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Pipes or Structure Leak – How To Identify The Source Of The Problem

Pipes or Structure Leak – How To Identify The Source Of The Problem

If your pool is losing water, the first step is determining where the leak is coming from. Is it a structural issue within the pool walls or floor, or is it a leak in the plumbing system? Knowing the difference will help you take the right course of action and avoid unnecessary repairs.

One of the most effective ways to diagnose the leak source is by performing the evaporation test twice—once with the filtration system turned off, and once with it running continuously.

How To Perform The Evaporation Test For Leak Diagnosis

Step 1: Test with the System Turned Off

  • Turn off your pool’s filtration and circulation system completely.
  • Mark the current water level and leave the pool undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
  • Measure how much water has been lost over this period.

Step 2: Test with the System Running

  • Turn your pool system back on and let it run continuously for another 24-48 hours.
  • Measure the water loss again and compare the results with your first test.

Interpreting The Results

You will get one of three possible outcomes:

1. No difference in water loss between both tests:
This suggests a structural leak—likely in the pool walls, floor, skimmer, or tile joints.

2. Higher water loss when the system is running:
This points to a pressure-side plumbing leak—a leak in the pipes that push water back into the pool after filtration.

3. No water loss when the system is running:
This likely means a suction-side leak—a problem in the pipes pulling water into the filtration system before it gets treated and returned to the pool.

If you're still unsure where the leak is, don't wait for it to get worse. Call Aqua Leak at 0425 748 363 or send us an enquiry to schedule a professional leak detection service.