Common Areas and Reasons a Pool Will Leak (and Solutions)
A leaking pool can be frustrating, costly, and even damaging to your backyard and surrounding property. Pool leaks don’t just waste water—they can also increase your water bills and lead to structural problems if left untreated. Knowing where leaks commonly occur and why they happen is key to catching issues early and preventing major repairs down the line.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common areas where swimming pools leak, what causes those leaks, and what you can do to fix them.
1. Pool Skimmer
Why it leaks:
The skimmer is where water flows from the pool into the filtration system. Over time, the seal between the skimmer and the pool wall can deteriorate, especially in concrete pools. Cracks can also form in the skimmer itself.
Solution:
Small cracks can often be sealed with pool putty. For more significant damage, a professional may need to replace or re-seal the skimmer.
2. Pool Plumbing
Why it leaks:
Underground plumbing lines, especially those made of PVC, are vulnerable to shifting soil, tree roots, and settling over time. A leak in the pipes can cause major water loss without any visible signs at the surface.
Solution:
A pressure test by a professional can confirm a plumbing leak. If found, the damaged section of pipe may need to be dug up and replaced.
3. Pool Lights
Why it leaks:
The area where the light housing meets the pool wall can be a weak point, especially if the seal has aged or if the niche conduit has a gap.
Solution:
Specialized pool light putty can be used to seal small leaks. For persistent problems, the light fixture or niche may need professional repair.
4. Pool Shell or Structure
Why it leaks:
Cracks in the concrete, gunite, or fiberglass shell can form due to ground movement, temperature changes, or aging materials. Even hairline cracks can allow significant water loss.
Solution:
Depending on the size and location of the crack, it may be patched with a pool-specific sealant or require more extensive resurfacing.
5. Pool Tile Line and Expansion Joints
Why it leaks:
Water can seep through gaps in the tile line or where the pool deck meets the pool wall. Expansion joints are designed to move with temperature changes, but if not properly maintained, they can let water escape.
Solution:
Caulking the expansion joint or regrouting tile lines can resolve these issues. Regular inspection and maintenance help prevent future leaks.
6. Pool Equipment
Why it leaks:
Your pump, filter, heater, and valves are under constant pressure. Seals, o-rings, and fittings can wear down over time, causing leaks near your equipment pad.
Solution:
Inspect the equipment regularly for moisture or pooling water. Replace faulty components and tighten any loose fittings.
7. Evaporation or Splash-Out (Not a Leak, But Often Mistaken for One)
Why it seems like a leak:
Pools can lose a noticeable amount of water daily through normal evaporation or splashing, especially during hot or windy weather.
Solution:
To test for an actual leak, try the bucket test. Place a bucket of water on the pool step, fill it to match the pool level, and check after 24–48 hours. If the pool loses significantly more water than the bucket, you likely have a leak.
Final Thoughts
Pool leaks are common but often fixable with the right approach. Catching them early can save you time, money, and stress. If you suspect your pool is leaking, it’s best not to wait.
If you're unsure where the leak is coming from, it's a good idea to call a professional for a leak detection test. Specialized equipment and techniques like pressure testing, dye testing, and sonar can help pinpoint the exact location of the problem—something that's difficult to do on your own.
Need help finding or fixing a pool leak? Give Orchid Pools a call or text today. Our experienced team is here to diagnose the issue and get your pool back to perfect working condition.
About Orchid Pools
At Orchid Pools, we provide reliable and professional pool service throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, and Indian River County. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Palm City, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Island, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Juno.
We also serve many neighborhoods across the Treasure Coast and South Florida, including White City, Indian River Estates, Lakewood Park, Sewall’s Point, Saint Lucie West, Tradition, Southbend Lakes, Riverland, Sandhill Crossing, Verano, Hutchinson Island South, and Ocean Breeze.
Orchid Pools offers a complete range of residential pool services, including:
Regular pool cleaning and chemical balancing
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Algae and shock treatments
Pool pump repair and replacement
Pool filter system and heater repairs
Pool leak detection and repair
Skimmer and return line repairs
Pool lighting repair
Pool resurfacing, pool replastering, and pool regrouting
Pool saltwater conversions and pool salt cell cleaning
Pool green-to-clean services
Professional pool inspections
For dependable, expert pool care, call Orchid Pools today.
