Signs That Your Pool Has a Leak

You're Adding Water More Than Once a Week

One of the most direct signs of a pool leak is having to add water more frequently than usual. While some water loss due to evaporation and splashing is normal, a significant and consistent drop is a red flag. On a hot day, a pool might lose a quarter-inch of water to evaporation. If you find yourself topping off your pool by an inch or more every few days, it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere in the system. A simple way to check for excessive water loss is the bucket test. Place a bucket on one of your pool steps and fill it with pool water to match the water level outside the bucket. Mark the water level on both the inside and outside of the bucket. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool's water level has dropped more than the water level inside the bucket, you probably have a leak. 

Cracks Appear in or Around the Pool Deck

Visible cracks in the pool's structure or the surrounding deck can be a clear indicator of a leak. While some small surface cracks can be cosmetic, larger structural cracks in the plaster, tile, or gunite are often a source of water loss. Water seeping from these cracks can also destabilize the ground beneath the pool and its deck. As water leaks into the soil, it can cause the ground to shift or erode. This movement can put stress on the pool shell and the concrete deck, leading to new or expanding cracks. If you notice cracks forming or widening, it’s important to investigate them as potential leak sources. 

Your Water Bills Are Unusually High

A sudden and unexplained spike in your water bill is another strong sign that your pool might be leaking. A small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, and if your autofill system is constantly running to compensate, the water usage will add up quickly. Review your water bills from previous months and seasons to establish a baseline. If you notice a significant increase that cannot be explained by other factors, like increased lawn watering or household use, a pool leak is a probable cause. Tracking your water usage can help you catch a leak before it causes more severe damage. 

There are Soggy Spots on the Lawn

Pay attention to the area around your pool. If you discover patches of grass that are unusually green, mushy, or constantly wet, it could be due to an underground leak in your pool's plumbing. Leaking pipes can saturate the soil, creating soft spots in your yard. You might also notice soil erosion or small sinkholes forming near the pool. This happens when leaking water washes away the dirt supporting the pool deck or structure. Any unexplained wetness or changes in the landscape around your pool should be examined immediately. 

Algae Growth or Water Discoloration

A leak can make it difficult to maintain your pool's chemical balance. As fresh water is constantly added to replace what is lost, it dilutes the chlorine and other chemicals. This imbalance creates a favorable environment for algae to grow, causing the water to turn green or cloudy. If you find yourself using more chemicals than usual or struggling to keep the water clear despite regular maintenance, a leak could be the underlying issue. The constant need to rebalance chemicals is often one of the first signs that pool owners notice. 

Contact Citywide Pool Service, Inc. for Pool Leak Detection & Repair

If you suspect that your pool has a leak, it’s important to address it quickly to avoid further damage and costly repairs. At Citywide Pool Service, Inc., we provide leak detection and repair services for pool owners in Gainesville, FL and the surrounding communities, including Alachua and Newberry. We can identify the source of the leak and provide prompt and effective repairs. Whether the problem lies within the plumbing, the structure, or the equipment, we will work to get your pool back in proper operating condition. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!