The best first step is the bucket test. If your pool water level drops more than the water level inside a bucket placed beside or on the pool step over the same period, that suggests the loss is more than normal evaporation and may indicate a leak. 100% Plumbing already explains this directly in its article Pool Losing Water? Evaporation or Leak? and presents Pool Leak Detection as a service for Calpe and the wider Costa Blanca North area.
A swimming pool in Calpe can lose some water naturally, especially during hot, sunny, windy periods. But if the water level drops faster than expected, if you are topping up more often than usual, or if there are visible signs around the pool, it is worth checking properly rather than assuming it is only evaporation. 100% Plumbing’s pool leak content also says even small leaks can lead to wasted water, higher bills and avoidable repair costs.
What is normal evaporation and what is not?
Some evaporation is normal, especially in warm weather and exposed outdoor pools. In Calpe, higher temperatures, sun exposure and wind can all increase natural water loss. 100% Plumbing’s article on pool water loss states that heat, wind, sun exposure and low humidity all increase evaporation, which means some reduction in water level does not automatically mean there is a fault.
The concern starts when the loss seems excessive, keeps happening even in milder conditions, or is accompanied by other warning signs. If the water level is dropping unusually fast, or if the pattern does not match normal weather-related evaporation, the pool may have a leak.
What is the bucket test?
The bucket test is the simplest way to compare normal evaporation with possible leak-related water loss. 100% Plumbing already uses this method in its published article on pool water loss. The idea is simple: fill a bucket with pool water, place it securely on a pool step or beside the pool, and mark both the bucket water level and the pool water level. Then compare the drop after around 24 hours under similar conditions. If the pool level falls more than the bucket level, a leak becomes more likely.
This is a useful first check because it gives you a clearer answer than repeated topping up. If the bucket and pool levels drop at about the same rate, evaporation is the more likely explanation. If the pool loses noticeably more, you should suspect leakage.
What signs suggest a pool leak rather than evaporation?
A pool leak becomes more likely if:
- the water level keeps dropping quickly
- you are topping up the pool too often
- damp ground appears around the pool
- you notice cracks, damaged joints or fitting issues
- the pool loses more water than the bucket test suggests it should
- the loss seems worse when the pump is running
100% Plumbing’s leak detection page says leaks may come from plumbing lines, skimmers, fittings, structural cracks and tile joints, and its evaporation-vs-leak article says faster loss during pump operation can point to a plumbing-side leak.
If the issue appears to be structural, related support through swimming pools repairs or targeted services such as pool crack repair may also be relevant, alongside pool leak detection. Those services are all already part of the site’s pool repair structure.
When should you call a professional in Calpe?
You should call a professional if the bucket test suggests a leak, if the pool keeps losing water quickly, or if you suspect the source is in pipework, fittings, skimmers, joints or the shell itself. 100% Plumbing says it provides professional pool leak detection across Costa Blanca North, including Calpe, and uses electronic leak detection, pressure testing, acoustic listening and infrared scanning to locate the source accurately.
A local specialist matters because guessing the source often leads to wasted time, repeated top-ups and avoidable water loss. If the problem is not obvious, proper testing is usually the fastest route to the right repair.
Why choosing a local company in Calpe matters
Choosing a local company matters because pool leaks often need on-site testing and direct inspection. A local team can assess whether the loss is coming from evaporation, plumbing lines, fittings, shell cracks or joints, and can respond faster when water loss is ongoing. 100% Plumbing’s pool repair pages specifically list Calpe among the areas covered for pool leak detection and wider swimming pool repairs.
This is especially relevant in Calpe, where many properties are villas, second homes and holiday homes with outdoor pools that may not be monitored every day.
How 100% Plumbing can help
100% Plumbing can help determine whether your pool in Calpe is losing water from normal evaporation or from a leak by inspecting the pool, checking the likely fault area and recommending the right next step. The site already states that the company provides pool leak detection, pressure testing and targeted pool repair services across Calpe and Costa Blanca North.
If your pool keeps losing water and the cause is not clear, the next step is to contact 100% Plumbing for a professional inspection. The website also lists pool-related services through pools and broader repair support through swimming pools repairs.
