How Can I Tell if My Pool Is Leaking?

In Phoenix, where long summers and intense heat make swimming pools a daily necessity, your pool is more than a luxury—it’s a vital part of your outdoor living space. But if you’ve noticed your pool’s water level dropping faster than expected, you may be dealing with more than normal evaporation. A hidden pool leak could be the cause.

Identifying a pool leak early is critical. The longer a leak goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause to your pool, surrounding landscaping, and even your home’s foundation. Below are several ways to determine whether your pool may be leaking—and what to do next.

Signs of a Pool Leak

Keeping an eye on these warning signs can help you stay ahead of costly repairs.

Excessive Water Loss

Excessive water loss is one of the most common indicators of a pool leak. While some evaporation is normal in Phoenix’s hot, dry climate, unusual water loss may signal a problem.

Signs include:

A rapid drop in water level beyond normal evaporation (typically more than ¼ inch per day)
Needing to refill your pool frequently
Higher-than-normal water bills

Addressing these signs early can help prevent further damage to your pool and property. If you’re unsure whether the water loss is excessive, a simple test can help.

Test Water Levels With the Bucket Test

The bucket test is an easy way to determine whether your pool is losing water due to a leak.

How to perform the bucket test:

Fill a plastic bucket about ¾ full with pool water.
Mark the water level inside the bucket.
Place the bucket on a pool step and mark the pool’s water level on the outside of the bucket.
Wait 24 hours.
Compare the two water levels.

If the pool water level drops more than the water inside the bucket, your pool may have a leak. While evaporation is expected in Phoenix, excessive water loss is not and should be investigated by a professional.

Chemical Imbalances

Unexpected chemical imbalances can also point to a pool leak. When water escapes, it disrupts the pool’s chemistry, often causing fluctuating pH levels.

This may result in:

Increased algae growth
Cloudy or discolored water
Difficulty maintaining chemical balance

Regularly testing your pool water can help you catch these issues early and identify potential leaks before they worsen.

Wet or Damp Ground Around the Pool

If you notice persistently wet or damp areas around your pool, this could indicate water escaping underground. Leaks can originate from cracks in the pool shell, damaged plumbing, or malfunctioning equipment.

Saturated soil not only signals a leak—it can also help pinpoint where the water is traveling, making repairs more targeted and effective. If you see pooling water, soggy ground, or unexplained erosion, it’s time to call a leak detection specialist.

Where Do Pools Usually Leak?

Pool Structure

Structural leaks can occur due to cracks in the pool surface, shell, or liner. Small shrinkage or surface cracks—especially on steps in concrete pools—are often harmless. However, larger or deeper cracks can allow water to escape and should be tested using dye to confirm leakage.

Minor cracks may be repaired with pool putty, silicone, or plaster. Larger structural cracks typically require injected sealants followed by resurfacing to restore integrity and prevent future leaks.

Pool Equipment

The equipment pad is another common source of leaks. Faulty seals, worn components, or failing connections can allow water to seep out slowly and go unnoticed.

Check for moisture around:

Pool pumps
Valves
Filters
Heaters

Because electrical components are often nearby, use caution during inspections. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional handle the evaluation safely.

Pipes and Joints

Underground plumbing leaks are common and can result from:

Corrosion damaging pipes over time
Ground movement or settling
Faulty pool fittings such as skimmers, return lines, or main drains
Cracked pump lids or damaged pipes
Worn or displaced gaskets
Poorly fitted plumbing connections

These leaks often worsen if ignored, leading to expensive repairs and water loss. Prompt detection is key.

Maintain a Leak-Free Pool in Phoenix

If you suspect your pool may be leaking, professional leak detection can save time, water, and money. Expert inspections allow issues to be identified accurately and repaired before they escalate.

We take pride in providing thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and dependable service to help keep Phoenix pools operating efficiently year-round. Contact our pool leak detection experts today to protect your investment and enjoy a worry-free swimming season.