Using a leaky swimming pool for a huge falling-head permeability test

Despite recent repairs, a heated municipal swimming pool had major leaks. To determine the possible position of the leak or leaks, a full scale falling-head permeability test was performed. All the valves for circulating hot and cold water were closed for monitoring the variation with time of the water level in the pool. The velocity graph, which represents the conservation equation in variable-head tests, helped to determine the positions of leaks. Subsequent excavations found broken pipes and connections, their failure being related to high differential settlement caused by poor compaction of pipe foundations.