Updated October 2026
Every pool in Dubai loses some water to the sun and the wind. A pool that loses more than evaporation explains has a leak somewhere, and the sooner it is found, the smaller the repair. This guide explains how to tell evaporation from a leak, the signs to watch for, a simple test you can do yourself and how pool leak detection and repair work.
Is it a leak or just evaporation?
Heat, sun, wind and low humidity all speed up evaporation, and in peak summer a Dubai pool level can drop quickly. That drop is normal. A leak is water lost on top of that, through the shell, the pipes or a fitting.
The difference shows when you compare the pool with water that can only evaporate. The bucket test below does exactly that.
What are the signs of a pool leak?
- The level keeps dropping: the pool needs topping up more often than usual
- Wet ground: soft or damp soil, or water around the pool, the pump room or the pipes
- Cracks: cracks in the shell, the tiles or the coping
- Loose tiles: tiles that lift or sound hollow, often around the waterline
- Air in the system: bubbles at the return jets or the pump losing its prime
- Higher water bills: a rise that the season does not explain
- Algae that keeps returning: fresh water coming in can upset the chemical balance
How do you do a bucket test?
A bucket test compares the water loss of the pool with the loss of a bucket of pool water standing in the same conditions. It takes 24 hours.
- Fill a bucket with pool water to about 5 cm from the top.
- Stand the bucket on the first or second step of the pool, so it sits at the same temperature.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool level on the outside of the bucket.
- Run the pump as usual and leave the bucket for 24 hours.
- Compare the two drops. The bucket loses water only to evaporation.
When the pool level drops clearly more than the water in the bucket, the pool is probably leaking. Repeat the test with the pump off. A bigger loss with the pump running points to the pipework, and a similar loss either way points to the shell or a fitting.
Where do pools leak?
| Location | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Shell and tiles | Cracks, hollow or loose tiles, worn grout |
| Skimmers | Gaps where the skimmer meets the shell |
| Light fittings | Water entering around the light niche |
| Return and suction pipes | Wet ground along the pipe routes |
| Pump room | Drips at the pump, the filter and the valves |
| Joints and steps | Cracks where the shell changes shape |
How is a pool leak found and repaired?
A repair starts with finding the source, because fixing the wrong spot lets the same fault return. A technician checks the shell, the fittings and the pipework, and uses pressure or dye tests on the suspect areas. Once the source is confirmed, the repair matches the fault:
- Tiles and grout: loose or cracked tiles can be re-fixed and re-grouted, often without draining the pool
- Cracks in the shell: sealed and, where needed, re-waterproofed
- Fittings: skimmers, light niches and returns resealed or replaced
- Pipework: the damaged section repaired or replaced
- Pump room: seals and valves repaired or replaced
Our swimming pool repair and renovation in Dubai service covers leak detection and repair, underwater tile repair, resurfacing and equipment repair.
How much does a pool leak repair cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on where the leak is and how much work the fix needs. Published Dubai guides in 2026 give these market ranges for related work:
| Work | Typical market range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Minor tile repair | 5,000 to 15,000 |
| Waterproofing repairs | 5,000 to 20,000 |
| Equipment repair or replacement | 2,000 to 12,000 per item |
These are market estimates, not MasterMaint prices and not a quote. A written quote follows the site visit, once the source is found.
How do you prevent leaks?
- Check the water level a few times a week, and daily in extreme heat
- Keep the water chemistry balanced, because unbalanced water attacks grout and plaster
- Look at the tiles and the coping during cleaning
- Listen for changes at the pump and watch the pressure gauge
- Book a check when you see any of the signs above
Regular care catches problems early. Our swimming pool maintenance in Dubai visits include water testing and a report after each visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much water loss is normal for a pool in Dubai?
Evaporation varies with the heat, the wind and the season, so there is no single figure. The bucket test shows whether your pool loses more than evaporation alone.
Can a pool be repaired without draining it?
Underwater tile repair and re-grouting can be done without draining. Other repairs depend on the fault and where it is.
Is a leaking pool dangerous for the house?
Water escaping into the ground can affect the soil and nearby structures over time, so a confirmed leak is worth fixing quickly.
What should I do first when I suspect a leak?
Run the bucket test, note how much the level drops and check for wet ground. Then book a site visit so the source can be found.
Book a free site visit
Tell us how much water your pool is losing and what you have noticed. We will visit, find the source and send a written quote.
Read more about our swimming pool repair and renovation in Dubai service.
