How to find a water leak in a pond?

How to find a water leak in a pond? You have identified a loss of water in your pond but cannot find the hole? How to find a leak in a pond? How to find a leak in a swimming pool? 

Water loss in a garden pond or swimming pool is a natural process caused by splashing, evaporation, and the operation of the filtration system.

However, losses can also be caused by a water leak in the pond, pool, 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 best to have professionals 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 involves several steps, each of which should be considered. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to easily detect if your pond has a leak.

1. Check the most common places where leaks may occur

• Carefully inspect the pump, filter, heater, valves, and all fittings;
• Examine the ground around the pool and see if there is excess moisture;
• If your pool is lined with PVC, there may be cuts or other irregularities in the uniform structure that could cause leaks;
• You should also examine the skimmer, nozzles, and pipes.

2. Mark the water level

• Fill the pool with water and mark the water level. You can use a marker that can be easily removed later;
• After two hours, check how the water level in the pool has changed;
• If the water level drops quickly below the initial mark, there is very 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 reinforce the bucket, place bricks inside;
• Mark the water level on the bucket to establish an initial reference point;
• After 24 hours, check how much the water level in the pool has changed and compare it to the initial reference point;
• 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 exact location of the leak

• If a leak is confirmed, it must 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, scratches, or scuffs somewhere;
• Completely turn off the filtration system and wait for the water level to stabilize completely;
• If the water level has changed and remains around the skimmer, this is very likely the cause of the leak;
• If the water level has stopped moving at the pool lights, the leak is located somewhere in that area;
• If you notice a significant flow of water when the pump is running, this indicates a problem with the pump's hydraulic circuit;
• It is also necessary to check the pump filter and how it is secured;
• These problems are rather technical, and doing it yourself requires a steady hand and the proper equipment, which is why it is best to call a professional for this type of task.

5. Paint or a pH indicator can be used to locate the leak

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

6. Repair 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 detected in the lighting area, a waterproofing product or silicone should be applied to the leak;
• If the leak is in the PVC liner, the repair kit and the kit sold with the liner can be used to repair the leak.

7. Call specialists

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

In these situations, you can contact specialists who, using modern technologies, special tools and equipment, and their expertise in the field, 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. Plumbing installation

To help you deal more easily with a leak in your pool yourself, we want to remind you of the layout of the pipes in the pool. In fact, the system is quite simple: water is drawn in by a skimmer, then pumped into the pool through a filtration system and a heating system or chlorinator (depending on what you have installed) before returning to the pond or pool. 

Recirculation is provided by a side opening in the pool wall, which creates a closed hydraulic circuit.

Key takeaways! 

A garden pond or natural pool is a space for relaxation, fun, exercise, and unwinding. These spaces provide owners with great pleasure, well-being, and relaxation, and in return require only attention and maintenance. 

One of the possible and common problems is leaks. If you notice that the water level is constantly dropping, do not panic immediately. It could be natural evaporation or water splashing over the side during swimming. But if the loss is significant, simply follow the steps mentioned and everything will be fine afterward.

Read also: Renovating an old garden pond: diagnosis, restoration, or reconstruction