How to Tell If Your Pool Has a Leak

Is Your Lanzarote Pool Losing Water?

If you own a pool in Lanzarote, you have probably wondered at some point whether it is leaking or just evaporating. In summer, a pool can lose up to 5mm of water a day to evaporation alone, so a small drop in level is normal. But if you are topping up more than once a week, or you notice the level dropping overnight when evaporation is minimal, there is a good chance you have 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

The bucket test is the simplest way to check at home. Fill a bucket, mark the level, put it on the pool step and compare after 24 hours. If the pool has dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak. If you want a definitive answer, call us. We use dye testing, pressure testing and acoustic detection to find pool leaks without draining the water.

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.

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

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.

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.