Find & Patch Immediately: Best Pool Leak Detection Kits & Sealers

Pool maintenance is a complex process that requires level balancing, regular garbage collection, and so on. However, even with outstanding care, force majeure situations can occur. One of these is water leakage.

At first glance, it may seem that finding and fixing a leak is easy. However, it can be tiny (less than 5 inches) or pass water very slowly. In this case, you may need pool leak detection services. However, the cost of pool leak services can reach $500. It is pricey!

If you want to save a few hundred dollars, you can use kits for detecting pool leaks. Therefore, to help you find the one that suits you best, we’ve gathered four leak dye testers and, as a bonus, two pool leak patching products. Also, we have described signs that can lead to a leak. Let’s get started!

Best Pool Leak Detection Kits & Sealers

Pool Leak Detection Kits
Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Winner in the category: The highest efficiency	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.2 Volume: 8 oz bottle (40 refills of a syringe) Kit: refill bottle and syringe with a 6" needle Color: blue What makes it the best The most effective – allows you to find leaks due to the visible blue color of the dye and its ability to penetrate the gap or hole; The safest elimination – fully disappears in water with no residue remaining due to its biodegradability; The most convenient filling of the tester – allows you to fill the syringe without spilling dye; Works for chlorinated water – high chemical resistance and highly-concentrated dye formula; Everything you need is at hand – a syringe with a needle presented in a kit. Jump to the detailed review
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Anderson Dye Tester Pre-Filled Winner in the category The best in finding small holes	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.4 Volume: 0.2 oz Kit: syringe with a 6" needle Color: ‎fluorescent-yellow What makes it the best The best in finding small holes – 60% of users report that the liquid penetrates even the smallest gaps (< 5 inches) which is 3 times more than other dye testers; The longest lingering in the place of application – the concentrated liquid lingering in water for a long time; The best for finding holes in corners and shadows – the fluorescent dye absorbs light and glow; Convenient use – allows you to apply dye accurately without spraying it over a large area due to the 6-inch needle; As many as you need – the convenient volume of one syringe. Jump to the detailed review
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Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Kit Winner in the category The most extensive kit	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Volume: 8 oz bottle (40 refills of a syringe) and 4.6 oz putty Kit: refill bottle, syringe with a 6" needle, pool putty, and instructional step-by-step DIY videos for mixing & applying epoxy Color: ‎fluorescent-yellow What makes it the best The most extensive kit – allows you to fill each syringe up to 40 times, find the hole, and immediately fix it with putty due to an 8 oz refill bottle; The most noticeable dye – easily spot dye due to its fluorescent-yellow color; The most self-sufficient putty – both the resin and hardener in one stick are presented in one stick; Versatile putty appearance – allows you to easily paint the putty over with any color due to it becoming white after hardening; Ease of use – instructions for applying the putty are presented in the kit. Jump to the detailed review
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Anderson Refill Leak Tester Winner in the category The most economical use	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.2 Volume: 8 oz bottle (43 refills of a syringe) Kit: refill bottle Color: ‎fluorescent-blue What makes it the best The most economical use – one refill bottle is enough to fill the syringe up to 43 times, which is on 3 tests more than the similar leak finder has; The best for finding skimmer leaks – blue fluorescent dye is easy to spot even in a dark skimmer due to its glowing; The best for finding slow leaks – the concentrated blue dye that can linger for a long time; Universal use – allows you to find small leaks in the vinyl coating due to its fluidity; Safe for the skin – can be easily washed off with plain water. Jump to the detailed review
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Pool Leak Patching Kits
Marlig Pool Leak Sealer Winner in the category The best leak patching	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Volume: 32 oz bottle Type: Sealer Hardening rate: 48 hours What makes it the best The best leak patching – allows fixing leaks in all types of materials and surfaces due to the liquid sealant can penetrate cracks of any size; The most enduring result – users point out that they have no leaks for a minimum of 4 weeks; The largest amount of sealant – allows fixing leaks in a 22,000-gallon pool; Detailed instructions – step-by-step instructions are provided on the official website of the manufacturer; Safe sealant – does not harm salt chlorine generators, heaters, pumps, or filters. Jump to the detailed review
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Epoxybond Pool Putty Winner in the category The most universal	Characteristics Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.6 Volume: 14.1 oz Type: Sealer Hardening rate: 1.5 hour What makes it the best The most versatile – pool putty is designed specifically to fix cracks under and above water, as it is waterproof; The easiest to use – the resin and hardener are presented in one kit; The fastest hardening – the mixture hardens in 1.5 hours; Easy to mix – you can easily mix the resin and hardener due to their clay-like consistency; Temperature-resistant – can withstand temperatures up to 200°F. Jump to the detailed review
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6 Signs Which Can Lead to Pool Leakage

