How to tell if your pool has a leak

When the faucet in the kitchen or bathroom has a leak, it’s usually pretty easy to see (and hear) the signs… drip, drip. But when a swimming pool has a leak, it can actually go undetected for some time and often takes the trained eye of a pool service and repair professional to discover the leak itself — and then its source. Aquaman Pools shares ways that pool owners can discern whether they may have a leak in their pool.

Water Around the Pool — Okay, this one’s pretty easy. If there is standing water around the pool that can’t be explained away by excessive splashing (in the summer) or a recent rain (if Phoenix would ever get any!), then a pool leak might be the answer. A pool leak can even make itself known in the landscaping around the pool. So if there is wet grass or water in the granite beyond the pool’s cool decking, this could be an indication that the pool has an underground leak.

Lowered Water Levels — Constantly refilling the pool? A leak may be to blame. There, of course, will be some water decrease when using the pool often due to splashing out, and water loss is also due to evaporation. However, when the pool isn’t getting used on a regular basis and the weather is cooler, those two things are likely not the issue. It’s time to consider that a leak may be the problem.

Higher Water Bills — One sneaky sign of a water leak is an unexpected increase in the water bill even though regular usage has remained the same. Even small leaks can attribute to a loss of hundreds of gallons of water on a weekly basis — and that could really add up on the water bill, not to mention all that water waste!

Unbalanced Chemical Levels — If the pool water’s chemical levels start to drop dramatically even with regular maintenance, this could be a sign of a leak. A leak can take chemicals out of the pool along with the water, requiring more maintenance to keep it balanced. A professional pool service technician that services the pool water routinely will likely pick up on this pretty quickly. For those that service their own pool, a test kit can help determine the chemical levels.

Wacky Water — If the water starts to lose its crystal clear blue color in favor of a greenish hue, or if algae is detected, if could be a clue that there is a potential leak. When water chemical levels are imbalanced, it can lead to algae — which can be very unhealthy for swimmers.

Cracks On the Surface and Interior —  Cracks can naturally develop over time; and they can lead to a host of pool problems… including leaks. Smaller cracks can typically sealed, however some larger leaks may need to have some professional resurfacing done. Pool owners that suspect a leak from cracks within or around the pool should consult with a professional to determine how they can be sealed or repaired.

If pool owners suspect a leak, they should have it looked at right away. Leaks can lead to a whole list of issues; however, if they are taken care of immediately, the pool (and one’s wallet) shouldn’t suffer too much. Have a pool with a potential leak? Give Aquaman Pools a call today!