Leak Test
Printer Friendly VersionWhen to check your pool:
Check your pool for leaks at the beginning and end of each swimming season. Pools that are open all year should be checked every three to six months. Pool leaks that go undetected waste water and can cause additional damage to equipment, piping and even the pool structure. Pool leaks do not repair themselves - they just get larger and larger. Save money and prevent damage. Check your pool today.
Nationally, leaking pools represent millions of gallons of lost water and resources. A single residential pool with just a 1/4" per day leak between 16,000 and 45,000 gallons of water annually.
This chart shows how much water your pool can waste each year with a leak as small as 1/4" per day. If your pool leaks 1/2" just double the numbers.
| Pool Size | 1/4" per Day Leak | ||
| Water Wasted Each Day | Water Wasted Each Year | ||
| L x W | Sq. Ft. | (Gallons) | (Gallons) |
| 20 x 40 | 800 | 125 | 45,625 |
| 18 x 36 | 648 | 101 | 36,865 |
| 16 x 32 | 512 | 80 | 29,200 |
| 15 x 30 | 450 | 70 | 25,550 |
| 14 x 28 | 392 | 61 | 22,265 |
| 13 x 26 | 338 | 53 | 19,345 |
| 12 x 24 | 288 | 45 | 16,425 |
The "Bucket Test" will determine if water loss in a pool is due to evaporation or a leak:
1. Bring pool water to normal level
2. Turn off auto fill.
3. Fill bucket with pool water to about one inch from top
4. Place bucket on first or second step of pool
5. Mark water level on inside of bucket
6. Shut off pump and mark pool level on outside of bucket
7. Resume normal pump operation
8. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level, there is probably a leak.
In case of rain, repeat the test.
Test is not valid after 24 hours.
If you have a leak, contact Leak Specialists
Riverside & San Bernardino (909) 590-8874 or (888) 522-5325
Orange & Los Angeles (562) 804-0463 or (800) 996-5325