Do I have a Pool Leak?

A pool leak is one of those things that can occur that demands the pool owner's immediate attention. Pool leaks can start in the lines or the shell, but they should be repaired as soon as possible, no matter the cause. There are times when a pool leak is evident; however, other times, the owner or pool professional will need to look for indicators. Here are a few of them:

The water bill

One of the simplest ways a pool owner can find out they have a pool leak is through a high water bill. By the time they discover it, the damage could be considerable, but since the leak doesn't show obvious signs in their yard, they don't know what has happened until it's too late. For the pool owner to be confident that the pool is the leak's source, some investigation is needed.

Mushy grass/spots in the landscape

Many homeowners think soft spots or erosion in their yard are caused by sprinklers or plumbing problems, unbeknownst to them that their pool is the real offender. The automatic filler should be shut down for a couple of days to find out if there might be a leak.

Sinkholes

Like its kin, the soft spot, a sinkhole doesn't declare from where the water came. However, sinkholes can be dangerous and frightening. Sadly, sinkholes happen, and a leak emanating from your pool may be the cause.

Filler running continuously

This situation is an obvious sign that your pool leaks, but it isn't very noticeable right away. If you think this is the case, turn it off. An average pool will lose approximately 1/4th inch of water per day from evaporation alone.

Evaporation is constant throughout the years, which is why the water bill is most often the alert that there's a leak.

A neighbor with sinkholes or mushy grass

You read that correctly: water does care about property lines, so water from a leak can move beyond your property and damage your neighbor's instead. If a sinkhole miffs your neighbor, it very well could be caused by a leak from your pool.

Other ways to find a leak

Is your equipment pad wet? The heater, pipe fittings, filter, or pump are other spots where the trouble may occur. If the pool has a vinyl liner, look at every nook and cranny: all corners, lights, fittings, return, cleaner lines, steps, and skimmers should be investigated.

Using a dye test at the return line can help identify a leak in the equipment. If you're suspicious of a leak, inform your pool maintenance professional about it immediately. There are situations where a small leak can erupt into a massive leak in a very short time.

East Coast Pool Care provides Tampa and surrounding area pools with quality pool and spa care with exceptional expertise at an affordable cost. We provide biweekly rates for cleaning and maintenance service. Other services we perform include troubleshooting, diagnostics and pool equipment repair, including pump repair, filter repair,  pool heater repair, salt systems repairs, pool lighting repairs, and spa equipment repairs. We service fountains and water features.Emergency service is available. Call (813)755-8544.