Leaking or evaporating?
Every pool loses some water to evaporation, more on hot, dry, windy days. The bucket test separates the two: a bucket of pool water sits on the step in the same conditions, and after 24 hours you compare how much each dropped. If the pool lost more, there’s a leak. See our guide to finding a pool leak for the full test.
Signs you may need pool & spa leak detection
- Topping up the water more than once or twice a week
- The level always stops at the same fitting, light or skimmer
- Wet or soft spots in the yard near the pool or equipment pad
- Cracks in the shell, tile line or deck, or loose tiles
- Algae returning soon after treatment
- Air in the system or the pump losing prime
Common causes
- Skimmer throats separating from the shell
- Leaking return fittings, main drains and light niches
- Cracks in the shell or at the tile line
- Breaks in the buried plumbing between the pool and the equipment pad
- Freeze damage to lines and fittings that weren’t fully winterized
Recognize these signs? The sooner the leak is found, the smaller the repair.
(877) 729-0265How we locate it
- Bucket testSeparates evaporation from a real leak.
- Pump on/off comparisonShows whether the leak is on the pressure side, the suction side or the shell.
- Dye testingColored dye is pulled toward cracks, lights and fittings that leak.
- Line pressure testingEach return, skimmer and main drain line is tested one at a time.
- Underwater and ground listeningA hydrophone and ground microphone pick up leaks in fittings and buried lines.
Want the details? Read how professional leak detection works.
What to do before we arrive
- Run a 24-hour bucket test to confirm the leak.
- Keep the pool at its normal level and the equipment working so every line can be tested.
- Note where the water level stops dropping.
After we find the leak
We mark each leak and tell you where it is: shell, fitting or a specific plumbing line. Repairs to plumbing lines can be handled by our plumbing partner and are quoted separately.
What affects the cost
The cost depends on the pool’s size, the number of lines and fittings, and whether a spa is attached. Detection and repair are quoted separately, and we can arrange both through our plumbing partner. See what affects leak detection cost, or call for a quote for your home.
Helpful guides
Where we offer pool & spa leak detection
We’re based in Bargersville and provide pool & spa leak detection across Johnson County and nearby towns: Bargersville, Greenwood, Franklin, Center Grove, Whiteland & New Whiteland, Trafalgar, Nineveh & Prince’s Lakes, Morgantown and Southport & Perry Township.
Town pages for this service: Pool & Spa Leak Detection in Greenwood and Pool Leak Detection in Center Grove.
Frequently asked questions
How much water loss is normal for a pool?
It depends on the weather. Hot, dry, windy days can evaporate roughly a quarter inch a day, and mild days much less. A bucket test tells you whether the loss is more than evaporation.
Should the pool be full for testing?
Yes. Keep the pool at its normal level and the equipment working so we can test every line.
Can you find leaks in a hot tub or spa?
Yes. Spas are tested the same way: dye at the jets and fittings, and pressure testing of the plumbing lines.
