A backyard swimming pool is a significant investment and a source of enjoyment, relaxation, and family fun. However, when your pool starts losing water faster than normal, it can cause more than just concern — it can signal a serious leak that may lead to costly damage if left unaddressed. Whether you’re in Boynton Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, or anywhere else in Palm Beach County, knowing how to respond is key.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly what to do if you suspect a leak in your in-ground swimming pool. From spotting early warning signs and performing DIY tests to identifying common leak locations and knowing when to call in the professionals, we’ll guide you through it all.
Is It a Leak or Just Evaporation?
Before jumping to conclusions, determine whether your pool is leaking or if you’re seeing normal evaporation. It’s normal for an in-ground pool to lose 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day, depending on weather conditions, wind, sun exposure, humidity, and the frequency of pool usage.
But if you’re losing more than 2 inches of water per week, something more serious is going on.
Key Signs of a Leak
You need to add water more than once a week.
The water level drops quickly, even overnight.
There are wet spots or unusually soggy areas near the pool or plumbing.
Pool equipment loses its prime or shows air bubbles.
Your autofill is constantly running.
Water bills are rising unexpectedly.
If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s time to take action.
Step 1: Turn Off Your Autofill
Many pools are equipped with an automatic water filler. These devices can mask leaks because they keep the water level topped off, allowing you to remain unaware of the amount of water being lost.
To perform an accurate leak test, turn off your autofill system and allow the water level to drop naturally. Monitor it for 24–48 hours and move on to the next step.
Step 2: Perform the Bucket Test
The bucket test is the gold standard for homeowners to confirm whether a pool is leaking or just evaporating.
How to Perform the Bucket Test:
- Fill a 5-gallon bucket about 3/4 full with pool water.
- Place it on the second step of your pool so the top is exposed.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket.
- Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket (or on the pool tile itself).
- Leave the pool untouched (no swimming or backwashing) for 24 hours.
- Compare the drop in the bucket to the drop in the pool.
Results:
If both the bucket and pool lost the same amount, it’s evaporation.
If the pool loses significantly more water than the bucket, your pool has a leak.
Repeat the test with the pump on and off on different days. If the leak worsens when the pump is running, the problem is likely on the pressure side of the plumbing. If it leaks equally with the pump off, it may be a problem with the structure, skimmer, or suction lines.
Step 3: Visually Inspect for Obvious Leaks
Now that you’ve confirmed a leak, it’s time to investigate the issue.
Check These Key Areas:
Skimmer throat: Look for separation between the skimmer and pool wall.
Pool light niche: Especially where the conduit enters the back of the niche.
Return fittings: These can crack, or the seal around them can fail.
Main drain: Not standard, but possible.
Tile line: Cracks or missing grout can allow water to seep through.
Steps and benches: Hairline cracks can develop in corners or seams.
Pool shell/plaster: Look for fine cracks, especially in the deep end.
Take your time. Even small cracks can leak hundreds of gallons per day.
Step 4: Use Dye Testing to Pinpoint the Leak
Once you suspect a specific area (e.g., around the light, skimmer, or crack), perform a dye test to confirm the issue.
How to Do It:
- Turn off the pool pump and let the water become still.
- Fill a squeeze bottle or syringe with leak-detection dye or food coloring.
- Gently release a small amount near the suspected area.
- Watch closely: If the dye is pulled into a crack or fitting, that’s your leak.
This works best around fittings, cracks, light niches, and the skimmer. It won’t be of much help for buried plumbing, which requires more advanced testing.
Step 5: Consider Where the Water Stops Dropping
Let the water leak out naturally without refilling it for a day or two. If it stabilizes at a certain level, that tells you something.
Interpretation:
Stops at skimmer mouth? It’s likely a skimmer throat leak.
Stops near light niche? Light conduit could be the problem.
Stops at return line level? A fitting or cracked pipe may be to blame.
Keeps going to the main drain? Possibly a deep shell crack or drain line issue.
