Pool Leak Detection Guide
If you’ve noticed your pool losing more water than normal, it could be due to differing weather conditions or simply more evaporation. Worst case, you have a leak. Let’s take a look at where leaks most commonly occur and how you can locate them.
How Does Pool Leak Detection Work?
The first step of the leak detection process will include either a visual inspection, dye test, or bucket test. All of these are designed to identify water loss and where the leakage is occurring. These methods will help determine if a leak truly exists and where it originates from.
Pool professionals utilize advanced techniques, such as pressure testing and electronic acoustic devices, in order to find these leaks. Their tools will pinpoint the leak’s exact location, allowing for precise repairs and the prevention of further water loss.
Common Pool Leaks
Some of the most common areas to locate pool leaks include the following listed below.
Light Leaks
Lighting in inground pools is a common leak location. Oftentimes, the conduit pipe can separate from its niche. This usually results in a slow leak, but it is still something to inspect.
Skimmer Leaks
Check around the skimmer if you suspect a leak, as this is the most common area with this issue. Where the skimmer meets the pool surface is often where it separates more than it should.
This small gap can be caused by debris caught in between or in a skimmer crack. It can also be the result of normal wear and tear or weather.
Shell Leaks
Pool shell leaks can happen in any kind of pool, unfortunately. Vinyl liners may separate or tear, or they can leak around fittings like drains, returns, and lights.
Even concrete pool shells can crack sometimes. Fiberglass shells can also crack over time.
Plumbing Leaks
It is possible to have a leak in the underground plumbing. In most cases, though, the pipes are quite easy to access.
This doesn’t happen very often, but it’s more likely to occur in severe climates. This is especially the case in areas with harsh winters.
Pool Leak Warning Signs
There are a few signs that all homeowners can check for that may indicate a pool leak.
Loss Of Water
Water loss is the obvious sign of leakage. Always keep in mind, though, you will lose some water due to evaporation, particularly in the hot Arizona summers.
Higher Water Bills
If your water is seeping out enough to make your water bill increase noticeably, a leak repair is called for immediately.
Many pool owners opt to have automatic fill devices that keep the levels where they need to be. You may not notice the leak until you see the bill.
Algae Growth
If you do have an automatic fill device, all the new water could be messing with your pool chemistry. This could ultimately dilute the sanitizer.
When this occurs, algae could start to grow.
Cracking Or Moving Tiles
The ground around the pool shifts naturally. However, there could be a leak if you see a lot of gaps or cracks in the tile.
This can be caused by an excess of water in the surrounding soil.
Backyard Puddles
Puddles appearing in the yard is an obvious indication of a leak, especially when there has been no recent precipitation.
How To Detect Pool Leaks Yourself
There are a couple methods you can use to investigate a pool leak when suspected. Leaks occurring underground often call for the pool professionals, though.
Let’s take a look at two common DIY methods to find a leak.
Bucket Method
This is the easiest and most popular leak detection method because it ultimately rules out evaporation as an explanation. With this method, you’ll put a 5-gallon bucket of water next to the pool. Then, mark the line in the bucket and pool and turn the pool pump off entirely.
Once 24 hours have passed, you’ll know you have a leak if the pool loses more water than the bucket. It’s likely just normal water loss if both seem to have lost the same amount.
Ink Method
This method involves using a leak finder dye or dark food coloring. However, the ink method only works if you have a general idea of where the leak may be coming from.
Make sure to wear goggles to clearly perform this method underwater. Simply squirt the dye close to the wall where you suspect the leak is coming from. If you are close to the leak’s location, the dye will start to move toward it and eventually seep through it.
DIY Vs Professional Pool Leak Detection
The overall cost of professional pool leak detection will depend on the specific type of pool, detection method, source of the leak, and liner material. Leaks that are hard to locate or inground pool leaks will cost more than simply patching up a small leak on an above-ground pool.
As mentioned, homeowners can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $100-$1,000 for this pool service. Let’s look at the differences between the pool types below.
Above-Gound Pools
Most above-ground pools will cost between $100-$500 for leak detection services. Leaks are much easier to find with this pool type since everything is quite easy to see and access.
Inground Pools
Inground pools are ultimately more expensive to inspect due to the complex plumbing and accessibility. Most homeowners can expect to pay $400-$1,000 for leak detection.
Here is a quick comparison of average leak detection costs:
| Type Of Pool | Average Costs |
| Above-Ground Pool | $100-$500 |
| Inground Pool | $400-$1,000 |
Pool Leak Repair By Brian’s Pool Care
Brian’s Pool Care offers solutions to any pool problem you may be experiencing in Ahwatukee, AZ. Give us a call today at 480-907-7959 for more information or to schedule pool services.
