Repeatedly topping up a pool without knowing why it is losing water can hide a problem. The useful starting point is a record of what is happening, rather than assuming every drop is a leak or that the weather explains everything.
Useful first step: Note the water level, the time and recent weather. Tell the pool specialist about rain, swimming, backwashing and any top-ups when you share the record.
Separate observations from guesses
Warm, windy conditions can increase evaporation. Swimming and routine maintenance can also change the level. A leak is another possibility, but a falling waterline alone does not identify where water is going.
Write down how often you are adding water and whether the pattern has changed. A clear record over a comparable period is easier to assess than “it seems lower than usual”. Do not leave a suspected serious loss unattended just to gather more information.
Look for visible clues without taking equipment apart
- Photograph damp patches around accessible pipework or equipment.
- Note water collecting where it normally stays dry.
- Record unusual pump behaviour or loss of normal circulation.
- Photograph visible cracks, loose waterline tiles or damage around fittings.
- Tell the specialist about recent repairs or changes to the pool.
These clues help plan an inspection; they do not prove the cause. Avoid dismantling equipment, digging up pipes or draining the pool in an attempt to find the problem yourself.
Ask whether an evaporation comparison would help
A pool specialist may suggest a bucket comparison to help separate evaporation from other water loss. Pentair describes comparing the change in the pool with the change in a bucket exposed to the same conditions. Ask for instructions suitable for your pool and keep pool access secured throughout.
The comparison can support an investigation, but it does not locate a leak or replace an equipment inspection. Rain, splashing and changes to the test setup can make the result difficult to interpret.
Do not ignore the equipment’s operating limits
If water is dropping rapidly or circulation is abnormal, ask for advice promptly. Follow the operating instructions for your equipment and do not allow a pump to run without an adequate water supply. Do not open electrical equipment or pressurised components to investigate.
Make your enquiry easy to assess
Send your suburb, the pool’s approximate size and surface type if known. Add photographs of the pool, the equipment area and any visible damp patches. Include your level record and say whether the problem followed a repair, a period of non-use or a change in equipment.
Ask what the proposed inspection covers and whether specialist leak detection may be needed. Send ASG Africa your pool enquiry so we can discuss the next step, or explore our pool services.
Further reading: Pentair’s outdoor water conservation guidance.
