Pool maintenance is the bare minimum for a pool owner. But as time passes, fixtures live out their lifespans, pipes endure harsh temperatures, and pool tiles are exposed to direct sunlight. It’s safe to say that pool parts sustain damage from the elements they’re exposed to over time. Although regular pool maintenance mitigates the damage and ultimately costly repairs, mishaps can still happen. One of those is leakage.
Can pools really leak? Of course, they can, unfortunately. As funny as that sounds, pool leakage is a thing. Although it might not be the pool owner’s own doing, it pays to know the signs and causes of a leaking pool. To point you in the right direction, here are some common signs that you will first notice if your pool is leaking.
Signs of a Pool Leak
Are you not sure if your pool is really leaking? Learning the signs of a pool leak is a great place to start. Here’s what you need to know to spot one.
An Obvious Difference in Water Level
Humidity, wind, and other factors influence the evaporation rates of pool water. Swimming pools usually have an automatic filling system that compensates for the evaporated pool water by adding more. However, if there’s a noticeable difference in water level even with the automatic filling system, the cause is likely a leak.
High Water Bill
If you notice a significant difference in water level plus an increase in your water bill, this should be a red flag. As aforementioned, it’s likely to be caused by a leak. Be sure to contact your local pool repair service provider to address this issue as soon as possible. Not only is putting the problem off costly, but it’s also a waste of water.
Algae Growth
Noticing the difference in pool water levels, you may be tempted to add more water to compensate for it. However, Adding untreated water to a possibly leaking pool, in the long run, does nothing to stabilize chemical content in your pool water. In fact, it messes with the pH balance in the pool, making it less clean and potentially more harmful for swimming. This may cause algae growth, discoloration, and a cloudy look for your pool.
Cracks Here and There
When a crack or leak is present somewhere in the pool, it can displace the surrounding tiles. When left in this condition for a significant amount of time, it may shift the ground underneath and around the pool, causing it to become softer. This may cause even more cracks and fractures, causing a costly structural problem.
Common Causes of Pool Leaks
Pool leaks are often caused by damage in certain complex areas of a pool. If you suspect any of the following to be the cause of the leak in your pool, contact your local professional for immediate repair.
Broken Pipes
Sadly, the pool’s plumbing system is too complicated to DIY a solution unless you have the skills, knowledge, and tools to deal with this problem. Additionally, there are multiple locations where the leak can be. But frequently, the leak can be found in the return pipes. For a thorough checkup and an accurate diagnosis, contact a professional.
Plumbing
Other times, corrosion or vibrations in the ground may cause plumbing issues for pools. Because of the movement, plumbing underneath may be damaged and leave the pool’s floor cracked. Similar to checking for leaks in pipes, contact a professional for this problem. If the cause of the leak is a plumbing issue, it’s too complicated to deal with on your own.
Structural Damage
No matter how small or insignificant a crack or gap might appear, it can be considered structural damage. Cracks can often seem like nothing but cosmetic wear and tear. However, these can widen and worsen over time. As soon as you notice a slight yet out-of-place looking crack, apply putty or other caulking products. If you’re unsure how to remedy the leak or don’t have the necessary tools to locate them properly, don’t hesitate to hire a professional.
In Summary
Part of being a responsible pool owner is learning as much as you can about your pool, including leakage. No pool owner becomes an expert automatically; it takes time to learn the ropes. Although the ideal scenario is not getting pool leakage, it pays to know about it. Being aware of the possible causes of pool leakage and its signs is helpful to know so that you know what to do if the same thing happens to your pool.
