If there’s a leak in your pool, repair it promptly. Even a one-inch daily drop in a 15’ x 30’ pool can waste over 100,000 gallons a year.

During the Austin summer, you can lose 6" of water per month to evaporation. Greater water loss, or any of the following, may signal a leak:

• Recurring algae (fluctuating water levels can cause chemical imbalances)
• Loose tiles or cracks in the pool deck
• Cracks and gaps in the bond beam
• Puddles and saturated soil around the pool, pumps or plumbing

To test for leaks, place a bucket of water on the top step in the pool and match the water level in the bucket to the water level in the pool. Turn off the filter for 24 hours. If the water in the pool is significantly lower, there may be a leak. Refill the bucket to the pool level, and run the filter for 24 hours. If the pool level drops, the leak may be in your recirculation equipment.

To pinpoint leaks, turn off the filtration system and note where the water stops dropping. If the water stops at the skimmer, the leak is probably in the filtration system. If the water stops at the light fixture, check there for your leak. If the water drops below the light, there may be a leak in the drain or in the pool shell.

For more information or repair assistance, please contact a professional. National Swimming Pool Foundation and employees who are Certified Pool Operators (CPOs).