Identifying a Pool Leak

After years of enjoying your pool, you may start to notice that the water level is down a little bit more than usual in the mornings.  Maybe you notice that your water bill has been creeping up.  Perhaps you noticed a mushy area in your yard that never seems to dry.  If so, you may have a pool leak.

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a pool leak and water loss through natural evaporation or normal use.  A big leak will be obvious, but smaller leaks are a little more subtle.  If you are not sure that your pool is leaking, try using the bucket test.

Fill a large bucket with pool water to just below the rim and place the bucket on a step in the pool so that the rim of the bucket is at least six inches higher than the pool level.  Put a couple rocks or bricks in the bucket to keep it from floating away.  Use a grease pencil or magic marker to mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level on the outside off the bucket.

After at least 24 hours, compare the drop in water level inside the bucket with the drop in the pool water level marked on the outside of the bucket.  If the pool water level has dropped more than the level inside the bucket, you probably have a pool leak.

If you think you have a pool leak, call a local pool service with experience in pool leak detection and repair.  They have specialized tools and equipment to confirm, find, and repair pool leaks.

Pool Leaks

Almost every pool or spa will develop a leak at some point.  Pool leaks can be difficult to find because a leak can be coming from many different sources.  Pools usually leak around fitting such as drains, skimmers, and light fixtures, but leaks can also develop in floors, walls, and plumbing.

If you notice that your pool is losing water faster than normal, take some comfort in knowing that you are not the first pool owner to have this problem.  There are many excellent pool service companies that have experience with pool leak detection and they will be able to find and repair any leaks in your pool.

With that said, don’t underestimate the seriousness of a pool leak.  Even a small crack or hole can leak hundreds of gallons of water each day.  Replacing this lost water can get expensive and also make it more difficult to keep the proper balance of chemicals in your pool.

More importantly, pool leaks cause underground soil erosion that can be a very serious problem. Most pools are located near the home and erosion around the foundation of your home can cause serious structural problems.  Underground erosion can cause the ground to settle and lead to cracked, broken or sunken pool decking, driveways, and walkways.

Leaking pool water can infiltrate septic systems and leak into basements, crawlspaces, and below ground level living space causing further structural damage, mold, and mildew.

In short, don’t just keep adding water to a leaking pool or spa.  Call a reputable local pool service company with experience in finding and fixing leaks.  They have the experience and specialized equipment to find that leak and get it fixed right.