Noticed your water level dropping faster than usual? Wondering if it’s just evaporation—or something more serious? If you own a pool in Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC, knowing how to find leak in pool is essential.

Leaks may start small, but the damage they can cause? Not so small. Water loss, structural damage, and rising energy bills are just the beginning. Let’s talk about how to detect leak in pool, what tools to use, and when to call in the pros.

Signs Your Pool Might Be Leaking

Before you start tearing up your backyard, watch for these common leak indicators:

• You lose more than 1/8 inch of water per day
• Wet or swampy spots near the pool
• Cracks in the tile or pool surface
• Difficulty keeping pH levels balanced
• Algae growth despite regular cleaning
• Your automatic water filler never shuts off
• A sudden spike in your water bill

Any one of these signs might point to a leak. Combine two or more, and it’s time to investigate.

The Bucket Test: Quick and Reliable

One of the easiest ways to confirm a leak is with the bucket test.

1. Fill a bucket with water and place it on a pool step.
2. Mark the water levels inside the bucket and outside on the pool wall.
3. Wait 24–48 hours.
4. If the pool water drops more than the bucket water, you’ve likely got a leak.

Why does it work? Because the bucket only loses water through evaporation. If your pool is dropping faster, the extra loss is from a leak—not just evaporation. It’s simple, effective, and tool-free.

How to Find Pool Leaks in Hard-to-See Places

Once you’ve confirmed there’s a leak, here are a few next steps to narrow it down:

1. Try a Dye Test

Turn off your pool pump and squirt dye near suspected areas—around lights, skimmers, steps, or cracks. If the dye gets pulled into a gap, there’s your leak.

2. Inspect the Pool Shell and Tile Line

Check for visible cracks or separation in the structure. Even tiny surface cracks can let water through.

3. Don’t Forget the Plumbing

Some of the trickiest leaks hide underground. Cracked pipes or broken fittings can leak for weeks without showing obvious surface signs. This is where a professional leak detector pool technician becomes essential.

Why Pool Leaks Are More Than Just a Nuisance

Left untreated, even a small leak can lead to major damage:

• Soil erosion under the pool can cause uneven surfaces or sinkholes
• Weakened walls or foundation due to prolonged water exposure
• Algae growth from soil and debris seeping into your pool
• High energy bills and chemical waste from constantly topping off water
• Potential property damage—including your neighbor’s yard

A leak can cost hundreds of dollars per day when you add it all up. That’s why fast action matters.

Can’t Maintain Your Pool’s pH? That’s a Clue.

If you’re constantly battling unbalanced water chemistry, a leak could be the reason. Soil or contaminants entering through cracks or broken plumbing can make it impossible to stabilize your pH. This can lead to cloudy water, bacteria, and faster wear on your pool equipment.

Pool Leak Detectors Near Me: Why It Pays to Call Pros

When you’ve tried DIY and the problem still lingers, it’s time to search pool leak detectors near me. At Great Falls Pools, we use the most advanced techniques to find leaks in pools—even underground. Our trained technicians serve the entire Northern Virginia and DC region. Moreover, while leak detection with some companies can cost thousands, Great Falls Pools is the most affordable pool leak detection company in Virginia.

Whether you need a quick patch or full plumbing repair, we’ll pinpoint the problem and fix it right the first time.

Contact us today to schedule your leak inspection or get a quote.

Common Repair Methods

Depending on the size and location of the leak, repair options include:

• Underwater epoxy or pool putty for small cracks
• Flexible sealants to patch structural areas
• Pressure testing and plumbing repairs
• Leak sealant additives for tiny, hidden leaks

We’ll explain every option, so you can choose what fits your pool and budget.

Find Us. Fix It Fast.

Serving homes throughout Virginia and Washington, DC, Great Falls Pools is your trusted local expert for leak detection and repair. Want to stop by or see where we’re located? Find us on Google Maps.