Pool Leaks

March 12, 2026

The first step is to understand, what is normal water loss?

 

Most pools will lose approximately 3-5mm daily due to evaporation. If you live in a particularly hot or windy location, you can expect to lose a bit more, but the rule of thumb is anything around 8-10mm can indicate you may have a leak.

Do I Have a Pool Leak? How To Know For Sure


Owning a backyard pool for many is a rite of passage growing up in Australia. Countless lazy summer days swimming, eating and enjoying time with family and friends, but fun times can quickly turn to anxiety if you suspect your pool is losing water too quickly.

 

It is normal for pools to lose some water over time. Particularly during the heat of summer and with the kids jumping in and out constantly, even though you’ve told them 100 times not to bomb!

 

So, when do you know to be concerned about the number of times you’re topping your pool up?

A white bucket in water with two duct tape strips marking the water levels on the inside rim and the outside base.
An overhead view of a curved, blue swimming pool with a separate circular hot tub on a paved deck with potted plants.

Common signs of a pool leak

  • Rapid water loss. Having to top up with the hose more frequently than usual
  • Wet spots around the pool, particularly where the pipes for the pool run back to the equipment
  • Air or dirt in the pool system. Excess bubbles coming out of the returns or other jets
  • Cleaner or vacuum not working properly
  • Changes in water clarity or needing to top up the chemicals more regularly than normal
A white bucket in water with two duct tape strips marking the water levels on the inside rim and the outside base.

How To Determine If You Have a Leak

The simplest and most cost-effective way to determine if you have a pool leak is to do some basic testing.


A bucket evaporation test is the method we suggest to customers who aren’t sure if they have a leak or how much their pool is losing.

  1. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool step or swimout area
  2. Mark the water level inside the bucket
  3. Mark the pools water level on the outside of the bucket
  4. Wait 48 hours without swimming or running the equipment
  5. Compare the levels

If the pool water has dropped significantly to the bucket water level, you know that there is likely a leak.

You Have Done ‘The Bucket Test’ And You Definitely Have A Leak… Now What?


This is where we can help. When you call us, our friendly customer service people will talk you through a series of questions about your pool and what you are noticing. Don’t worry if you can’t answer all of the questions, some information is better than none.

 

We can offer a quote for testing based on the information you give us, and once you accept, we will book you in with one of our specialist technicians who will do thorough testing to determine where the issue is.

 

Don’t worry if you can’t be there when the technician comes to do testing. If you are happy for them to access the pool and equipment while you are at work or away, one of our customer service staff will call you to take payment and explain the findings prior to a written report being emailed to you.


Finally, it is important to follow your own instincts if you suspect there is a leak. You know your pool best, and if you suspect there is an issue, there most likely is.

 

Catching and repairing a leak early can prevent costly repairs and keep your pool running efficiently for many years to come.

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