This method, combined with your earlier tests, can help you pinpoint the location precisely.
Step 6: Don’t Ignore Plumbing Leaks
Suppose the leak worsens with the pump running; that usually indicates a problem on the pressure side of the plumbing — specifically, the return lines, filter, heater, or valves. These leaks are often hidden underground and may not show visible signs above ground.
Signs of Plumbing Leaks:
Bubbling in the return jets.
Air in the pump basket.
Soft spots or wet areas near plumbing lines.
Water returns to the equipment pad when the pump is turned off.
At this point, professional pressure testing is the best next step.
Step 7: Know When to Call a Professional
DIY tests can help identify many leaks, but they have their limitations. Specific issues, especially those underground or in the main drain, require specialized equipment and expertise.
You should contact a pool leak detection specialist if:
You’ve conducted a bucket test and confirmed a leak, but you can’t locate it.
The leak appears to be in the underground plumbing.
The main drain or deep end may be leaking.
You want to avoid unnecessary digging or damage to the shell.
You want peace of mind and an accurate diagnosis.
Professionals utilize tools such as pressure testing rigs, hydrophones, ultrasonic leak detectors, dye injection, and underwater scuba inspections to locate the leak quickly and precisely.
Step 8: Understand What Professionals Do
A reputable leak detection company will:
Perform an inspection and pressure test of all lines.
Use a hydrophone to listen for leaks underwater.
Use dye tests and scuba gear to examine structural areas.
Check the light conduit, skimmer throat, tile line, and all penetrations.
Issue a detailed report and (often) video documentation.
Recommend or perform the repair.
Sometimes, they’ll fix the leak on the spot (with epoxy, conduit plugs, patches, etc.). In other cases, repairs may involve resurfacing, skimmer replacement, or plumbing rerouting.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Leak
A small leak might seem like a minor nuisance, but the consequences can escalate quickly.
Risks of Ignoring a Pool Leak:
Erosion under the pool or deck, leading to settlement or structural cracks.
Pump damage if it starts sucking air due to low water levels.
Skyrocketing water bills and wasted thousands of gallons per month.
Chemical imbalance because your pool is constantly diluting itself.
Sinkholes or underground voids from long-term soil erosion.
Foundation issues for nearby structures or patios.
Increased repair costs the longer the leak goes undetected.
Addressing leaks promptly protects your investment and avoids disaster.
Common DIY Fixes (When It’s Safe to Try)
While some repairs are better left to professionals, there are a few simple, safe fixes that homeowners can attempt if the leak is minor and easy to access:
DIY Options:
Underwater epoxy or putty: Great for sealing small cracks or leaks around fittings.
Vinyl patch kits: For small tears or holes in a liner pool.
Skimmer throat sealants: Special putties and caulks designed to seal cracks around skimmers.
Conduit plugs: Used to seal off leaking pool light conduits (must turn off the power first).
Never attempt electrical repairs yourself, and avoid trying to plug underground plumbing without first confirming the issue. When in doubt — call a professional.
Call Precision Leak Detection – Your Palm Beach County Pool Leak Experts
If you’ve gone through these steps and confirmed that your in-ground pool is leaking, it’s time to take the next step with confidence. At Precision Leak Detection, we specialize in finding and diagnosing even the most stubborn pool leaks — quickly, accurately, and without damaging your yard.
We proudly serve all of Palm Beach County, including homeowners in:
West Palm Beach
Boynton Beach
Palm Beach Gardens
Wellington
Lake Worth Beach
And every surrounding area
With advanced leak detection technology, expert pressure testing, and underwater inspection capabilities, we’ll find the exact source of your leak and provide a clear, professional recommendation for repair. Whether it’s a cracked return fitting, a leaking skimmer, or an underground pipe issue, we’ll pinpoint it with precision.
Don’t let a pool leak drain your wallet, damage your property, or ruin your summer. Contact Precision Leak Detection today to schedule your leak inspection — and get back to enjoying your pool with peace of mind.
