What Causes Pool Leaks?

Why does your pool leak?

Just like any part of your home, you must maintain your pool if you don’t want problems to develop over time. One of the potential issues you must be aware of is leak. Here are some of the most common reasons your pool leaks:

·         Temperature

Temperature changes can cause your pool to deteriorate over time. This happens as frozen water causes cracks and other damages to your pool. You may not be able to notice these problems until you start your pool back up as the weather gets warmer.

·         Chemicals

While they may contain bacteria and other elements that may contaminate your water. Yes, they protect swimmers, but when you do not use these chemicals as you should, then you are only harming your pool.

At Nelson Pool Company, we know how hard it can be to maintain your pool at the right chemical levels. However, we cannot emphasize enough how important a correct balance is when using these chemicals. An imbalance is not only dangerous for the swimmers in your pool, it can also damage the very foundation of your pool. If you let this happen, time will come when you will notice various components of your pool deteriorating, creating vulnerable leaks. 

·         Construction

If the materials used to construct your pool are substandard, the chances of accidents happening are high. Many pool owners in the past have dealt with water loss or a power outage when a construction equipment hits something it should not. This mistake can occur with your pool, so it is important that you make sure that your pool is sturdy enough to withstand such accidents.

One of the most common areas for a pool leak to spring is the pool’s plumbing system. If you suspect that it is where the leak is coming from, try checking out your pool’s pump and filter. If you see that there are puddles or damp areas around these components, then most likely, your pool’s plumbing has a problem.

Usually, problems with the pool’s plumbing system come as a result of a worn-out plumbing connection, which you can replace on your own. If you see, however, that these two components are not the culprits behind the leaks, then try looking over every connection that makes up your plumbing system.

If you own an above ground pool, you can easily spot leaks in the shell of your pool almost immediately. However, leaks of in-ground pools can be harder to detect. It is also very common for the pool’s foundation to cause leaks, but you can detect them if you notice spongy or wet areas in your yard.

If you suspect that your pool’s foundation has a leak and you feel that you cannot fix the problem yourself, call us as soon as possible. Otherwise, this small leak will wreak havoc on your pool and outdoor living area before you know it.  

·         Shifting Ground

A shifting ground may seem trivial for some pool owners, but don’t be that kind of pool owner. Shifting ground can apply pressure to your pool, which can eventually lead to leaks. As the roots of trees around your pool grow, these tree roots may expand into the foundation of your pool, creating a hole.

·         Time

Over time, your pool will develop problems from wear and tear. One of the ways in which a piece of pool equipment lets you know it needs to be replaced is a leak. When this happens, you shouldn’t be surprised. After all, just about everything you own will eventually show signs of aging.

What happens if you don’t fix your pool leaks?

Remember that if you don’t find and repair a leak quickly, it can cause major problems to your pool—no matter its size. While addressing these problems can be costly as your pool continues to lose water, a pool leak causes more problems than just having a high water bill.

Sometimes, the best way to fix a leak is by replacing the pool part with a leak. This is because the water can ruin your landscaping and decking if the leak persists long enough. Take a look at the major problems caused by pool leaks:

·         Pump systems

If you own an in-ground pool the recommended water level is two-thirds of the distance to the top of the skimmer assembly. This water height lets your intake system at the skimmer basket to circulate the water to the filter, the motor cooling unit and the heater in some pools.

If the leak in your pool allows your water level to drop below the intake line, that may severely harm your entire pump system. That’s because instead of taking in water, the line will most likely take in air. And since air cannot cool the pump motor, the system will overheat or shut down altogether if the reduced water level remains.

To make sure that your pool leak does not cause any damage on your pump systems, make sure that you always check the intake and return lines to your pool and that they are always tight. Remember, a cracked or loose hose can cause a leak on the floor of your pump room. 

·         Chemical balance

It is normal for a slow pool leak to eventually cause an imbalance in your pH levels. For you to consider a pH level balanced and hence necessary for hygiene, it must include acid and alkaline. As a pool owner, you also know how adding chlorine and stabilizers can keep your pool water clean.

If your water level is lower than this, this will upset the pH balance of your pool. This will cause chlorine to leak out of your pool with the water. As a result, your pool water will be dirty and will be a breeding ground for algae. The chlorine may hurt plants and the leaked water may saturate the ground. 

·         Structural damage

If your swimming pool is in the saturated ground, it will float if it does not have enough water in it to stabilize the pressure from the wet ground. If you own a fiberglass pool, this may be a major problem. This is because as your pool leak allows your pool to lose more water, your pool ends up becoming a “floating pool” and your pool’s sides will buckle inward.

Don’t underestimate what a small crack in the surface can do to your pool. If you see one, call us immediately so we can prevent more water loss and structural damage. If you leave this unfixed, it will only grow larger over time. 

·         Skimmer assembly

If your skimmer assembly is loose, this can lead to leaks. Your skimmer assembly is the part of your pool that takes in debris and keeps it out of the filters. If you want this section of your pool to feed water to the pump properly, then you make sure that it functions properly.

If you notice a leak that is keeping the water level below the skimmer, repair that leak before you turn on the pump. If needed, reattach it to prevent the skimmer from causing more pool leaks in the future. 

·         Plumbing

Every pool has a drain that is part of the intake or suction line for the water. Your pool’s skimmer is part of this intake. If there is a break or tear in these underground plumbing lines, this can lead to significant issues with the pool pump.

If you notice wet ground and water on the deck of your pool, this may be an indication of a plumbing leak. Since a plumbing system must efficiently function for a clean pool, it is necessary that you repair these leaks without tearing up the ground.

If you suspect that your pool has a leak, call us, Nelson Pool Company, at 941-256-4079. Our pool professionals will help fix your pool leaks and prevent bigger problems in the future.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What Causes Pool Leaks? on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/uC1s2Wa_8GQ