Let’s face it, owning a pool is a blast, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. One of the biggest headaches pool owners face is dealing with leaks. The tricky part? Pool leaks aren’t always as obvious as you might think. While a giant crack with water gushing out would be easy to spot, most pool leaks start small and sneaky. The good news is that catching these problems early can save you thousands in repairs and prevent major damage to your property.
Water Level Changes You Can’t Ignore
The most obvious signs of a pool leak show up in your water level. Sure, every pool loses some water to evaporation, especially during those hot summer months. But if you’re adding more than a couple of inches of water each week, something’s probably up. Here’s a simple test: fill your pool to its normal level and mark it. Check back in 24 hours and if it’s dropped more than a quarter-inch, you might have a leak on your hands.
Want to be really sure? Try the bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on your pool steps (keep the rim a few inches above the water). Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool’s water level on the outside. Wait 24 hours and compare the levels. If the pool level has dropped more than the bucket’s water level, you’ve likely got a leak.
Suspicious Changes Around Your Pool Area
Take a walk around your pool area – what you see might surprise you. Soggy spots in your yard, especially on one side of the pool, are huge red flags. Keep an eye out for cracks in your deck or concrete that seem to be getting bigger. If you notice unusually green patches of grass or random algae growth where there shouldn’t be any, that’s your pool water feeding the plant life.
Equipment and Operation Red Flags
Your pool’s equipment can tell you a lot about what’s going on underwater. Notice air bubbles shooting out of your return jets when the pump is running? That’s not normal, and it could mean you’ve got a suction-side leak. If your pump seems to be struggling to maintain pressure or keeps needing to be reprimed, that’s another warning sign.
Hidden Signs Inside Your Home
Sometimes the evidence shows up where you least expect it, like inside your house. Been getting water bills that are much higher than usual? A leaking pool can send your water usage through the roof. If you’ve got a basement, check for new moisture or unexplained dampness, especially on the pool side of your house.
Chemical and Maintenance Changes
If you feel like you’re dumping endless chemicals into your pool but can’t keep the balance right, a leak might be the culprit. When you’re constantly adding fresh water to make up for losses, you’re diluting your chemicals faster than normal. This means more frequent chemical adjustments and frustrating algae battles.
What to Do When You Spot These Signs
First things first, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Start keeping a log of what you’re noticing and when. Take pictures of any suspicious areas and track how much water you’re adding to your pool. This information will be super helpful when you call in a pro.
Speaking of pros, while some leaks might be DIY fixable, most need expert attention. A professional leak detection service can use specialized equipment to pinpoint exactly where your leak is, saving you time and money in the long run.
Prevention Tips
The best way to handle pool leaks is to prevent them in the first place. Regular maintenance checks can catch problems before they become disasters. Pay special attention to your pool during opening and closing seasons, and don’t skip those professional inspections.
Remember, your pool is an investment in your home and family’s enjoyment. Keeping an eye out for these warning signs and acting quickly when you spot them will help ensure many more years of splashing good times. If you’re noticing any of these red flags, don’t wait and get it checked out. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
