leak. | High for small, localized leaks. |
| Systematic Liner Inspection | Pressing down on areas of the liner to identify soft spots or depressions. | When other methods are inconclusive. | High for detecting minor leaks. |
| Professional Assessment | Hiring a professional to use specialized tools and techniques for leak detection. | When all DIY methods fail or leak is severe. | Very High, professional-level accuracy. |
How to Find a Leak in Pool Liner?
Here’s how you can find a leak in the ground pool liner:
- Clean the filter or pump area if it’s overgrown or cluttered. Get rid of the weeds and remove any rocks, toys, or items from the liner pool. See if there’s any pile below the pump and remove if there’s any from the area.
- Sometimes, leaks get worse when your pump is turned on. So, turn the pump on, and you can easily see a bigger leak. Observe for wetness signs in the area.
- Go down on your knees and hands and inspect all the components, including lids, fittings, and hoses, to see if there’s a drip. Observe the area under the liner pool’s pump thoroughly, as shaft seals in pumps may leak directly into the ground even if there’s no visible wetness.
Inspect the skimmer box and return on your pool by looking directly into the underneath area, as leaks commonly occur there.
How to Find a Leak in an Above-Ground Vinyl Pool
Here’s how you can discover a leak in the above-ground round vinyl pool:
- Switch off the pool pump and allow the water surface to be still. Stand outside the vinyl pool so you can see its bottom area.
- Observe the bottom area of the pool from every angle while you stand around it. If there’s a leak, water typically leaks to the ground under the vinyl pool.
- If you can’t locate any leak location just by standing, observe the pool’s surrounding area to find any sign of unreasonable wetness.
- Get as close as possible. The leaking hole may form anywhere along with the vinyl material, but it most often forms in the bottom area of the pool’s wall. Get up close to the bottom area and inspect carefully if you see any holes, divots, or valleys.
The guide on how to find a leak in an above-ground pool is easy to follow, but it requires time and patience, as water leaks can be deceiving. Therefore, take as much time as you can. After you have checked the spots and fixed the leak, you’ll be able to have fun with the pool without any worry.
