Start with a bucket test to confirm you have a leak, then use the dye test method around suspected areas. Most pool leaks occur at skimmers, returns, lights, or visible cracks and can often be repaired with underwater sealants or professional patching.
Before diving into repairs, I'd recommend performing the bucket test to rule out normal evaporation. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on your pool step, marking both the pool water level and bucket water level. After 24 hours, if the pool water dropped more than the bucket water, you've confirmed a leak.
Based on your description of the water stabilizing at the skimmer level, you're likely dealing with a plumbing leak in the skimmer line or the skimmer itself - this is one of the most common leak locations.
The dye test is your best friend for finding exact leak spots. You'll want to pick up some leak detection dye (food coloring works in a pinch) and test these high-probability areas first:
Apply dye near suspected areas with the pump off. If the dye gets sucked toward a spot, you've found your leak.
For that crack you spotted, underwater pool sealant or pool putty can provide a temporary fix if it's small. Clean the area thoroughly, apply according to manufacturer directions, and allow proper curing time.
If the skimmer is the culprit, check if the skimmer basket housing has separated from the pool wall - this often happens as pools settle over time. Skimmer repair kits are available, though this repair typically requires draining the pool below the skimmer level.
Those wet spots around your equipment pad likely indicate underground plumbing leaks, which require professional leak detection equipment and excavation. Similarly, if your dye test points to the main drain or deeper plumbing lines, you'll want expert help.
Structural cracks larger than hairline width, or any crack that continues growing, need professional assessment to prevent major damage to your pool shell.
Pool leaks waste thousands of gallons and can undermine your pool's foundation if left unchecked. They can also affect your water chemistry since you may be constantly adding fresh water, which affects your overall water balance.
If you're dealing with multiple leak points or the leak is causing significant daily water loss like yours, prioritize the largest leak first - often fixing the main culprit will dramatically reduce your water loss even if minor seepage remains elsewhere.
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