How to Tell If Your Pool Has a Leak: 7 Warning Signs for Lanzarote Pool Owners

Is Your Lanzarote Pool Losing Water?

Swimming pool ownership in Lanzarote comes with unique challenges. Between the intense sun, trade winds, and volcanic soil, pool maintenance requires constant attention. But how do you know if your pool is simply evaporating water—or if you have a genuine leak?

After 10+ years detecting pool leaks across Lanzarote, we've identified the 7 most reliable warning signs that indicate your pool has a leak.

1. Water Level Drops More Than 5cm Per Week

Some water loss is normal in Lanzarote's climate:

• Evaporation: 3-7mm per day during summer
• Splash-out: Active use causes minor loss
• Backwash: Filter cleaning uses water

But if you're losing more than 5cm per week, you almost certainly have a leak.

The Bucket Test

Place a bucket on your pool step, fill it to match the pool water level, and mark both levels. Wait 24 hours. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you have a leak—not evaporation.

2. Constant Refilling from Aljibe or Mains

In Lanzarote, most pools are topped up from an aljibe (underground water tank) or directly from the mains. Warning signs include:

• Aljibe emptying faster than usual
• Water delivery trucks needed more frequently
• Mains water meter spinning even when pool pump is off
• Higher than normal water bills

If you're refilling more than once a week in peak summer, investigate further.

3. Cracks in Pool Shell or Tiles

Visual signs of damage often indicate leak points:

• Hairline cracks in plaster or fiberglass
• Loose or missing tiles around waterline
• Hollow sounds when tapping tiles (indicating debonding)
• Staining patterns that follow crack lines
• Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) around cracks

Lanzarote's volcanic soil can shift, causing structural movement that leads to cracks.

4. Wet Spots Around Pool Area

Look for unexplained moisture:

• Soggy grass or muddy areas near pool
• Wet patches on pool deck that don't dry
• Green algae growth on surrounding walls
• Erosion or sinkholes near pool equipment
• Water pooling around pump room

These indicate water is escaping below ground and surfacing nearby.

5. Chemical Imbalance Problems

Leaking pools struggle to maintain chemistry:

• Chlorine disappears faster than normal
• pH fluctuates constantly despite treatment
• Algae blooms despite adequate sanitizer
• Calcium hardness drops unexpectedly
• Need to add more chemicals than usual

Fresh water entering through leaks dilutes your chemicals continuously.

6. Air Bubbles in Return Jets

When air enters your plumbing system:

• Bubbles stream from return jets
• Pump struggles to prime or loses prime
• Gurgling sounds in pipes
• Fluctuating pressure gauge readings

Air bubbles often indicate a crack in the suction side of your plumbing—a common leak location.

7. Pool Equipment Running Constantly

Your pump works harder to compensate for water loss:

• Pump runs more hours than scheduled
• Auto-fill valve activates frequently
• Pressure fluctuations in filter system
• Unusual noises from pump or plumbing

This increased workload also raises electricity bills.

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What to Do If You Spot These Signs

Step 1: Perform the Bucket Test

This simple test confirms whether you have a leak or just evaporation. Learn how to do the bucket test properly →

Step 2: Check Equipment First

Before calling professionals, inspect:

• Pool light niches (common leak point)
• Skimmer connections (check for cracks)
• Return fittings (ensure tight seal)
• Main drain (visible damage)

Step 3: Get Professional Detection

If DIY checks don't find the leak, you need specialist equipment:

• Pressure testing of plumbing lines
• Dye testing around fittings and cracks
• Acoustic detection for underground pipes
• Thermal imaging for hidden pipe runs

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Why Lanzarote Pools Are Prone to Leaks

Volcanic Soil Movement

Lanzarote's volcanic substrate expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes, stressing pool structures.

Hard Water Deposits

Desalinated mains water in Lanzarote contains minerals that deposit on pipes and fittings, causing degradation over time.

Intense UV Exposure

Constant sun degrades rubber seals, plastic fittings, and flexible pipe sections faster than in cooler climates.

Trade Wind Evaporation

Strong winds accelerate evaporation, making it harder to distinguish between natural loss and leaks.

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Don't Ignore Pool Leaks

A small leak wastes thousands of litres per month, damages your property, and costs money in:

• Water bills
• Chemical costs
• Electricity for refilling pumps
• Eventual structural repairs The longer you wait, the worse it gets. ---

Free Leak Confirmation

Before paying for a full survey, confirm you actually have a leak with our Free Leak Confirmation Test.

Get your free leak confirmation →

Contact Canary Detect for professional swimming pool leak detection across Lanzarote. We serve Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Yaiza, and all areas of the island.

Contact us now →