How to find a water leak in a pond?

How to find a water leak in a pond? You have identified a loss in your pool but you can't find the hole? How to find a leak in a pond? How to find a leak in a swimming pool?

Water loss from a garden pond or swimming pool is a natural process that occurs due to water splashing, evaporation and the operation of the filtration system.

However, losses can also be caused by water leaking from the pond, basin or swimming pool. Note that if the water level in the pond drops by 5 cm in one day, there may be a water leak. 

It would be better if it were professionals who show you in detail how to detect a pool or pond leak and, if necessary, help you solve the problem.

But it is possible to detect it yourself, this process will consist of several stages, and each of them must be considered. In this article, we will guide you on the steps to follow to easily detect if your pool has a leak.

1. The most common places where leaks can occur should be checked

• Carefully inspect the pump, filter, heater, valves and all closures;
• Examine the ground around the pool and see if there is excess precipitation;
• If your swimming pool is lined with a PVC film, there may be notches or other irregularities in the uniform structure, which could produce leaks;
• You should also examine the skimmer, nozzles and hoses.

2. Mark the water level

• Fill the pool with water and mark the water level. You can use a marker, which can be easily removed later;
• After two hours, check how the water level has changed in the pool;
• If the water level drops quickly from the initial mark, there is most likely a leak.

3. Perform the water leak test using a bucket

• Fill a bucket with water and place it on the pool step;
• To strengthen the bucket, put bricks in it;
• Mark the water level on the bucket for an initial reference;
• After 24 hours, check how much the water level has changed in the pool and compare it to the initial benchmark level;
• If the water level has dropped by more than 1.5 cm, there is a leak in your pond or swimming pool;

4. Identify the precise location of the leak

• If a leak is confirmed, it should be repaired immediately. The first step is to find its exact location and fix it quickly.
• Check the entire surface of the pool. You may find cracks, scuffs or scratches somewhere;
• Completely unplug the filtration system and wait until the water level has completely stabilized;
• If the water level has changed and remains around the skimmer, this is most likely the cause of the leak;
• If the water level has stopped moving at the pool lights, the leak is somewhere in that area;
• If you notice a large flow of water when the pump is running, this indicates a problem with the hydraulic circuit of the pump;
• It is also necessary to check the pump filter and how it is attached;
• These problems are rather technical, and to manage on your own requires a precise hand and adequate equipment, which is why it is best to call on a professional for this kind of task.

5. Paint or an acid-base indicator can be used to locate the leak

• Make sure the water is completely stable and stagnant in the pool or pond, stop the pump and turn on the electric lights inside.
• With the pump stopped, add paint to the water in your pond or swimming pool;
• Watch how the paint moves and where the air enters, this will easily tell you where to start looking for the leak.

6. Fix the leak

• If a leak is found in the area where the skimmer is attached to the base of the pool, a special sealant can be used to repair it;
• If the leak is found in the area of ​​the light, sealant or silicone should be applied to the leak location;
• If the leak is in the PVC film, the repair kit and the kit sold with the film can be used to repair the leak.

7. Call specialists

If you cannot find the leak, you must call in specialists;

In such situations, you can contact specialists, with the help of modern technologies, special tools and equipment and their experience in the field, they can find and repair the leak very easily and efficiently. The cost of these services may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

8. Installation of piping

To make it easier for you to deal with a leak in your pool on your own, we want to remind you of the layout of the pipes in the pool. In fact the system is quite simple, in real life the water is sucked in by a skimmer, it is then pumped into the pool through a filtration system and a heater or a chlorinator (depending on what you have installed ) before returning to the basin or swimming pool. 

Counter-circulation is ensured by a side opening in the wall of the swimming pool which makes it possible to have a closed hydraulic circuit.

To remember !

A garden pond or a natural swimming pool are spaces for relaxation, fun, hardening and relaxation. These places provide the holders with great pleasure, well-being and relaxation, and in return only require attention and maintenance. 

One of the possible and frequent problems is that of leaks, if you notice that the water level is constantly dropping, do not panic immediately. This can be natural evaporation or water splashing overboard while swimming. But if the loss is big, just follow the mentioned steps and everything will be fine after that.