Pool Losing Water? How to Detect Pool Leaks in Central Florida

Every Florida pool owner notices it: the water level dropping faster than expected. But is it a leak or just evaporation? In our hot, humid climate, the answer isn't always obvious. Here's how to tell the difference and what to do if you have a real leak.

Normal Water Loss vs. Leak: The Numbers

The Bucket Test: Confirm a Leak in 24 Hours

This simple test accounts for evaporation and tells you definitively if you have a leak:

1. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the first or second step (submerged, but stable)
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket with tape or marker
3. Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket
4. Wait 24 hours with the pump running normally
5. Compare levels: If the pool dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak

Pro tip: Run the test twice—once with the pump on, once with the pump off. If you lose more water with the pump running, the leak is likely in the plumbing. If loss is the same, the leak is probably in the shell.

Common Pool Leak Locations in Florida

1. Skimmer Connection

The most common leak location. Florida's soil shifts with rain and drought cycles, stressing the bond between the skimmer and pool shell. Look for cracks where the plastic skimmer meets the concrete.

2. Main Drain

Underground plumbing from the main drain to the pump can develop leaks over time. These are harder to detect but cause significant water loss. Signs include: water level stabilizes at a certain point, or you see wet spots in the yard near the pool.

3. Return Lines

The plumbing that returns filtered water to the pool. Leaks here often show as bubbles coming from return jets or losing water faster when the pump runs.

4. Light Niche

The underwater housing for pool lights commonly leaks at the conduit seal. If your water level consistently drops to the level of your light, this is likely the culprit.

5. Shell Cracks

Structural cracks in the pool shell itself. These develop from ground movement, tree roots, or age. Look for visible cracks, especially at tile line or where steps meet walls.

6. Equipment Pad

Leaks at the pump, filter, heater, or chlorinator are the easiest to spot—just look for wet ground around equipment. Our pool equipment repair service handles these regularly.

DIY Leak Detection Methods

Dye Test for Visible Cracks

Turn off the pump. Squeeze leak finder dye (or dark food coloring) near suspected crack areas while underwater. If there's a leak, the dye will be drawn into it. This works for skimmers, returns, lights, and visible shell cracks.

Check Equipment First

Before assuming an underground leak, inspect your equipment pad. Check pump lid o-ring, filter drain plug, multiport valve, and all PVC connections. Wet ground near equipment often solves the mystery.

Water Level Stabilization Test

Let the pool leak without adding water. Note where the level stabilizes—this often indicates the leak's vertical location. If it stops at the skimmer, check skimmer. If it stops at the light, check light niche.

When to Call Professional Leak Detection

Call a professional when:

• DIY tests confirm a leak but you can't locate it
• The leak appears to be underground
• You're losing more than 2 inches per day
• Water bill has increased significantly
• You notice wet spots in your yard near the pool

Professional leak detection uses pressure testing for plumbing and electronic listening devices for shell leaks. In Central Florida, expect to pay $150-$400 for comprehensive detection. This is money well spent—finding the exact leak location before digging saves thousands in repair costs.

Leak Repair Costs in Central Florida

Preventing Future Leaks

Regular weekly pool maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive leaks. Your service technician monitors water levels, inspects equipment, and notes changes that might indicate developing issues.

The 365 Smart Pool Program includes remote monitoring that can detect unusual water chemistry changes—often an early indicator of leaks affecting water balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water loss is normal for a Florida pool?

Florida pools typically lose ¼ to ½ inch of water daily to evaporation—more during hot, windy days. If you're losing more than 1 inch per day, you likely have a leak.

How do I know if my pool is leaking or evaporating?

Use the bucket test: Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the steps. Mark the water level inside and outside. After 24 hours, if the pool dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak.

How much does pool leak detection cost?

Professional pool leak detection in Central Florida typically costs $150-$400. This includes pressure testing of lines and electronic detection of shell leaks. Repair costs vary widely based on leak location.