A leak can show up as repeated topping up, wet ground or circulation trouble. These symptoms can have other causes, so treat them as reasons to check the pool rather than proof of a particular fault.

1. You top up more than conditions explain

Keep a level record and note swimming, backwashing and weather. Compare the pool with a bucket under similar conditions. Extra loss is more informative than a fixed daily evaporation threshold.

2. Ground stays wet near the pool

Persistent dampness, unusually green grass or moving paving may point to buried water loss. Irrigation, rainwater drainage and other pipes can also be involved. Avoid digging until the source has been investigated.

3. Air appears in the pump or returns

Low water, a loose lid seal, a hose fault or suction-side air entry can produce bubbles or loss of prime. If the pump runs dry or behaves abnormally, stop it and seek advice.

4. Cracks or fittings look damaged

A crack, worn seal or damaged skimmer deserves assessment. Not every visible crack leaks, and not every leak is visible. A surface repair should follow an understanding of the defect.

5. Water balance becomes difficult to maintain

Repeated water replacement can change chemistry, but sunlight, use and equipment problems also affect it. Test the water and review circulation as well as the water level.

What to do next

Try our bucket-test guide if conditions permit. Send observations to our pool leak detection team. Do not empty the pool or let equipment run below its safe water level.