Signs You Have a Swimming Pool Leak and What To Do

January 23, 2024

All swimming pools, whether in a residential or commercial development, require regular maintenance as they can become damaged over time. Part of this maintenance involves ensuring that the swimming pool has the necessary waterproofing; this helps reduce the need for costly and time-consuming repairs further down the road.

In this article, we will explore the primary reason waterproofing is essential: swimming pool leaks. Read on to learn more about them and what you can do to resolve the issue.

 

Types of Swimming Pool Leaks

There are three main types of swimming pool leaks.

Firstly, penetration leaks occur when water leaks out of the pool’s concrete form around the fitting penetration or pipe.

Structural leaks occur when there is damage that compromises the pool’s shell, which is designed to hold water in. They are typically difficult to detect because cracks and tears are often invisible.

Lastly, plumbing leaks occur when the pool’s plumbing is damaged, causing water to leak out of these points.

If left untreated, these leaks can cause significant damage to the pool and the surrounding areas. Therefore, it is critical to watch out for signs of leaks, including the following:

 

1. Swimming Pool Liner Damage

UV radiation and pool chemicals may damage the pool liner, causing it to become increasingly brittle. Consequently, water is allowed to leak out.

 

2. Wet Patches and Ground Damage

When water leaks from the pool into the surrounding groundwater, you may notice visible damp patches and mushy grass spots. Additionally, water movement underground may result in soil erosion, causing the surrounding area’s landscaping to shift and sink.

 

3. Equipment Damage

If the pool’s equipment (such as the pump, heater, or filter) is damaged, you may spot signs of corrosion or visible leakages.

 

4. Significant Water Level Changes 

It is normal for all swimming pools to experience some water level changes due to evaporation. While the evaporation rate is affected by the wind, air, and water temperatures, you can generally expect that an exposed swimming pool loses about 3mm to 7mm of water a day.

If you notice your swimming pool losing more than this amount in 24 hours, there may be a leak.

For a more accurate assessment, you can try out the bucket test. Simply fill the bucket with pool water and set it next to the pool. If the bucket loses significantly less water per day than the pool, you likely have a leak.

 

5. Tile Cracks 

Excess water resulting from a swimming pool leak may cause the surrounding ground area to shift and become unsettled. This may then result in the tiles moving and cracking.

 

6. Unusually High Water Bill

If your swimming pool uses an automatic fill device to keep the pool filled, you can check for pool leaks by monitoring your water bill. A leaking pool will cause the autofill device to run constantly, thus increasing your expenses.

 

What to Do 

Once you notice signs of a swimming pool leak, it is critical to engage a pool contractor who will help you determine the leak’s source and the extent of damage. They may also provide leak repair and waterproofing services.

 

What to Do

 

Conclusion

Swimming pool leaks don’t just make swimming a less enjoyable experience for users—they may also cause damage inside and around the pool. We recommend consulting a waterproofing professional once you notice any of the aforementioned signs.

If you’re looking for swimming pool maintenance services, check us out at OCL Building Services. As a general contractor in Singapore, we provide a range of building services, such as roof leakage waterproofing services and pressure grouting concrete repair.