Every problem has its harbingers. Pool leakage also has some signs. You should check them once a week to ensure your pool is not losing water.

1. Crack. Every visible crack passes through water. If you notice this, check it with the pool leakage DYE tester.
2. Water level. Evaporation and splashes are the general causes of pool water loss. Of course, weather changes or the pool use intensity can significantly change the water level indicator. However, you should still measure and average it. In this case, you can determine the deviation from the norm. The expected water loss per day is 1/4″ or 1.75″ per week.
3. Automatic water supply system. Continuous operation of the water supply system may be a leak sign.
4. Air in the system. The pool return system supplies water from the filter back to the jets. Often, it is from PVC. This material can deteriorate and begin to let air through. Therefore, if you see bubbles coming out of the return system, you should check it for a leak.
5. pH level. Changing the water level changes the ratio of particles. Therefore, the pH level can fluctuate. It is another pool leakage sign.
6. Wet spots. Their occurrence around the pool is evident because the water splashes when you swim. However, what if you didn’t use it but spots appeared? In such a case, you should check the pool for leaks.

Top 4 Swimming Pool Leak Detection Kits

Have you identified one of the signs of a pool leak? Now it’s time to find this problem! Next, we have collected four of the best pool leak detectors that will allow you to easily find a leak. Moreover, each of them has distinctive features that will help you choose a detector more accurately.

Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection – the highest efficiency

The highest efficiency

Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection is the DYE tester with the highest efficiency. Five out of eight users (62.5%) report that this product helped them detect a leak in a pool. It is 12.5% more than the Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Kit.

This pool leakage detector is a highly concentrated dye. Thus, after you spray it in water, it stays in the form of a cloud and does not dissolve. Moreover, even highly chlorinated water will not interfere with leak detection. The dye is resistant to chemicals.

However, you don’t have to worry about sediment or slime in the water. This product is biodegradable. Therefore, after a while, there will be no trace of dye in your pool.

Also, the Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection comes with a syringe and a 6″ needle that will allow you to apply the dye directly to the suspected leak and control its loss. The good news is that the 8 oz refill bottle will bring up to 40 syringe refills. Therefore, users note that the dye is enough for several years of use.

Pros

• The most convenient filling of the tester – fill the syringe without spilling dye due to a hinged lid with a narrow hole;
• Works for chlorinated water – highly chlorinated water won’t make it difficult to find a leak due to the chemical resistance and highly-concentrated dye formula;
• Everything you need is at hand – allows you to pinpoint leaks and not waste too much dye due to a syringe with a needle presented in a kit.

Cons

• The dye may stain your hands due to the concentrated formula. However, you can wash it off with running water.

Anderson Dye Tester Pre-Filled – the best in finding small holes

The best in finding small holes

The Anderson Dye Tester Pre-Filled is the best for finding small holes. Three out of five surveyed users (60%) noted it, which is three times more than the Anderson Refill Leak Tester. It is because this tester is easy to use:

• First, the kit consists of a syringe and a 6″ needle, which makes it easy to use the tester. Thus, you can apply the exact amount of product next to the suspected leak.

