Pool or Spa Losing Water — Evaporation or Leak?
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Common Water Issue in BC

Pool or Spa Losing Water — Evaporation or Leak?

All pools lose water to evaporation, but excessive loss indicates a leak. BC pool owners need to distinguish between normal evaporation (1-2 cm per week) and a leak that requires professional detection.

Possible Causes

  • Leak in pool shell — crack in gunite, vinyl liner tear, or concrete fissure
  • Leak in underground circulation plumbing — return or suction lines
  • Leak at pool equipment — pump seal, filter valve, heater connections
  • Leak in skimmer or light niche seal
  • Normal evaporation during hot or windy weather mistaken for a leak

Recommended Steps

  • 1Perform a bucket test — fill a bucket with pool water and mark levels inside and outside the bucket after 24 hours
  • 2Check equipment pad for wet spots, corrosion, or pooling water around pump and filter
  • 3Inspect pool shell visually for cracks in gunite or tears in vinyl liner
  • 4Monitor water loss rate — constant loss indicates leak, weather-dependent loss suggests evaporation
  • 5Call professional leak detection with tracer gas for definitive pool plumbing diagnosis

Need Professional Help?

Don't let a small leak become a big problem. Contact LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca — for expert diagnosis.