Pump On / Pump Off Test

Pump On / Pump Off Pool Test Service

A Pump On/Pump Off test will help us determine exactly when (and how much) your pool is leaking. Knowing this information could help point us in the right direction when we come out to diagnose your pool leak. There are 3 areas a pool can leak:

  1. A pressure side leak in pool plumbing lines (the returns)
  2. A suction side leak in pool plumbing lines (skimmers and bottom drains)
  3. A non-plumbing pool leak (pool liner, pool light, skimmer mouths, around penetrations, etc.)

When doing the following tests, keep in mind that the pump CANNOT be running if the water goes below the skimmer. Also, do not do either test when it rains.

Pump On / Pump Off Test Steps:

  1. Fill the pool to its normal level (halfway up the skimmer or tile)
  2. Make an accurate mark on the pool where the water is filled to (duct tape on the skimmer plate or tile would work)
  3. Turn the pump OFF for 24 hrs.
  4. After 24 hrs., check to see if the water level went down from your tape mark. If so, take pictures of the tape to document the loss.
  5. If there is a loss, re-fill the pool to the original tape mark.
  6. Turn the pump ON for 24 hrs.
  7. After 24 hrs., check to see if the water level went down from your tape mark. If so, take pictures of the tape to document the loss.

Just be sure that you do the 2nd test (pump on) for the same exact amount of time you did the pump off test. If you can do it for the same time period (i.e. 7pm to 7pm) – that would be ideal. Try to do each test for 24 hours if possible.

  • If the pool leaks faster (or only) when the pump is ON, this can be an indication the leak is in the pressure side of the pool plumbing
  • If the pool leaks faster (or only) when the pump is OFF, this can be an indication the leak is in the suction side of the pool plumbing
  • If the pool loses the same amount of water both on and off, then more often the leak is likely non-plumbing related