• Secondly, unlike Anderson Refill Leak Tester, Anderson Dye Tester Pre-Filled is a yellow fluorescent dye. Users note that this color is easier to see in water than blue because the water is also blue. Also, it absorbs sunlight and is capable of glowing under light rays. This way, you won’t lose sight of the dye.

• Thirdly, you immediately receive a pre-filled syringe with dye. Therefore, you can proceed to the leak detection immediately after receiving it.

Pros

• The longest lingering in the place of application – allows you to find holes in a larger area of ​​application due to the concentrated liquid lingering in water for a long time;
• The best for finding holes in corners and shadows – allows you to detect cracks in dark places due to fluorescent dye that absorbs light and glow;
• As many as you need – allows you to save money and not buy the whole bottle when only one leak is needed to detect due to the convenient volume of one syringe.

Cons

• 40% of respondents noted that one syringe is not enough to find a leak. Therefore, you may have to buy more than one item.

Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Kit – the most extensive kit

The most extensive kit

Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Kit is a unique product that offers you the most comprehensive kit that consists of a refill bottle, syringe, and pool putty. You can find a lot of leaks (up to 40 syringe refills) and fix them with putty.

The Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection Kit contains the same dye as the Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection but a yellow fluorescent instead of blue. Some users note that this color is more noticeable in water than a blue. However, many factors like pool liner or tile color influence it. If you have light – blue is better for you, if dark – yellow.

Also, we should mention pool putty benefits. Unlike Epoxybond Pool Putty, it has pre-mixed resin and hardener. Therefore, you can just apply it to the leak you detect and let it dry for 30-60 minutes.

Pros

• The most self-sufficient putty – allows you to use it right after unpacking due to the presence both of the resin and hardener in one stick;
• The most noticeable dye – the yellow concentrated dye allows you to easily spot it even in cloudy water due to its ‎fluorescent-yellow color;
• Ease of use – allows you to easily and effectively fix leaks due to the presence of video instructions for applying the putty in the kit.

Cons

• The set comes with video instructions. However, they can be difficult to find because the link, username, and password for access are listed in a non-obvious place – the putty label.

Anderson Refill Leak Tester – the most economical use

The most economical use

Anderson Refill Leak Tester is the most economical DYE that will allow you to perform many tests. This bottle can fill up to 43 syringes, three more than Leakmaster Pool Leak Detection.

Also, Anderson Refill Leak Tester is a highly concentrated dye that lingers in the water for a long time. What’s more, the blue fluorescent color allows for performing pool leak detection even in the darkest pool areas (for example, corners or skimmers). This dye is easy to see if you spread it in water and use a flashlight. Then it will glow.

However, despite the highly concentrated composition, the dye will not harm you if it comes into contact with the skin. It can be easily washed off under running water because it doesn’t get absorbed but stays on the surface.

Pros

• The best for finding slow leaks – the a concentrated blue dye lingers for a long time and forms a stream which penetrates into slow leaks and makes them visible;
• The best for finding skimmer leaks – blue fluorescent dye glows because it absorbs sunlight, so you can find leaks even in the darkest corner;
• Safe for the skin – doesn’t color your skin due to the possibility of easily washing it off with plain water.

Cons

• You need to spread the dye right over the leak to find it.

Bonus: 2 Best Pool Leak Patching Products

Did you manage to find the leakage? Great, now it’s time to choose a pool patching product that will eliminate the problem once and forever. Next, you can see sealer and putty, each of which has a different principle of leak patching.

We have compared these two pool leakage patchers and pointed out their features, pros, and cons, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Marlig Pool Leak Sealer – the best leak patching

The best leak patching

Marlig Pool Leak Sealer is the best pool patching product. 50% of users point out that it helped stop pool leaks, which is 10% more than Epoxybond Pool Putty. Since Marlig is a sealant, you should pour it into the pool, follow the instructions, and wait for the result. It will be able to eliminate even unchecked leaks.

