Pool leaks in Goleta or Isla Vista? Our Leak Detection Specialists are Here to Help!

We have performed a number of leak detections in pools throughout Goleta and Isla Vista. It’s usually the same story. Homeowners or apartment managers call us after a warning from the Goleta Water District. The property is far beyond its’ monthly allotments and they are fighting the urge to panic.They shut off water to the house and watch as the meter still spins wildly. They check hose bibs, scour the yard for wet spots, and slowly suspect the pool. Realizing Santa Barbara is under water shortage emergency stage 3, they take action.
We usually receive a call in between talks with their pool guy and quotes from the insurance agent. While we’re happy to use our specialized pool leak detection tools, there is a lot you can do yourself. So without further ado, we thought we’d share a quick test to help local Goleta residents live with their water use restrictions and find leaks in their own pools.

Determining if you have a pool leak

As any pool owner knows, it is important to regularly check water levels. They are a sure sign of your pool’s health. Although it’s natural to lose some water to kids splashing around, evaporation, or backwashing into your filter, a pool should only be refilled so often. If it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep your pool filled(i.e filling it with a hose multiple times a week), you may have a leak. Before you call us, here’s a quick easy test to determine if you have a pool leak. All you will need is a permanent marker and a five gallon bucket.

The Bucket Test

• Pick a time when the pool is not going to be used.
• Shut off the pump to keep any residual water from filling your pool. You will need to wait approximately 1 hour for the water in your system to settle. If your pool has an auto fill, shut this off as well or wedge something under the float so that it is no longer functioning.
• Place your container upright on one of the steps in the pool. When standing, it should be roughly 2/3 submerged.
• Take a permanent marker and mark the pool’s water level on the inside of the bucket.
• Take the bucket out of the water and mark the same spot on the outside of the bucket.
• Fill your bucket up to that mark and place back on same the pool step. Turn pump back on.
• Wait 24-48 hours, then turn pump off. Wait approximately 1 hour, and compare the water level in the bucket with the water in the pool. If the water level in the bucket is higher than the water in the pool, you have a leak.

We hope this helps. Pool leaks have been known to rapidly lose water and only get worse with time.You can save yourself from paying very high water bills by doing this test the second you suspect something. Good luck and watch your water levels!