No matter what kind of swimming pool you have, there’s always the potential for a leak. Sometimes the presence of a leak will be obvious, but that’s not always the case; in fact, it’s fairly unlikely. Leaks can occur not only in swimming pools but also in other in-ground water features; leaks can also occur in smaller features such as hot tubs. If a leak goes unchecked, it will require repairs in order to avoid extensive problems such as flooding, ground saturation, and continual water waste.
Causes of Leaks
While there are some type-specific issues relating to swimming pool leaks, there are basic causes that relate to all types of in-ground pools, whether those are fiberglass, gunite, or vinyl liner pools. First, leaks can be caused by problems with the motor and pump. Second, leaks can occur due to broken plumbing beneath the deck of the pool. Third, leaks can result from loose fittings on accessories such as railings and tiles. Fourth, pool leaks can come from general wear and tear that affects the surface of the pool.
Ways to Discover Leaks
A tell-tale sign of a leaking pool can be saturation of the ground surrounding the pool or significant water loss within the pool. If the leak is within the pool itself — rather than in the plumbing, pump, or motor — finding its precise source can be difficult. Doing so will require carefully examining the movement of the water and then diving into the pool while wearing goggles in order to further investigate the swimming pool’s surfaces to try to discover any abnormalities. Sometimes people use food dye in order to view the direction of water flow. If you’re able to discover the leak on your own and it’s a small one, you might be able to patch it up using a standard swimming pool patch kit, which typically costs about $20. Be sure to follow the included instructions carefully in order to ensure a successful repair.
If DIY methods of finding the leak in your swimming pool are unsuccessful, you can hire a professional to find and patch up the leak. Before the appointment, you’ll want to make sure to remove any pool toys or debris in the water and be certain the water is clear and safe for someone to enter it. You should expect to pay upwards of $300 for a professional to come out to find and repair a leak in your swimming pool.
In addition to general causes and remedies for swimming pool leaks, there are some types of leaks that are specific to what kind of in-ground swimming pool you have. We’ll take a look at those type-specific leaks and repair methods in Part 2.
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Sources Cited for this Series:
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/swimming-pools-hot-tubs-and-saunas/repair-a-swimming-pool/
https://blog.aquamanleakdetection.com/why-is-my-pool-leaking-top-causes-of-in-ground-pool-leaks
It’s helpful to know that we’d hire a professional to find leaks in our swimming pool. My wife and I suspect we have a pool leak because our water bills have been increasing month after month. We’ll follow your advice about checking for water leaks today and call a professional to repair them.