A pool is one of the best ways to enjoy your home, but a hidden leak can cause more than just an inconvenience. Small leaks often go unnoticed, but they waste water, increase utility costs, and may even lead to serious structural damage if left unchecked.
The silver lining here is that a pool leak doesn’t have to be complicated. From identifying the warning signs to checking for leaks at home, this guide will help you figure out whether your pool has a problem and what steps to take next. You’ll also find practical maintenance tips to prevent issues and learn when it’s best to get expert eyes on the area.
When to Suspect Your Pool Has a Leak
It’s normal for pools to lose a small amount of water due to evaporation, splashing, and regular use. But when the water level drops faster than expected or you notice other unusual changes, it could point to a leak. Knowing what to look for can help you catch the problem early.
Common signs of a leak
- Water levels dropping more than 1/4 inch per day.
- Damp or soggy ground near the pool.
- Cracks in the pool surface or tiles.
- Unexplained changes in water chemistry that are hard to balance.
- Rising water bills without a clear reason.
- Air bubbles or unusual noises in the pump system.
Evaporating vs. leaking
- Evaporation typically causes water loss of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch daily, depending on weather and pool usage.
- If your pool loses significantly more than this—even without heavy swimming activity—it’s worth investigating further.
Being proactive and knowing the signs can save you time and money in the long run. Once you spot anything unusual, testing for a leak is the next step.
Testing for Pool Leaks
If you’ve noticed signs of a potential pool leak, a few easy tests can help you determine if water loss is more than evaporation or splashing.
These tests won’t replace a professional inspection, but they can help you decide whether further action is needed.
The bucket test is a simple way to rule out evaporation:
- Fill a bucket with water and place it on a pool step, partially submerged.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool waterline outside the bucket.
- Wait 24-48 hours and compare the results.
- If the pool water drops noticeably more than the bucket’s water, there’s a good chance of a leak.
Quickly scan for obvious signs before calling for an inspection:
- Wet spots or puddles around the pool’s edge.
- Visible cracks in the pool structure or decking.
- Areas where tiles are loose or damaged.
What Causes a Pool to Leak?
Understanding why pool leaks occur can help you prevent future issues and address problems effectively! Leaks can develop from various factors, often related to wear, structural damage, or issues with plumbing and equipment.
Structural Problems
- Cracks in the Pool Shell: Over time, the pool’s surface can develop cracks from natural ground movement or wear, allowing water to escape.
- Shifting Soil: Changes in soil conditions, such as settling or erosion, can stress the pool structure and lead to leaks.
- Aging Materials: Older pools are more prone to leaks as materials like plaster, tile, and concrete deteriorate with time.
Plumbing Issues
- Underground Pipe Leaks: The network of pipes that circulate water is vulnerable to leaks due to corrosion, tree roots, or shifting soil.
- Broken Connections: Pipes connecting to the pool’s skimmer, returns, or drains can loosen or crack, causing slow but consistent leaks.
Equipment Failures
- Worn Seals and Gaskets: The seals in pumps, filters, and heaters can degrade over time, allowing water to seep out.
- Damaged Valves or Connections: Equipment connections or valves that are loose or cracked can lead to water loss.
Everyday Wear and Tear
Even well-maintained pools can experience leaks from normal use:
- High Traffic Areas: Frequent use around ladders, slides, or steps can weaken the surrounding structure.
- Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature, UV exposure, or chemical imbalances can gradually weaken pool materials.
Addressing the root cause of a leak requires expertise and specialized tools. While some leaks are minor, others may indicate larger structural or plumbing issues that require professional evaluation to ensure long-term fixes.
What to Do if You Think There’s a Leak
If you’ve noticed signs of a potential pool leak, acting quickly can help minimize water waste and prevent more serious damage.
While some small issues might seem manageable on your own, the best course of action is to get a professional assessment to confirm the problem and avoid unnecessary guesswork.
1) Avoid DIY Repairs
It can be tempting to try patching visible cracks or addressing suspected leaks yourself. However, without the right tools or expertise, DIY fixes often provide only a temporary solution and may even make the issue worse.
2) Try to Limit Damage
- Lower water levels slightly if the leak is severe, but avoid draining the pool completely without guidance from an expert.
- Note any visible damage, such as cracks or wet spots, to share with an inspector.
- Monitor the water loss rate to help identify the severity of the problem.
3) Schedule a Professional Inspection
A professional pool inspection is the most reliable way to pinpoint the cause of a leak. Inspectors use specialized tools to detect hidden issues, like underground plumbing leaks or structural weaknesses, that are difficult to spot with the naked eye.
Adding a pool inspection to your home inspection is a smart step to ensure every part of your property is in top condition. Pool leaks can stem from complex issues like plumbing systems or structural damage that require expertise to address correctly.
Expert inspectors can identify not just the symptoms of a leak but also the underlying causes, helping you avoid repeated repairs and costly water damage. If you suspect a leak, trust a pro to give you the full picture and recommend the best solution.
Other Maintenance Tips for Pool Health
Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing leaks and keeping your pool in great condition. By being proactive, you’ll save time, money, and unnecessary frustration.
- Examine regularly: Look for cracks, loose tiles, or shifting surfaces around your pool. Catching small issues early can prevent larger, more expensive repairs.
- Maintain balanced water chemistry: Imbalanced chemicals can wear down pool surfaces, causing leaks over time. Regular testing ensures your pool remains safe and its materials stay intact.
- Keep an eye on equipment: Check your pump, filter, and valves for visible wear or drips. Well-maintained equipment lasts longer and operates more efficiently.
- Schedule annual checkups: A professional pool inspection once a year can identify potential problems before they turn into serious issues.
Routine care is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring your pool remains a source of enjoyment, not stress.
When to Call a Professional
There are times when only a trained eye and specialized tools can accurately assess a pool leak. Calling in a professional can save you from misdiagnosing the issue and wasting time or money on ineffective fixes.
- Persistent water loss: If at-home tests confirm water loss beyond normal evaporation, it’s time for expert help.
- Visible damage: Cracks, broken tiles, or other structural issues often require professional attention to repair correctly.
- Complex leaks: Leaks from plumbing or equipment are best handled by inspectors who have the tools to locate and address hidden problems.
Conclusion
A pool leak may seem like a small issue at first, but catching it early can make a big difference. By knowing the warning signs, testing for leaks, and prioritizing regular maintenance, you protect your pool from damage and keep it running smoothly.
If you suspect a leak or want to prevent one, scheduling a professional pool inspection is a smart choice. At Waypoint Inspection, our experts can identify leaks and help you maintain your pool and property with confidence—contact us today for a complete inspection in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.
