You walk out to your backyard oasis and notice the water level looks lower than it did yesterday. Is it just evaporation from the intense Florida sun, or is something worse happening below the surface? A leaking pool is stressful for any homeowner in Jacksonville or Central Florida. It wastes water, drives up your utility bills, and can damage your home's foundation if you don't catch it fast.
Finding a leak early saves you thousands in repairs. We've seen small drips turn into massive structural failures because they were ignored for too long. If you suspect your pool is losing water, you need to act quickly to protect your investment.
How Do I Know If My Pool Is Leaking?
A pool naturally loses about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day due to evaporation. If you're losing more than that, or if you see wet spots in your yard near the equipment, you likely have a leak. Air bubbles shooting out of return jets are another clear sign that air is getting into your system.
Before calling a pro, you can try the "bucket test." Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and set it on your pool steps. Mark the water level on the inside of the bucket and the pool water level on the outside. Wait 24 hours. If the pool water drops more than the water inside the bucket, you have a leak.
Other common signs include:
- Cracks in the pool deck or bond beam.
- Tiles falling off the waterline.
- Algae growth that returns immediately after treatment.
- Your automatic filler runs constantly.
What Are the Best Ways to Fix a Leaking Pool?
The right fix depends entirely on the source of the leak. Structural cracks often require staples or hydraulic cement to seal the concrete shell permanently. Vinyl liners with tears usually need patching or full replacement. For older concrete pools with widespread surface issues, a complete pool resurfacing is often the most cost-effective long-term solution.
Leak Detection
We use specialized listening devices and pressure testing equipment to pinpoint leaks underground or within the plumbing. This lets us find the problem without digging up your entire yard.
Crack Repair
Structural cracks are serious. We often use carbon fiber staples to stitch the crack back together. This prevents the crack from reopening and restores the structural integrity of the shell.
Plumbing Repairs
Leaks often happen at the equipment pad or underground where pipes join together. Fixing these might involve cutting out a section of PVC pipe and replacing it. In our 30+ years of experience, we find that tree roots are a common culprit for broken underground pipes in older Jacksonville neighborhoods like San Marco or Mandarin.
Why Should I Hire a Local Florida Expert?
Florida's sandy soil and high water table create unique challenges that out-of-state contractors might miss. Local pros understand how our heavy summer rains affect soil stability around your pool shell. We also know local codes in places like Ponte Vedra Beach and Orange Park to keep your repairs compliant.
When you need pool repair Jacksonville Florida residents trust, local experience matters. The soil composition here shifts significantly between wet and dry seasons. A contractor who doesn't understand this might use the wrong fill material or skip necessary stabilization steps. This leads to deck settling and pipe fractures down the road.
We also know how to handle the specific wear and tear caused by our climate. The UV index here is brutal on pool finishes. We recommend materials that stand up to 12 months of sun exposure, not just seasonal use.
Is It Time for a Pool Renovation?
Sometimes a leak is just a symptom of a pool that has reached the end of its useful life. If your pool is over 15 years old and has multiple leaks or worn-out equipment, a full pool renovation might save you money over constant patch repairs. Updating your finish and tile now prevents future structural damage.
Think about it this way. If you patch one leak today, another might pop up next month because the entire system is aging. A renovation resolves the underlying issues. Plus, it gives you a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment. Modern variable speed pumps can cut your energy costs by up to 80%. That monthly savings adds up quickly.
How Much Does Pool Repair Cost in Jacksonville?
Basic leak detection services often start around $300 to $500. Structural repairs vary widely, but a standard plaster resurface typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Premium finishes like Pebble Tec cost between $9,000 and $18,000 but last 20+ years. The final price depends on your pool's size and the extent of the damage.
We know cost is a big factor for homeowners. When you look for pool repair Jacksonville Florida, you want transparent pricing. Here are a few other costs to keep in mind:
- Pump Replacement: $800 to $2,500 depending on the model.
- Tile Replacement: Prices vary based on the tile you choose, but replacing outdated tile prevents water from getting behind the beam.
- Permits: Local permits for structural work typically cost between $100 and $300.
We provide a detailed written estimate before we start any work. You won't get hit with surprise fees at the end of the job.
How Can I Prevent Future Pool Leaks?
Maintain proper water chemistry to prevent your pool finish from deteriorating prematurely. Keep the water level at the midpoint of the skimmer to ensure the pump doesn't run dry and overheat. Inspect your equipment pad monthly for small drips before they turn into major plumbing failures.
Your pool finish is the waterproof barrier for your pool structure. If your pH is constantly too low (acidic), it eats away at the plaster. This creates a rough texture and eventually exposes the gunite underneath, leading to leaks.
Also, watch your trees. Roots are powerful. If you have large oaks near your pool cage or equipment, their roots can wrap around plumbing lines and crush them. Keep large vegetation cut back from the pool area.
When to Call a Pro for Help
If you lose more than 1/4 inch of water a day, call a professional immediately. Waiting allows the water to wash away the soil supporting your pool shell or deck. This turns a simple repair into a major structural nightmare.
We handle everything from minor equipment fixes to major structural overhauls. If you need pool repair Jacksonville Florida or anywhere in the surrounding area, we have the team and the tools to get it done right.
Don't let a leak drain your wallet. Contact All Phase Pool Remodeling, Inc at (888) 714-7665 today for a free estimate.