A small swimming pool or spa leak can result in your pool losing hundreds of gallons of water every day. The average backyard swimming pool holds about 20,000 gallons of water, and at least 100 gallons can seep out of a small leak.

Evaporation, on average, is only responsible for about one-quarter inch of water each day. This is relative to air temperature, humidity and wind conditions.

The water loss calculation due to leaks involves the length of the pool times the width times the water level loss in inches shown with a simple bucket test. This is multiplied by .6233 gallons, the estimated amount of water that covers one square foot one inch deep. (This is often rounded off to .62 in some water loss calculators.)

As an example, a rectangular pool measuring 36 feet in length by 18 feet in width is losing two inches of water per day. This averages to a huge 807.79 gallons a day or over 33 gallons an hour.

The basic formula is:

36 x 18 x 2 x .6233 = 807.79

807.79 divided by 24 hours comes out to 33.65 gallons per hour

You may have a hot tub with a recommended cover to hold in heat and prevent evaporation. If you find the water an inch or more below the normal level when you uncover the tub, check for leaks immediately.

The formula for a 12x12 foot diameter hot tub losing two inches of water a day is:

12 x 12 x 2.0 x .48929 = 141.9 gallons lost per day or 5.91 gallons per hour

(The round pool or hot tub averages slightly less than a half-gallon per square foot of water in this calculation.)

This is a way to estimate the volume of lost water in a leaking pool or spa tub. It can also explain why your water bill is higher than normal. This can also raise your power bill. But, this does not solve the problem.

How to find leaks in pools

The leaking water has to go somewhere. You can begin by checking the pumping system. Look for water on the floor of the pump area or under the pump on a hot tub. Excessive water around the pool area grounds may indicate an underground plumbing leak.

• Check hoses, connections, the impeller and other parts.
• Check for blockage in the main drains and the suction pipes that can cause air to be sucked into the system instead of water.
• Check all connections in the pool including extra fixtures such as lights.
• Check handrails, steps and tiles. A loose tile around the pool's border or in the design at the bottom of the pool may be an indication of a crack that is causing the leak.

It is time to call a professional leak detection and repair company when you find the leak or if you can't find it.

Aquaman Leak Detection is experienced in finding leaks in pools and spa tubs. Our swimming pool leak detection and repair company will use the latest technology to find leaks in your pool, pump system or spa. Pressure testing, using dyes and sounding equipment are several of the methods employed to find leaks.

Trained technicians will dive below the surface of the water to check for cracks and fissures in the pool's structure. Minor repairs to seal cracks can be made immediately.

Aquaman is located in Melbourne Florida and serves all of Florida. All Aquaman technicians use our patented technology to find and repair leaks quickly to save water and save you money.