Is Your Pool Losing Water? 7 Signs of a Leak

 

There's nothing quite like a backyard pool on a hot Florida day. It’s your private oasis, a place to relax, cool off, and create memories with family and friends. However, that sense of tranquility can quickly disappear when you suspect your pool is losing water. While some water loss from evaporation is normal, a significant drop in the water level often points to a more serious problem: a leak.

Ignoring a pool leak can lead to more than just a higher water bill. It can cause serious structural damage to your pool, its foundation, and even surrounding property. Identifying a leak early is crucial to preventing costly repairs down the line. This guide will walk you through the common signs of a pool leak, explain how to confirm if you have one, and discuss what to do if you need professional pool repair in the Orlando, FL area.

Normal Water Loss vs. a Pool Leak

Before panicking, it’s important to understand the difference between normal evaporation and a potential leak. In sunny Orlando, FL, it's common for a pool to lose up to a quarter-inch of water per day due to evaporation, especially during the hot summer months. Wind can also increase the rate of water loss.

However, if you're consistently adding more than two inches of water to your pool each week, you likely have a leak. A simple way to check this is with the bucket test.

The Bucket Test: A DIY Leak Detection Method

The bucket test is a reliable way to determine if water loss is due to evaporation or a leak. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a 5-gallon plastic bucket with pool water, leaving about two inches of space at the top.
2. Place the bucket on the top step of your pool, ensuring the water level inside the bucket is the same as the pool water level outside of it.
3. Mark the water level on both the inside and outside of the bucket with a waterproof marker or a piece of tape.
4. Turn off your pool pump and any auto-fill devices.
5. Wait 24 hours and then check the water levels.

If the water level in the pool has dropped more than the water level inside the bucket, you almost certainly have a leak. If both levels have dropped by the same amount, your water loss is likely just due to evaporation.

7 Common Signs of a Pool Leak

If the bucket test confirms your suspicions, it's time to play detective. Leaks can occur in the pool's structure, plumbing, or equipment. Here are seven signs to look for.

1. Cracks in the Pool Shell or Deck

Visible cracks are one of the most obvious signs of a potential leak. Inspect the plaster, fiberglass, or vinyl liner of your pool shell. Small spiderweb cracks in the plaster might just be superficial, but larger, deeper cracks are a major concern. Also, examine the concrete or paver deck around your pool. Cracks here could be a sign that a plumbing leak underneath is eroding the soil and causing the deck to shift and settle.

2. Loose or Falling Tiles

The decorative tiles at your pool's waterline are held in place by grout and cement. If you notice tiles that are loose, have fallen off, or have gaps in the grout, water may be seeping out through these weak spots. This is a common issue, particularly in older pools where the materials have started to degrade.

3. Soggy Spots or Lush Patches of Grass in Your Yard

Is there an area in your yard that’s always wet or mushy, even when it hasn’t rained? Or perhaps you've noticed one patch of grass that's greener and growing faster than the rest. These are classic signs of an underground plumbing leak. Water escaping from a broken pipe is saturating the ground, creating a perfect environment for lush growth or a perpetually soggy lawn.

4. Algae Growth and Water Discoloration

A constant influx of fresh, untreated water from a leak can dilute your pool's chemicals. This imbalance makes it difficult to maintain proper chlorine and pH levels, creating an ideal breeding ground for algae. If you find yourself battling persistent algae blooms or notice your water is frequently cloudy or green despite regular chemical treatments, a leak could be the underlying cause.

5. Air Bubbles in the Pump or Return Lines

When your pool pump is running, check the return jets for air bubbles. Bubbles coming out of the return lines often indicate a leak on the suction side of your plumbing system (the pipes that pull water from the pool to the pump). The leak allows air to be drawn into the system, which can reduce the efficiency of your pump and filtration.

6. Unstable Water Chemistry

As mentioned with algae, a leak can make it nearly impossible to keep your pool chemistry balanced. If you're constantly adding chemicals to maintain safe and clean water, it’s a strong indicator that treated water is escaping and being replaced by fresh, unchlorinated water. This not only costs you more in chemicals but also puts a strain on your pool equipment.

7. Higher-Than-Normal Water Bills

One of the most telling signs of a pool leak is a sudden and unexplained spike in your water bill. If your water usage habits haven't changed but your bill has shot up, it's time to investigate. The cost of constantly refilling a leaking pool can add up quickly, making the cost of a professional pool repair a worthwhile investment.

When to Call a Professional

While the bucket test and visual inspections can help you confirm a leak, pinpointing its exact location can be tricky. Pool leaks can originate from multiple places, including:

• The pool shell: Cracks in the plaster or tears in the vinyl liner.
• The plumbing system: Broken underground pipes, faulty fittings, or loose connections.
• The equipment pad: Leaks in the pump, filter, heater, or valves.

Finding and fixing these leaks often requires specialized equipment and expertise. Professional leak detection services use advanced tools like electronic listening devices, pressure testing equipment, and dye testing to accurately locate the source of the leak without causing unnecessary damage to your pool or property.

Your Orlando, FL Pool Repair Experts

Don't let a pool leak drain your wallet and ruin your backyard oasis. Paying close attention to these signs can help you catch a problem early and prevent more extensive damage. If you suspect a leak or have noticed any of the warning signs discussed, taking action is the best next step.

If you need professional pool repair in Orlando, FL, contact All Phase Pool Remodeling today. Our team of experienced technicians uses state-of-the-art technology to accurately detect and repair any type of pool leak. We are committed to restoring your pool to perfect condition so you can get back to enjoying it. Call us for a free estimate and let us help you protect your investment.