Signs You Have a Pool Leak
- 1
Excessive Water Loss:
Significant weekly water loss requiring frequent refilling.
- 2
Air in Return Jets or Pump Priming Issues (Inground Pools):
Air bubbles from pool return jets or consistent pump priming loss, indicating potential underground pipe leaks.
- 3
Visible Pool Body Cracks (Concrete or Fiberglass Pools):
Structural cracks in concrete or fiberglass pool body, indicating potential water leakage.
- 4
Cracked Pool Components (Skimmer, Returns, Lights, Steps):
Cracks or damage to pool skimmer, return fittings, underwater lights, or steps leading to water escape.
- 5
Pool Deck Movement (Sinking or Lifting):
Sinking or lifting pool deck or upright posts, suggesting potential ground shifts and leaks in inground or aboveground pools.
- 6
Saturated Soil Around Pool:
Consistently soggy or waterlogged soil surrounding the pool area, indicating possible water seepage.
Diagnosing Potential Pool Water Loss:
Equipment Area Leaks (Waste Line):
Problem: Valve heads and valves can fail internally and allow water to pump through a “WASTE” line without visual indication.
Check: With the pump running, inspect the backwash or discharge hose for unexpected water flow.
Action: If water is present, contact our Service Department with your equipment details for repair options.
Visual Crack Inspection (Dye Test):
Purpose: To confirm leaks at visible cracks.
Procedure: Apply a dye (e.g., phenol red from a water test kit) near the crack using a dropper or syringe. Observe if the dye is drawn into the crack.
Note: This test is for visible cracks only.
Evaporation Assessment:
Normal Evaporation: There are various ways to lose heat in your swimming pool. Expect approximately 1/4 inch of water loss daily due to evaporation.
Factors Increasing Evaporation:
- Larger pool surface area.
- High wind conditions.
- Significant temperature fluctuations (hot days, cold nights).
- Heating the pool without a solar blanket at night.
- Lack of shade around the pool.
- Excessive splashing (e.g., cannonballs).
Liner Inspection:
Check for:
- Visible tears or unusual areas in the liner.
- New wrinkles in the liner.
- Liner puffing out from the pool wall.
Liner Age: How old is your liner? Ask us about any liner concerns.
Underground Lines and Main Drain:
Diagnostic Question: Does your pool lose more water with the pump running than when it’s off?
Confirmation Test: Conduct the Bucket Test to determine if the leak is in the underground lines or main drain.
