A simple fix if you’re pool is losing water…
If your pool is losing more than about 5/8″ of water in any 24 hour period, there’s likely water loss taking place…somewhere.
Keep in mind that during summer months, it’s not uncommon for a pool to lose 1/2″ a day due to evaporation. Don’t be alarmed – it’s likely nothing abnormal.
The first step is to confirm there is a leak taking place.
Take a piece of electrical tape (or any type of colored tape that will stick to tile, pebble or your pool surface) and place it directly above the water line in your pool.
Go check the water line 24 hours later – if there’s more than 5/8″ water loss, we need to put on our “detective hat” and get to work.
Start with the most likely source of the leak. Turn the equipment on and check the backwash hose for any water coming out. It’s extremely common to break/tear a backwash o-ring (due to normal wear/tear) – this will cause water to get discharged out of the backwash valve.
Even though it may be a slow leak, it’s constantly taking place while the equipment’s turned on.
If it is the backwash o-ring that’s causing the water loss, head down to your local retailer and grab a new o-ring set (they’re typically around $10.00 for the set). When replacing the o-rings don’t just replace the faulty one…replace the entire set (there will be 2 or 3 o-rings depending on the make/manufacturer).
If you have a multi-port assembly, there will be 1 spider gasket at the very top of the backwash port.
If the loss isn’t taking place at the backwash port/valve, it’s time to dive in a bit deeper.
Check for any cracks at/in the skimmer as well as any water spots throughout the yard. Although return side plumbing leaks are pretty rare – they do happen and the repair isn’t fun.
Shoot me an email if you’re encountering a leak at the skimmer or a return side leak. Also, if you have any digital images of the issue, email them over and I’ll take a peak and personally assist.
I’m super excited that the swim season is right around the corner. Our youngest boy (Grant) starts swimming lessons here in about 3 weeks…it’s gonna get interesting! I Can’t wait… 
All the best,
Terry Duff
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Another good way to prevent water loss that is not from a leak, is to put a cover on the pool. Covering the surface with a nonpermeable cover will save lots of water as well as aid in warming the pool.
Like Elk Grove said about is putting the cover over.
Thanks for the informative post by the way Terry. I’ll definitely be signing up for your newsletter and maybe buy some equipment off you.
i was looking for this kind of information and thank god i found it! my pool has leaks and this simple fix might be the answer! thanks!
Now i know what to do if my pool has leaks. Thanks for this simple ways to fix it.
Also another tip… if you find cracks use some milk or food dye in a squeeze bottle and squeeze some out near the crack… if the liquids get sucked into the crack then you know you have a leak.
Wonderful post. Indeed I do explore the blogging world to find the latest on swimming pool industry, their designs and construction and I came across your blog post and found it is indeed noteworthy. I am now your regular subscriber and do wish you will be posting more good posts on swimming pools over the coming days. Thanks
Thanks for the informative post by the way Terry. I’ll definitely be signing up for your newsletter and maybe buy some equipment for all.
Another good way to prevent water loss that is not from a leak, is to put a cover on the pool. Covering the surface with a nonpermeable cover will save lots of water as well as aid in warming the pool.