Owning a swimming pool can be one of the best investments for fun, relaxation, and even increasing property value. However, a hidden leak in your pool can become a serious issue if left unaddressed. Leaks not only waste water but can also damage pool structures, raise utility bills, and create costly repair needs down the road. While some leaks are obvious, others can be subtle and go unnoticed for a long time. Knowing the signs of a hidden pool leak detection los angeles is crucial for maintaining the health of your pool and preventing future damage.
Here are the top signs that your swimming pool might have a hidden leak.
1. Unexplained Water Loss
One of the most obvious signs of a leak is losing more water than usual. Pools naturally lose water due to evaporation, especially in hot or windy climates. However, if you’re topping off your pool more than once a week or notice a significant drop (more than 1/4 inch per day), there’s a good chance there’s a leak somewhere.
Tip: Use the “bucket test” to check for a leak. Place a bucket filled with water on a pool step and mark the water level inside the bucket and on the outside (pool water level). Wait 24 hours. If the pool water drops more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak.
2. Higher Water Bills
A hidden leak will cause your pool to lose water continuously. As a result, your automatic water filler or manual refills may be using more water than usual. If your water bill has suddenly increased and you haven’t changed your water usage habits at home, your pool might be the culprit.
3. Cracks or Gaps in the Pool Structure
Structural damage, such as cracks in the pool’s surface, deck, tiles, or walls, can indicate a leak, especially if these imperfections seem to be getting worse over time. Water can seep into these cracks and slowly erode the foundation, making the damage more severe.
Look closely for:
- Cracks in the plaster or concrete
- Loose or falling tiles
- Gaps around the skimmer or lights
Any of these issues could be the source of a leak or the result of water damage caused by one.
4. Mushy or Wet Spots Around the Pool
A hidden leak underground can lead to wet or soft spots around your pool area. If the ground near your pool deck feels squishy, or you notice puddles forming where they shouldn’t, water may be leaking out of the plumbing lines or from the pool shell.
This is especially concerning because water can erode the soil and destabilize your pool foundation, leading to costly structural repairs.
5. Air in the Pool Pump or Bubbles in the Return Line
If you see air bubbles coming out of the pool return jets, it might be due to air being sucked into the pool system through a leak. Normally, the plumbing system of your pool should be airtight. Air in the system may indicate a leak in the suction side (the pipes leading from the pool to the pump).
A noisy or air-filled pump is a strong indication of trouble. Leaks in these lines can reduce efficiency and damage equipment over time.
6. Algae Growth Despite Proper Chemical Balance
If you’re diligent about maintaining your pool’s chemical levels but algae keeps returning, it could be due to a leak. When water escapes from a pool, it often brings chemicals with it, throwing off the balance. If the leak pulls in dirty ground water, it may introduce contaminants that promote algae growth.
Frequent algae outbreaks can be a warning sign that the water is not circulating or retaining chemicals properly due to a leak.
7. Fluctuating Chemical Levels
If you notice that you’re having to add chemicals far more frequently than usual to maintain the right levels, it may be because your pool is leaking water — and those chemicals — at a faster rate. Sudden or continual fluctuations in chlorine, pH, or alkalinity can signal a problem.
Keep a detailed log of your chemical usage. If your usage jumps without a change in weather or pool activity, start looking for leaks.
8. Pool Equipment Running Longer Than Usual
A hidden leak often makes your pool equipment work harder to maintain water levels and temperature. You might notice that your pump or heater is running longer than necessary or cycling on and off too frequently. This is because the pool is constantly trying to compensate for the lost water.
Increased energy usage without a change in routine should always be investigated, as it can also shorten the life of your equipment.
9. Tilting or Shifting Pool Deck
If your pool deck starts to shift, sink, or develop uneven spots, that could indicate soil erosion caused by an underground leak. Water from a leak can wash away the supporting soil, resulting in an unstable pool deck.
This is a dangerous situation, as it not only compromises the integrity of the deck but can also lead to accidents or injuries.
10. Unusual Sounds or Smells
If you hear hissing, gurgling, or dripping sounds when the pump is off, you could be hearing water escaping from a crack or a pipe. Additionally, musty or moldy smells around your pool equipment or deck area could mean water has been leaking for some time and created a moist environment conducive to mold growth.
Trust your senses—odd sounds or smells may point to moisture accumulation and hidden leaks.
What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you can do:
- Perform the Bucket Test to confirm water loss is beyond evaporation.
- Inspect the pool shell and equipment for visible cracks or signs of wear.
- Check around fittings and returns, as these are common leak points.
- Contact a pool professional to perform a leak detection test using pressure testing or dye testing.
Early detection can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and repairs, so it’s best not to delay once you suspect a leak.
Final Thoughts
A hidden leak in your swimming pool might seem like a small inconvenience at first, but over time, it can escalate into a major headache. Paying attention to subtle changes in water level, equipment behavior, and even the ground around your pool can help you catch a leak early get solution here pool leak detection services los angeles. The earlier you find it, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. Stay observant, perform regular inspections, and don’t hesitate to bring in a professional if something seems off.
