DIY evaporation test

Place some weight (rocks) in a plastic pail. Place the pail in the pool on the stairs. If there are no stairs, secure the pail to a ladder or the diving board. Mark the pool level on the outside of the pail and fill the inside of the pail with water. Mark the level inside the pail. Measure the water loss inside the pail (evaporation) and compare it to the loss outside the pail. Both measurements should be within a 1/8 of an inch after 24 hours.

Other signs you may have a leak

  • Pool has air or equipment loses its prime
  • There are cracks in the structure
  • Pool deck is sinking or lifting
  • Poor soil drainage is noted around the pool

Preparing for a leak test

Your pool or fountain should be cleaned and vacuumed 24 hours before the leak test appointment. Dirt can hide or mask the signs of leaking resulting in a longer troubleshooting process. The water should be clear and chlorinated. Organic matter such as algae also makes the test process more difficult. Fill your pool to the normal level to ensure that leaks above a low water line can be discovered.

Using sound detection equipment to find leaks