Detecting pond liner leaks requires a systematic approach to identify the source of water loss. Start by visually inspecting the entire pond area for obvious signs of leaks, such as wet spots around the edges or particularly abundant growth in isolated sections. If you have a waterfall, stream, or other connection to the pond, examine those connections carefully for similar signs.
You can perform a simple bucket test to distinguish a leak from normal evaporation. Fill a bucket with pond water and place it on the pond's edge and carefully measure the water levels in both the bucket and the pond. After 24 hours, compare the change of water levels in both the bucket and the pond. If the pond level drops more than the bucket, a leak is the likely culprit. A dye test is an excellent way to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, just be sure to use a fish safe dye!