How Do I Figure Out Where My Pool Is Leaking? | Pool Leak Detection in Florida

A pool leak can turn your backyard paradise into a source of stress, wasted water, and high bills. If you’re in Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, or anywhere in Florida, knowing how to spot and locate a pool leak is essential. This article breaks down the steps and tools you need to find a leak in your pool, explains why leaks matter, and shows how Gator Leak Detection—Florida’s leader in pool leak detection and repair—can help. With expert advice and industry-leading Leaktronics equipment, you’ll learn how to detect and fix leaks before they become major headaches.

What Are the Signs of a Pool Leak?

Before you start searching for a leak, you need to know what to look for. The most obvious sign is a drop in water level, but not every change means there’s a leak. Florida’s heat means some water loss is normal due to evaporation, but if your pool is losing more than a quarter-inch of water per day, you may have a problem.

Other signs of a pool leak include:

• Cracks or falling tiles around the pool wall or pool deck
• Wet spots or mushy grass near the pool
• High water bills or a constantly running autofill system
• Air or dirt being blown into the pool from returns
• Algae growth due to frequent water top-offs

If you spot any of these, it’s time to investigate further.

How Can I Tell if My Pool Is Leaking or Just Evaporating?

The first step is to figure out if you’re dealing with normal evaporation or an actual pool leak. The bucket test is a simple way to find out:

1. Place a 5-gallon bucket filled with pool water on a pool step, so the water level inside matches the pool water level.
2. Mark both water levels with tape.
3. Wait 24 hours without using the pool or running the pump.
4. Compare the levels: If the pool water level drops more than the bucket’s, there’s likely a leak.

This test works for both inground pools and above-ground pools.

Where Do Pool Leaks Most Commonly Occur?

Pool leaks can happen almost anywhere, but some areas are more prone than others:

• Pool liner: Tears or holes in a vinyl liner pool are common leak sources.
• Pool wall and floor: Cracks in concrete pools or around the pool surface.
• Plumbing and underground plumbing: Leaks in pipes, especially near the equipment pad.
• Skimmer, drains, and returns: Gaps or cracks where fixtures meet the pool shell.
• Pool equipment: Leaks at the pump, filter, or heater.

Knowing these common spots helps you focus your search.

How Do I Use a Dye Test to Find a Leak in My Pool?

Once you suspect a leak, a dye test is a simple way to pinpoint the location. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the pool pump and let the water become still.
2. Take pool leak detection dye or food coloring and carefully squirt it near suspected areas—like cracks, the pool liner, or around the skimmer.
3. Watch closely: If there’s a leak, the dye will be pulled toward it, showing you the exact spot.

Wear goggles if you need to check underwater or near the pool bottom. Mark the spot for repair once you see the dye move.

What If the Leak Is in the Pool Liner?

Vinyl liner pools are especially prone to leaks. Look for visible tears, holes, or worn spots. Use the dye test around seams, steps, and fittings. If you find a leak in the pool liner, you can patch it with a pool patch kit or pool putty for small holes. For larger damage or ongoing water loss, professional help is recommended.

Gator Leak Detection uses advanced Leaktronics equipment like the VILO V2 Vinyl Liner Leak Detection Kit to find even the smallest leaks in vinyl liners quickly and accurately.

How Do I Check for Leaks at the Equipment Pad?

Leaks at the equipment pad are common and can waste a lot of water. Inspect the pool pump, filter, heater, and pipes for drips, puddles, or corrosion. If you see water under equipment or hear hissing sounds, there’s likely a leak.

Some leaks may be hidden underground or inside pipes. Gator Leak Detection uses Leaktronics’ electronic listening devices to detect leaks you can’t see, saving you time and money.

Can I Find a Leak in Underground Plumbing?

Underground plumbing leaks are tricky. Signs include wet spots in the yard, uneven grass, or unexplained water loss even after checking the pool shell. Specialized equipment like Leaktronics’ Pro Complete Leak Detection Kit can listen for water escaping underground pipes, pinpointing leaks without digging up your yard.

If you suspect a plumbing leak, call Gator Leak Detection for a professional inspection.

Should I Try to Fix a Pool Leak Myself?

Small leaks—like a pinhole in a vinyl liner—can sometimes be fixed with a patch kit. Clean the area, apply the patch, and let it cure before refilling the pool. For cracks in concrete pools, use pool putty or hydraulic cement.

However, if you can’t find the leak, if the leak is large, or if you suspect underground plumbing is involved, it’s best to call professionals. Gator Leak Detection’s team uses Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment to accurately find and repair leaks, protecting your pool and property.

Why Should I Call Gator Leak Detection?

Gator Leak Detection is Florida’s trusted name for pool leak detection and repair. We serve Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, and beyond. Our team uses advanced Leaktronics equipment to find leaks fast—whether in your pool liner, pool wall, or underground plumbing.

We don’t do cleaning, but we are specialists in leak detection and repair. Our experience means less guesswork, less wasted water, and a pool that’s back to normal quickly. Even a tiny leak can cause big problems—higher bills, equipment damage, and even structural issues. Don’t let a leak go unchecked. Call Gator Leak Detection for fast, accurate service.

What Preventative Steps Can I Take to Avoid Future Leaks?

• Regularly inspect your pool for cracks, tears, or signs of water loss.
• Keep an eye on water bills and autofill systems.
• Schedule routine professional leak inspections, especially if your pool is older.
• Balance water chemistry to protect liners and pool surfaces.
• Address minor repairs quickly to prevent bigger problems.

Key Points to Remember

• A dropping water level, wet spots, or high water bills are signs of a pool leak.
• Use the bucket test to tell evaporation from a leak.
• Dye tests help pinpoint the exact leak location in your pool.
• Check common leak spots: pool liner, pool wall, plumbing, and equipment pad.
• Small leaks can sometimes be patched DIY, but bigger or hidden leaks need professional help.
• Gator Leak Detection uses Leaktronics’ industry-leading equipment for fast, accurate leak detection and repair in Florida.
• Don’t ignore leaks—fix them quickly to avoid costly damage.

If you’re in Florida and suspect a pool leak, contact Gator Leak Detection for expert service and peace of mind.