In Scottsdale, it’s normal to see about 1/8 inch of pool water loss per day in cooler months and roughly 1/4–1/2 inch per day in summer, more on hot, windy days. The bucket test is the quickest way to tell the difference. If the pool drops more than the bucket over 24 hours, you likely have a leak. If they match, it’s evaporation. Turn off auto‑fill before you test so it doesn’t mask the drop.
Mark the pool waterline on the tile with tape or a pencil and note the time. Measure again after 24 hours. A loss above about 1/2 inch in hot months, or above 1/8–1/4 inch in cooler months, is more than typical evaporation. A sudden new drop, damp soil by the deck, or air bubbles at the returns are also signs you may have a pool leak.
Do a bucket test: Fill a plastic bucket with pool water, place it on a step so its rim sits above the pool water, and mark the water inside the bucket and on the pool wall. Keep the pump running for this pass. After 24 hours, compare the two marks. If the pool level fell more than the bucket level, water is leaving the pool somewhere.
For more clues, repeat the test with the pump off. More loss with the pump running can point to a pressure‑side line leak after the pump. More loss with the pump off can suggest a suction‑side issue, a crack in the shell, or a leaking fitting. This on/off comparison helps focus professional pool leak detection and guide the right repair.
Scottsdale’s dry air, strong sun, warm water, and wind all increase evaporation. Water features, heated water, and an uncovered pool push the rate higher; a cover lowers it. Auto‑fills can hide a leak by keeping the level steady, so turn auto‑fill off during testing and note if it cycles often.
Do quick spot checks: look for damp soil, settling, or consistently wet areas around the equipment pad. Check the skimmer throat, return fittings, and the light niche. With the pump off, place a few drops of food coloring near a suspect crack or fitting; if the dye pulls in, that spot may be leaking.
If your tests point to a leak, call us. Scottsdale Leak Detection Pros handle pool leak detection in and around Scottsdale, underground water leak detection, pipe leak detection, and pool leak repair, including underground leak repair and pipe leak repair. We find the source and fix the problem so you can stop adding water.
A few cautions: Don’t drain a pool to chase a leak; empty shells can shift or crack. Keep notes and photos of your measurements. If you want help setting up a test or prefer a professional assessment, call us and we will talk you through the next steps.
