If you own a pool, you know how much work it is to keep them clean and functioning properly. But if you find that your pool is suddenly becoming more and more costly and requires more frequent upkeep, this could be a sign of a larger issue. It’s time to start narrowing the possibilities and determine if you need leak detection in Phoenix.

When it comes to pool leaks, most homeowners face three main problems: an increasing water bill, constantly refilling the water level, and struggling to maintain the pool’s pH and acid levels. Not only are leaks inconvenient, but they are also costly. Did you know that the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year? Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more daily. Over the course of a year, those leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons nationwide – as much as the annual water use of nearly 11 million homes.

If you suspect you have a leak, contact a professional for leak detection in Phoenix right away! You can also try our easy leak detection method below first, and then give us a call.
 

How To Detect You Have A Leak in Your Pool

Leaks can start small, making them difficult to detect at first. But if you notice changes in water levels, wet spots in your yard, algae growth in your pool, or even a sudden spike in your water bill, you may have a leak on your hands.

An easy way to determine if you even have a leak before hiring someone is the bucket method. You will need:
 

• A 5-gallon bucket
   
• A large black marker
   
• A brick or rock

First, place the 5-gallon bucket on the second step of your pool. Fill the bucket with pool water, and place either brick or rock inside the bucket to keep it in place. Mark the inside of the bucket at the water level.

Then, 24 hours later, check the water levels. Are they still even? If your pool is lower than the water in your bucket, you may have a leak. You can repeat the steps above more than once to get a better understanding if you have a leak or not.

Remember that it is normal to lose a bit of water due to evaporation. However, water loss from evaporation should not be noticeable overnight. Keep an eye on your pool’s water level to make sure you are not losing too much water.
 

How to Find The Leak

Luckily, you don’t have to be a master DIY-er to truly detect the leak. You’ve just got to know your way around the pool. You can start by checking for signs of damage, such as cracks or separating tiles. From there, use this checklist to help find the source of the leak.
 

• Can you find signs of a leak at the equipment pad? Examine the filter, pump, heater, and pipe valves closely.
   
• Are there any wet areas around the pool? Check the ground for moisture by walking around the pool and by the pool and the equipment. Check for wet soil and sunken or eroding areas.
   
• Do you have a vinyl liner pool? Look for tears or separations around all the fittings, skimmers, returns, cleaner line, lights, steps, and corners.

Nothing? Here’s what you do next:

Note: Do not use this method if you have a vinyl liner pool! Vinyl liner pools must have water in them at all times. If you suspect a leak, contact Leak Science for leak detection Phoenix! 
 

First, turn off your filtration system and notice where your pool water stops dropping

 

• If the water stops at the bottom of the opening of your skimmer, the leak is most likely to be in the skimmer or filtration system, pipes included.
   
• If you suspect you have a leak in the filtration system, check first to see if you can see air bubbles in the water in the return line when the pool’s pump is running. If so, there is a leak in the suction side of the filtration system. Ensure the pump basket lid is on tight and that the lid o-ring is lubed and in good condition.
   
• If the water stops at the light, the leak is probably at the light housing.
   
• If the water drops below the light, then there may be a leak in the drain at the bottom of the pool.

Also Note:
 

• If the pool is losing more water while the pump is running, the leak is on the return line side of the system. In this case, check the backwash line for running water.
   
• If you suspect you have a leak in the skimmer, light, liner, look closely for something that looks like a crack, gap or tear.

If you suspect your leak is coming from anywhere inside your pool and not at the bottom, your next step is simple.
 

Next, grab some food coloring

Yes, you read that right! You can use food coloring to perform a dye test. Color optional as long as you can see it in water. Shut the pump off and allow the water to be still. Walk slowly, and use food coloring to see if the water is getting sucked into a crack, gap, or tear anywhere in the pool.

It’s important to note that these detections aren’t always accurate. It’s best to contact a professional leak detection service that has very accurate and high-tech tools that harness the ability to solve any leak issue efficiently and effectively.
 

Most Common Areas Prone to Pool Leaks

Part of identifying a leak is knowing where it might be coming from. Because pools are complex systems, there are a lot of different areas where leaks can form. Here are some of the most common areas prone to pool leaks. Make sure to check these areas often so you can spot leaks sooner than later!

The Plumbing

Swimming pool plumbing systems are complicated. Because of this, the plumbing is often the source of the leak. Over time, pipes will begin to wear down due to everyday use and shifting soil. They may have different lifespans due to the pipe material used, the original installation quality, and the age of the pipes. In many cases, you’ll have to call in a professional to detect leaks that occur in the pool plumbing system. 

Skimmers

Cracks in the skimmer or in the pipe connected to the bottom of the skimmer are very common. The most common cause of cracks in the skimmer is the material used, the age of your skimmer, and ground/soil settling.

Pool Returns

Leaks in the returns are also very common and may be due to a gasket, a leak in the pipe, or in the fitting itself. Returns are for your pool’s circulation.

Pool Lights

Yes, even your pool lights can spring leaks! In fact, pool lights are one of the most common areas for leaks in your pool. Leaks found in or around the pool light are most commonly either in the conduit line that the light cord is run through or in the plaster and gunite surrounding the light.

Cracks in the Pool Surface

Many are simply cosmetic in nature, but often they lead to a more serious problem. Cracks can develop in the concrete that lies beneath the pool’s finished surface due to settling, ground shifting, and erosion. They can also happen if the pool is drained and exposed to the elements for too long a period of time. All cracks in a swimming pool surface should be checked out thoroughly by a trained professional.

Related Article: Causes of Swimming Pool Leaks 
 

Why Hire A Professional for Leak Detection in Phoenix?

These days, many homeowners are opting to do household repairs on their own. If you have experience dealing with home or pool leaks, then you should be fine to fix a leaky pipe here and there on your own. However, we always recommend hiring a professional for leak detection in Phoenix for the following reasons:
 

• Knowledge and Expertise. At Leak Science, our team of professionals has over 15 years of experience with leak detection in Phoenix. We use our knowledge of pool and home plumbing systems, plus the latest high-tech equipment, to quickly find and repair pesky leaks. Nothing can compare to the expertise of trained professionals!
   
• Lasting Results. If you try to fix a leak on your own, you run the risk of making a mistake and making the problem worse. Professional leak detectors are trained to accurately locate and repair leaks, leaving you with results that will last long after they are gone.
   
• Service guarantees. At Leak Science, we make sure our clients are 100% satisfied with our service. If for any reason you are not satisfied, we’ll come back and make it right. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and quality repairs that will help keep your home and pool plumbing running smoothly. 

Related article: Why Hiring a Professional Pool Service Can Help Detect Leaks 
 

Leak Science – Professional Leak Detection Phoenix

Leak Science specializes in pool and home leak detection and repairs. Ryan West, the owner of Leak Science, has established a strong reputation in the valley, providing swimming pool repairs in the valley since 2006, all while maintaining a 5-star rating with Home Advisor. Using state-of-the-art equipment and his expansive understanding of swimming pools, Leak Science has been able to locate leaks where others have not.

If you think you have a home or pool leak, call us right away at 480-794-0959 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you resolve your next leak.