How to Tell If Your Swimming Pool Has a Leak
If your pool water level keeps dropping and you're constantly refilling it, you might be wondering: “Is it evaporation—or do I have a leak?” While some water loss is normal, excessive or sudden drops could point to a bigger problem.
Here’s how to tell if your swimming pool has a leak and what to do next.
Normal Water Loss vs. a Leak
It’s normal for pools to lose a small amount of water—usually around ¼ to ½ inch per day—due to evaporation, especially during hot, sunny, or windy weather. But if you're adding more than a few inches of water each week, it's time to investigate further.
Common Signs Your Pool May Have a Leak
1. Unexplained Water Loss
If your water level drops consistently, especially overnight when there’s no use or sun, a leak is likely.
2. Wet Spots or Mushy Ground Around the Pool
Soggy grass, uneven ground, or standing water near your pool deck could signal underground plumbing leaks.
3. Cracks in the Pool Structure
Visible cracks in the pool shell, tile, or coping may allow water to escape—especially in older or shifting pools.
4. Air Bubbles in Return Lines
If your pool pump is pushing out air bubbles, it might be sucking in air due to a leak in the suction side plumbing.
5. Increased Water or Chemical Bills
Having to constantly refill your pool means higher water usage. If chemicals seem to disappear fast, you're losing treated water through a leak.
Try the Bucket Test
You can do a simple test at home to see if your pool is leaking:
Fill a bucket with pool water, leaving about an inch from the top.
Place it on the pool step, with the water inside the bucket level with the pool water outside.
Turn off your pump and mark the water level inside and outside the bucket.
Wait 24–48 hours. Compare the two levels.
If the pool water level drops more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak.
When to Call a Professional
If the bucket test confirms a leak—or you're still not sure—it's time to call in a pro. At Atlas Pool Leak Detection, we use advanced methods like sonar detection, pressure testing, and dye testing to pinpoint even the smallest leaks in your structure or plumbing.
We don’t guess—we test, find, and report with accuracy so you can fix the problem right the first time.
Final thoughts
Small leaks can become big problems. If you’re noticing any of the signs above, take action early to avoid water damage, higher bills, and costly repairs. Our team serves Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, and surrounding North Georgia areas with fast, reliable pool leak detection.
Think you might have a leak? Contact us today for a professional inspection.