Normal evaporation vs. a real leak
In Massachusetts, a pool can lose ¼ to ½ inch of water per day from evaporation alone — more on hot, windy days. That's normal. What's not normal: losing more than an inch per day, water level dropping even when the pool isn't being used, wet spots in your yard near the pool, or your autofill running constantly.
The bucket test: do this first
The bucket test isolates whether you're losing water to evaporation or a leak. It's simple and takes 24 hours:
1. Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on the pool steps (submerged partway)
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket AND the pool water level on the outside
3. Turn off the autofill
4. Wait 24 hours without swimming
5. Compare: if the pool dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak
Run the test twice — once with the pump running and once with it off. If the pool loses water only when the pump is running, the leak is likely in the plumbing (pressure side). If it loses water with the pump off too, the leak could be in the shell, fittings, or drain.
Common signs of a pool leak
Beyond water loss, watch for these indicators: soggy or spongy areas in the yard near the pool, cracks in the pool deck that weren't there before, air bubbles in the return jets (indicates a suction-side leak), algae growth despite proper chemical levels (fresh water entering dilutes sanitizer), and higher-than-normal water bills.
Where pools leak most often
After years of detecting pool leaks across Peabody, Beverly, Salem, and the North Shore, the most common leak sources we find are: underground return and skimmer pipes (especially at joints where frost movement creates stress), light niche fittings, main drain connections, skimmer body cracks, and liner tears or seam separations.
When to call a professional
If the bucket test confirms a leak, don't try to find it yourself by digging or draining the pool. Professional leak detection uses pressure testing, dye testing, and electronic listening equipment to pinpoint the exact location without unnecessary excavation.
Once we find the leak, many repairs can be done the same day. For underground pipe leaks, our trenchless pipe repair service fixes the problem without tearing up your yard, deck, or landscaping. For liner tears and patches, we can do underwater repairs without draining the pool.
Think your pool has a leak?
Professional leak detection across the North Shore. CPO certified.