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Shawn M.Shawn M. ★★★★★ Randy is extremely professional and committed to solving your pool leak problem. He is thorough and follows-up to ensure the problem is resolved. I would highly recommend his services.John P.John P. ★★★★★ I recently had the pleasure of working with Atlantic Pool Leak Detection to resolve a persistent leak in my built-in pool, which includes a spa. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional, thanks to Randy’s professionalism and expertise.Upon contacting Atlantic Pool Leak Detection, Randy promptly set up an appointment, taking the time to call me beforehand. During this call, he walked me through various scenarios and simple tests I could perform to help expedite the process and isolate potential areas of concern. This proactive approach not only saved time but potentially unnecessary costs as well. It also demonstrated Randy’s commitment to providing a thorough and efficient service.Randy arrived at my house as scheduled for each of his two visits, reconfirming each visit beforehand. He was transparent about his service fees, providing a ballpark estimate prior to each visit and billing me exactly what he quoted. This honesty and reliability were greatly appreciated.During his visits, Randy meticulously diagnosed multiple leaks in my pool. His expertise and attention to detail were evident as he systematically identified and addressed each issue. Following his two visits, the leaks were completely resolved, and my pool has been functioning perfectly ever since.I highly recommend Atlantic Pool Leak Detection for any pool leak detection and resolution you might require.Response from the ownerGlad to help! While most people do not have multiple issues requiring more than one visit - everything went smooth - the underground pipe repairs included. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Charles M.Charles M. ★★★★★ Our pool started losing water at approximately 3/4 inch per day. Atlantic Pool Leak Detection was recommended by the company that I use for opening and closing our pool, as well as other reviews on the internet. I contacted Randy and was able to setup a date fairly quickly.One of the things that I liked about our interaction was that Randy had me do some tests prior to his coming out to try and narrow the issue. He asked all the right questions and put me at ease that he would be able to find the problem.They showed up on time on the day we had scheduled and immediately began testing the lines and the system.Eventually, Randy had to dive to the pool drain, where he discovered the leak and applied an epoxy patch.Randy went above and beyond with his thorough work detecting and fixing my leak. He provided good feedback on his analysis of the pool system. It’s been a week and so far no issues.He also offered suggestions for more permanent solutions for dealing with the drain issue. I highly recommend using Atlantic Pool Leak Detection and was happy that I chose them for the job.Scott M.Scott M. ★★★★★ Randy was able to locate my leak within the first 45 mins. It was the line to the Polaris robot and instead of having someone repair the line ( which would require pulling up the stone by the pool and costing huge amt $$$$) he suggested capping the return Polaris line to the pool and instead purchase a new cordless robot that has a quick charge and you can use an app on my cell to run it! Thanks Randy… highly recommend Atlantic Pool Leak!Siva R.Siva R. ★★★★★ Randy did very good job in fixing our swimming pool leaks. He thoroughly looked the entire pool area even though he found the leak areas in the first hour. He opened our pool lights fixture areas and looked inside those areas for any possible leaks in those hidden area. This showed his thoroughness in finding all possible leaks in the first visit itself.I strongly recommend Atlantic pool service for any pool leak issues. Detection and fix is guaranteed in the first visit it selfSharief Abdel M.Sharief Abdel M. ★★★★★ Tracey D.Tracey D. ★★★★★ Randy was a pleasure to deal with and solved my issue quickly and professionally. I highly recommend them for any issues involving leaks. They are the best!!!!! Thank you again!!!Todd C.Todd C. ★★★★★ Randy is very professional and completed the repair quickly. I highly recommend them.maggie R.maggie R. ★★★★★ Fixed our leak in our underground pool and haven’t had issues since thank you!!Helen M.Helen M. ★★★★★ Elayne M.Elayne M. ★★★★★ This is the second year I had to get Atlantic Pool Leak Detection. Each time Randy found the problem and fixed it. He is reliable and great at what he does!Susan G.Susan G. ★★★★★ Fantastic work and service. My initial call was returned promptly, the ONLY company that returned my call, and service was scheduled for a few days later. 4 tears were found and patched in our above ground pool liner. Video and pics were taken and shared with me. Pool stairs were removed, unscrewed and replaced. Total time was under 1 hour. I couldn’t be more satisfied. We highly recommend them!!!Todd C.Todd C. ★★★★★ Randy is amazing! Took the time to check out the entire pool and found an obscure pool step leak. Highly recommend their services.Leonid K.Leonid K. ★★★★★ Job was done efficiently. Leaks where identified and fixed. Highly recommend Atlantic Pool LeakRob C.Rob C. ★★★★★ I was very skeptical about the odds of being able to identify the source of a slow plumbing leak buried beneath several feet of compacted gravel and concrete. But Randy and his son did exactly that. They arrived exactly on time, got right to work, found the leak quickly, charged the minimum quoted fee, and left with a red x to mark the spot. On top of that, referred me to someone who was able to perform the repair at a reasonable price. And by the way, the red x was dead on! I highly recommend Randy for anyone needing to find the source of a pool leak!Response from the ownerHappy to help. Now you can finally enjoy your pool without putting the hose in. Have a great rest of the summer! Amy B.Amy B. ★★★★★ Thank you Randy & Atlantic Pool Leak Detection! Amazing work and effort to diagnose our pool leak! In a big pool, it is no easy task and Randy found the exact cause - a 1 inch tear in the deep end liner which caused significant water loss. Diagnosed, patched & repaired quickly & efficiently. Excellent customer service & communication! Atlantic Pool is A+!!!Jen W.Jen W. ★★★★★ They were absolutely amazing!!! They pin pointed a broken pipe for my pool 4 feet down under ground. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional. Hopefully i won’t have to use them again, but if I do, I’m definitely call them again. I 100% recommend Atlantic Pool Leak Detection!!!!!Response from the ownerLove when a plan comes together. Lots of digging - but glad the issue is resolved. Enjoy the rest of the summer - without putting your hose in! Franklyn H.Franklyn H. ★★★★★ Atlantic Pool Leak Detection / Randy is extremely professional when interacting and handling your service needs, he advises you on taking all preliminary step to avoid him from coming out and billing your for service if it can be avoided ( resolved by you ), within 30 minutes Randy and his son was able to detect where the leak was and steps that were necessary to correct the issue, I strongly recommend Atlantic Pool Leak Detection as your go to Company.Michael P.Michael P. ★★★★★ Randy and his son were awesome! He found two leaks very quickly and did a great job making the repairs. He also unclogged a skimmer line that was clogged with itchy balls. He tested the entire pool for leaks, even all the piping. I’m so confident my pool is operating at 100%. This guy knows his stuff. HIGHLY recommend him.Thanks Randy!Mindy G.Mindy G. ★★★★★ I had such a fabulous experience with this company they walked me through a test to figure out if I had a leak they were very responsive on a daily basis and then wouldn’t even send me a bill such nice peoplejs_loader