Speaking of instructions, you can find a detailed guide on how to apply the pool sealer on the manufacturer’s website. It describes what steps to take not to harm the equipment and get the maximum effect. Also, if you don’t know which size you should choose (8 oz or 32 oz), you can find an explanation of which product’s volume is best for each situation.

Also, Marlig Pool Leak Sealer has a very high enduring result. Users note that the effect lasts more than four weeks, which is twice as long as other products.

Pros

• The largest amount of sealant – you can fix a 22,000-gallon pool due to the 32-ounces bottle of sealer;
• The most enduring result – you will not notice even the smallest leak for a minimum of 4 weeks which is 2 times more than another product has;
• Detailed instructions – visit manufacturer’s website and find comprehensive instructions which will allow you to choose the right sealant volume;
• Safe sealant – use sealant even when salt chlorine generators, heaters, pumps, or filters are working because it will harm them.

Cons

• Users complain that it is difficult to find instructions. Therefore, we will leave you a link to the official website with instructions.

Epoxybond Pool Putty – the most universal

The most universal

Epoxybond Pool Putty is the most versatile patching product available. You can apply this both above and underwater. Also, the curing rate of putty is 32 times faster than that of Marlig Pool Leak Sealer and is only 1.5 hours.

Putty contains the resin and hardener, which you need to use 1 to 1. They are easy to mix because they have a consistency similar to soft clay. However, despite the soft composition, putty can withstand high loads (even hit with a hammer) because it contains a hardener. What’s more, this component also allows you to stay in shape even at temperatures up to 200°F.

Also, you can use Epoxybond Pool Putty to repair broken tiles. You won’t need to replace it all because it’s enough to add putty and paint it to match the tile.

Pros

• The easiest to use – allows you to fix cracks fast due to the resin and hardener presence which you should mix 1 to 1, apply to the leak, and wait until the mixture hardens;
• The fastest hardening – the mixture hardens in 1.5 hours, which is 32 times faster than the sealant;
• Temperature-resistant – allows you not to worry that putty will fall off in warm water due to its ability to withstand temperatures up to 200°F.

Cons

• Putty turns white after hardening. Therefore, if your pool finish is a different color, you will need to paint it.

Pool Leakage: Evaluating Water Loss & Its Costs

Your pool can lose up to 1/4″ of water in usual weather and up to 1/2″ in a dry one per day. Of course, it is impossible to give accurate indicators since several factors influence this: air temperature, climate, pool surface area, and so on.

However, it’s worth saying that 1/4″ and 1/2″ is about 78 gallons of water for a 49′ square pool. Thus, it costs you $0.3-0.75 per day. It’s about $9-22.5 per month. Now imagine your pool losing twice as much water. It will cost $18-45. To this amount should be added the cost of balancing the levels. It is caused by the constant addition of water with inappropriate levels. You will get a bill for about $150.

Therefore, if you notice any deviations from the expected amount of water loss, immediately consider purchasing a DYE tester and pool putty, which will cost you about $39. It is 3.8 times less than paying for leaking water and a permanent balance of levels.

The Most Common Pool Leak Place

Leaks in the pool can appear in different places. However, the three most popular ones should be checked regularly.

Pool skimmer	Pool liner	Pool pump
It is perhaps the most popular place to leak. The skimmer is responsible for collecting debris so that it does not settle on the pool bottom and does not cause bacteria to grow. Usually, the skimmer is plastic and attached to the concrete pool walls. At this point, it may fall off, so leaks will appear.	Its service life is 8-20 years. However, punctures may occur during pool maintenance. So if it has a pool liner and a leak, check that part first.	It is the system that circulates the water in the pool. It has PVC tubes that wear out and can leak water.

Summary

Leaking pool water is a problem that can cost hundreds of extra dollars a month. Moreover, it can damage the pool structure or cause the ground to collapse. Of course, you do not want a huge problem to arise because of one crack.

So in this article, we have gone over the top six signs of a leak, calculated potential costs, and listed the top four DYE testers and the top two pool patching kits.

FAQ