A dripping faucet in your house is annoying. A leaking pool might seem like a similar nuisance – just add more water, right? But while that dripping faucet might cost you a few dollars a month, even a small pool leak can lead to serious problems that go far beyond your water bill.
Understanding Pool Leaks
Pool leaks can develop almost anywhere in your pool system. The most common spots include the skimmer connections, light fixtures, or plumbing joints. Sometimes, cracks develop in the pool shell itself.
What makes these leaks particularly troublesome is that they’re so hard to spot. Losing just an inch or two of water per week might seem normal, especially during the scorching summer season when evaporation is high.
But here’s where it gets complicated. That water isn’t just disappearing – it’s going somewhere. As it seeps into the surrounding soil, it starts a chain reaction of problems that can negatively affect your entire property.
Escalating Problems
When pool water consistently leaks into the surrounding soil, it starts to erode the structural base around your pool. Over time, this erosion can create voids beneath your pool deck or the pool itself. You might not notice anything at first, but eventually, these voids can lead to deck settling, cracking, or even structural damage to the pool.
The problems don’t stop there. That leaking water often follows the path of least resistance, which might lead it toward your home’s foundation. Water that consistently flows against your foundation can cause serious structural issues over time. It can also create perfect breeding ground for mold in crawl spaces or basements.
Your landscaping suffers, too. Areas receiving excess water from pool leaks might develop soggy spots that kill grass and other plants. Meanwhile, the chemicals in pool water can affect soil pH, making it hard for plants to thrive. You might notice unexplained dead patches or areas of unusually lush growth where the leak is feeding extra water to certain spots.
The Financial Impact
The cost of ignoring a pool leak compounds over time. First, there’s the obvious increase in your water bill. Even a small leak of one inch per week can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. You’re also paying to heat and chemically treat water that’s literally going down the drain.
Your pool equipment has to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs and shorter equipment life spans. Some homeowners even face decreased property values when serious pool problems are discovered during home inspections.
However, the real expenses come from addressing the damage caused by long-term leaking. Repairing eroded pool foundations, fixing cracked decking, or addressing soil stability issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If the leak has affected your home’s foundation, the repair costs can get even higher.
Taking Action
The key to preventing these problems is early detection and repair. It helps to know what signs to look out for and when to call in professionals.
Water Loss Exceeding Normal Evaporation
This is one of the most obvious signs of a pool leak. While all pools lose some water to evaporation, anything more than ¼ inch per day could indicate a problem. Keep in mind that evaporation rates vary based on weather conditions, humidity, and whether you use a pool cover.
Cracks Or Gaps In Pool Surfaces
Visual inspections can reveal a lot. Look for cracks or gaps in your pool’s surface, especially around fittings and features. Check your tile line regularly and see if there are loose or settling tiles. This often means water is getting behind the pool’s shell. Don’t ignore small cracks because they rarely stay small for long.
Constantly Running Auto-Fill Systems
If your auto-fill system is running more frequently than usual, that’s a red flag. A properly functioning pool shouldn’t need constant topping off. Some homeowners don’t realize they have a leak because their auto-fill system masks the problem by continuously replacing lost water.
Air Bubbles In Your Return Lines
Equipment issues can also point to leaks. Air bubbles in your return lines usually mean your system is drawing in air somewhere, often through a leak in the plumbing. Listen for unusual noises from your pump – gurgling or sucking sounds might indicate air in the system.
Soggy Spots In Your Yard
Soggy spots that don’t dry out, especially during dry weather, often indicate underground leaks. Watch for areas where grass grows unusually well or where the ground feels spongy. These spots typically appear downhill from your pool.
Algae Growth That Returns Quickly After Treatment
Persistent algae problems, despite proper chemical treatment, might mean you’re constantly losing treated water and replacing it with fresh water. This dilutes your chemicals and creates perfect conditions for algae growth.
When to Get Professional Services
If you suspect a leak, don’t wait any longer. Swimming pool leak detection services can quickly locate the source of the problem using specialized equipment. While leak detection and repair might seem expensive, it’s far less costly than dealing with the structural damage that can develop over time. You should also have your pool inspected annually by a qualified professional who can see potential problems before they become serious.
Keep detailed records of your pool’s water level and chemical use. This information can help you distinguish between normal evaporation and actual leaks, and it can be valuable if you need to make an insurance claim related to pool damage.
The Bottom Line
That small pool leak might not seem like a big deal today but left unchecked, it can lead to bigger problems. That affects not just your pool but your entire property.
What starts as a few extra dollars on your water bill can escalate into serious structural issues that threaten your home’s foundation, damage your landscaping, and turn your backyard oasis into a source of constant worry. The choice is simple: address leaks early or risk watching your investment slowly drain away.