How to test if your pool is leaking

So, you're filling your pool more often than normal. Is it a leak? And where's it coming from? In this article we cover three basic leak tests. The "bucket test" will tell you if a drop in your pool water level is due to evaporation or a leak. The liner test will let you know if your liner's sprung a leak. The third test will let you know if the leak is in your equipment or lines.

TEST #1 The bucket test

1 Bring the pool water to its normal level.
2 Fill an empty bucket with pool water to about one inch from the top of bucket. (By filling the bucket close to the top you're ensuring that air movement over the surface of the bucket will be similar to that of the pool.)
3 Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. (To keep it from floating away it may be necessary to place a brick or a few rocks into the bucket.) By placing the bucket in the pool water you're ensuring that the water temperature of each will be similar.
4 Mark the water level inside the bucket.
5 Mark the water level of the pool on the outside of the bucket.
6 Operate the pool for 24 hours in the same way it was operating when a leak was first suspected.
7 After 24 hours, compare the water levels in the pool and the bucket to the marks you made on the bucket. If the pool water level has dropped more than the bucket water level, there's probably a leak.

TEST #2 THE LINER TEST

1 Perform a bucket test (see test #1 for details) to get baseline information on how fast you're losing water in your pool.
2 Turn the pool equipment off completely and leave it off for the remainder of the test.
3 Remove the pool return jets and install the winter plugs. Remove the skimmer basket and install the gizzmo and/or winterizing plug/plugs in the hole/holes in the skimmer. This step is to isolate all water connections from the pool to the equipment and lines.
4 Complete a second bucket test. If the water level in the pool drops at the same rate as the baseline bucket test, then the water loss is from the pool. The leak could be caused by a small nick or tear in the liner, or one of the seals around a return, a light or the skimmer may have failed. If the water loss in the pool is less than the baseline bucket test, then the issue is in the lines or equipment, and you should perform test #3.

TEST #3 The equipment connections test

1 If you have a sand filter, check the waste or backwash line to see if any water is escaping when the filter is set to filtration. If you see water, then a new filter head, filter head gasket, key assembly or other repair is probably required.
2 Check the filter drain plugs, pump drain plugs and all connections after the pump. Check under the heater (if applicable) to see if water is leaking from underneath the heater. Check in and around the chlorinator to see if any water is visible. Repair leaks as required.
3 If no leaks are found at the backwash line or at the equipment, consult Buds for options.

How much will your pool liner cost?

Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles

Understanding and Addressing Pool Liner Wrinkles When it comes to pool liner wrinkles, it’s crucial to distinguish between those caused by installation issues and those arising from other factors. If a wrinkle appears due to a poor fit or incorrect measurements during installation, it will be evident as soon as the pool is filled. Wrinkles…

What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners?

What is a Pool Orientation and Why is it Essential for New Pool Owners? Owning a pool is a luxury that brings fun, relaxation, and a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining and managing your pool to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space.…

Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas

We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.

So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.

There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.

Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!

How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining

How to treat and prevent metals and staining Metals and Staining in a Pool Metals can be introduced to the water through foreign object or equipment such as: Copper piping and fittings, Heat exchanger, Using Copper Sulphate and other copper-based algaecides, Source water. Metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or…

Should I finance my pool purchase?

In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.

Above Ground Pool Closing Instructions

How to close your above ground pool Pool Closing Steps 1 One week prior to closing, bring a pool water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. It is natural for sitting water to become acidic on its own, so balancing the water is very important prior to closing your pool.…

The Benefits of Borate to Treat Your Pool

Why Your Should Use Borate In Your Pool What is Borate? Borate prevents pH drifting, which results in calcium scaling, metal stains, cloudy water, algae, and hard pool water. When you use borate, the water will remain clear for a long period since chloramine (or combined chlorine) does not form quickly as compared to a…

Latham-liner-color-in-water-disco-pearl-day

How to Reduce Phosphates in Your Pool

How to Reduce Pool Phosphates What are phosphates? Phosphates are food for algae. Although they are present in all water, once they reach a certain level they can cause issues in your pool. Phosphates can consume chlorine causing a consistently low level in your pool. When you have an extremely low chlorine reading, your pool…

Buds-pools-rectangle-with-tile-coping-fence

Spring Set-up for Pool UV Systems

How To Open Your Pool’s UV System SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS When spring arrives, it’s time to pull out your UV system and get it ready for the summer pool season. Below is a checklist that will help in getting the most out of your system. If your UV system is still installed on your pool equipment,…

How to Treat Pool Algae

How to Treat and Prevent Algae How to Treat and Prevent Algae during Spring Opening Warning: when following these steps, DO NOT use your automatic vacuum as there is no option of vacuuming on waste/drain. Bring a pool water sample into Buds for water balance assistance. Remove large organic debris from the bottom of the…

How to Change & Clean the Filter Media

How to Clean & Change a sand filter How to Change the Filter Media Sand should be changed in the filter every 3-5 years. However, if the sand is not cleaned once per season the sand may need to be changed much more often than that. 1 Turn off the pump. 2 Take the drain…

How to Clean a Pool Salt Cell

How to Clean a Salt Cell It is important to maintain a clean salt cell so chlorine can be continuously produced. Salt cells that have a lot of scale or calcium build up cannot effectively produce sanitizer and often create flow issues within the pool system. You should check your salt cell weekly to ensure…

How to Treat and Prevent Cloudy or Foggy Pool Water

How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water How to Treat Extremely Cloudy or Foggy Water Bring a pool water sample into Buds Spas and Pools for water balance analysis. Adjust pH and/or chlorine levels as recommended by the water lab. Follow Option A, B or C depending on the level of clarity in the…

Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Instructions

How To Clean A Pool Filter Cartridge When should a cartridge element be cleaned? For hot tubs and swim spas, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every…

Maintenance for Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pool maintenance Helpful Tips to Maintain Your Pool New pool or new liner customers: Please bring in a water sample to Bud’s Spas and Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your pool for the first time. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7. If your pump is on…

Beautiful Backyards Without Pools 20 Backyard Pool Ideas For The Wealthy Homeowner - PATIO DESIGN AND YARD

Maintenance for Non-Saltwater Pools

Non-saltwater pool maintenance HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR POOL NEW POOL OR NEW LINER CUSTOMERS:PLEASE BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE (IN THE SAMPLE BOTTLE PROVIDED) TO BUDS SPAS AND POOLS BEFORE ADDING ANY CHEMICALS AND/OR BEFORE ENTERING YOUR POOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. Filtration To maintain proper filtration the pump should…

Inground Pool Closing Instructions

Pool Closing Instructions Follow these steps to properly close your pool this year 1. One week prior to closing, bring a water sample to the store so your pool can be properly balanced. 2. 48 hours before closing, clean your sand filter with Filter Cleaner. If you have a cartridge filter, it can be cleaned…

Pool Opening Instructions

Pool Opening Instructions Pool Opening Instructions 1. Remove any leaves or debris from the top of your winter cover (this should not go in the pool). 2. Remove the water off your pool cover using a submersible pump. When using a submersible pump, please ensure that the pump is not sitting directly on the pool…

Pool Buying & Installation: The Ultimate Guide

Pool with a haze of fog and glowing orange

How To Protect Your Pool During Forest Fires

A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!

BACK TO THE BLOG