A pool is a great investment, providing relaxation, exercise, and entertainment for your family and friends. But when something seems off—like a drop in water level, unexplained increases in water bills, or constant chemical imbalances—it’s natural to wonder if your pool might have a leak. Pool leaks aren’t just an inconvenience; they can lead to costly water loss, damage to your pool’s structure, and increased chemical usage. So, how can you tell if your pool is leaking, and what should you do if it is? Let’s dive in.
Common Signs of a Pool Leak
- Unexplained Water Loss: While some water loss is normal due to evaporation and splash-out, a significant drop in your pool’s water level over a short period could be a sign of a leak. Typically, pools lose up to 1/2 inch of water per day due to evaporation especially in our hot and dry climate. If you’re losing more than that, especially when the weather isn’t particularly hot or windy, it’s worth investigating further.
- Auto-Leveler Constantly On: When your pool auto-level is running, you can typically hear it near the pool - it sounds like a hose that it turned on. If you don't have a leak, your auto-leveler will turn on periodically to replace water lost due to evaporation. But if you constantly hear your leveler running, you are likely losing water faster than evaporation, indicating a leak.
- Increased Water Bills: A sudden spike in your water bill could indicate that your pool is losing water faster than usual, causing you to refill it more often. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, leading to a noticeable increase in your water consumption.
- Chemical Imbalances: If you find yourself adding chemicals more frequently than usual, it might be because your pool water is leaking, throwing off the balance. Leaks can cause dilution, requiring you to add more chemicals to maintain the proper levels.
- Wet Spots Around the Pool: Puddles or soggy areas around your pool, especially near the equipment pad, could indicate a leak. Water escaping from the pool or its plumbing might saturate the ground, causing wet spots to appear.
- Air in the Pump System: Bubbles in your pool’s return lines or a noisy pump could be signs of a suction-side leak. If air is getting into the system, it usually means there’s a leak somewhere between the pool and the pump.
- Visible Cracks or Falling Tiles: Cracks in the pool’s surface or loose tiles might suggest that water is escaping through the pool’s structure. This can be especially concerning as it may indicate more significant structural issues.
How We Detect Pool Leaks
Leak detection is a specialized process that requires a combination of experience, skill, and the right tools. At Splash Mob Pools, we use a comprehensive approach to find leaks quickly and accurately:
- Visual Inspection: We start with a thorough visual inspection of your pool and surrounding area, looking for obvious signs of leaks such as cracks, wet spots, or loose tiles.
- Static Testing with Dye: Using a special dye, we can identify leaks in the pool structure. The dye is carefully applied near suspected leak points, and if there’s a leak, the dye will be drawn into the crack or hole, making it visible.
- Acoustic Detection: With advanced technology, we use acoustic detection to listen for the sound of water escaping from the pool. This method is particularly effective for finding leaks in underground plumbing or other hidden areas.
- Pressure Testing: If a plumbing leak is suspected, we perform pressure testing on the pool’s lines. This involves isolating each line and pressurizing it to check for pressure drops, which would indicate a leak.
What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to take action quickly. Ignoring a potential leak can lead to more significant problems down the line, including structural damage and higher repair costs. Here’s what you should do:
- Monitor the Water Level: Keep an eye on your pool’s water level for a few days to see if it continues to drop. If it does, a leak is likely.
- Perform a Bucket Test: A simple bucket test can help you determine if your pool is losing water due to a leak or just evaporation. Place a bucket filled with water on a pool step, making sure the water level inside the bucket matches the pool’s water level. Turn your pool's auto-leveler off, if you have one. After 24 hours, compare the levels. If the pool water has dropped more than the water in the bucket, you probably have a leak.
- Contact a Professional: If you suspect a leak, it’s best to contact a professional pool service company like Splash Mob Pools. We have the tools and expertise to accurately locate and repair leaks, saving you time, water, and money.
Don’t Let a Leak Drain Your Pool and Your Wallet
A pool leak is more than just a nuisance—it’s a problem that can escalate quickly if not addressed. By staying vigilant and recognizing the signs of a leak early, you can prevent more serious issues and keep your pool in great shape. If you think your pool might be leaking, don’t hesitate to reach out to Splash Mob Pools. Our team is ready to help you diagnose and fix the problem, so you can get back to enjoying your pool without worry.
