IF the pool is losing water you must follow a process of elimination

EMERGENCY!

If it IS a case for total panic, and it seems like 6ins of water have disappeared from the pool in as many minutes turn everything off right away: fountains, lights, filters, and waterfalls.

If the level is dangerously low and the fish or wild life in the pool are in danger start running a hose in the pool. If you do it from a height, this will help to dispel some of the chlorine in the fresh tap water.

• Next check the poolside filter if you have one. It may be blocked and overflowing.

• Check any waterfalls and their inlets - particularly plastic units, which can easily shift.

• Fountains spraying water out of the pool will show telltale signs of dampness on the pool edge.

• Don't take too long in doing this. The pool could still be leaking. The fish may need rescuing!

If there is nothing obvious and it still looks as though it is leaking, suspect the liner.

Rescue the fish into whatever containers there are to hand and try to save some of the pond water to keep them in. Save as many of the oxygenators (underwater weed) as possible and put them in with the fish.