The reason why pool leaks are so scary is that they can be challenging to find. When left undetected, pool leaks can cause significant equipment failure, costing you thousands of dollars to repair.
Compared to above-ground pool leaks, inground leaks are more difficult to find and fix since they’re harder to reach and have a more complex structure.
After confirming the location of an inground pool leak, you need to apply repair solutions as prescribed by a pool service professional. While it’s possible to fix minor tile and skimmer leaks with putty or sealant, you will need the expertise of pool contractors to fix underground plumbing leaks.
In this article, learn more about inground pool leaks and how to fix them.
Why Is My Sarasota Inground Pool Losing Water?
If you notice falling water levels in your pool, that may be a sign of evaporation or a pool leak.
Below are two probable reasons for losing water in your inground pool.
1. Evaporation
Too much sun exposure can lead to evaporation, causing significant water loss in your pool.
There’s not much to worry about if evaporation is the issue, but you can prevent water loss by covering your pool when not in use.
2. Leaks
After confirming through the bucket test that water loss isn’t caused by evaporation, the next best move is to get in touch with a pool expert immediately.
Pool experts in Sarasota will be able to confirm where the leak is coming from and propose solutions to repair them.
Late detection of pool leaks can lead to significant pool damage, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement.
How Do I Tell if My Inground Pool Has a Leak?
If your pool loses more than half an inch of water each day, you have a pool leak.
The easiest way to check if your pool loses water due to evaporation or leakage is to use the bucket test. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the pool pump.
- Place a 5-gallon bucket on the 1st or 2nd step of your pool and fill it with enough water to match the pool’s water line.
- Mark the water level inside and outside the bucket using a market or masking tape.
- After 24 hours, compare the water level in the bucket and the pool. If water levels in the pool drop faster than the bucket, the issue is most likely a pool leak.
While the bucket test is an easy way to check for pool leaks, hiring a pool leak detection expert in Sarasota can help you to detect and fix leaks fast using various state-of-the-art detection technologies and equipment.
Aside from the standard bucket test, conducting pressure and ultrasonic testing can also be helpful.
How Can I Tell Where My Inground Pool Is Leaking?
After confirming your pool leaks, the next step is detecting the leak location. This is especially difficult for inground pools because it has more hard-to-reach areas.
To find inground pool leaks, you can conduct the pool dye test or hire a professional assessment with swimming pool repair services in Sarasota.
The dye test is only ideal for leaks around pool returns, lights, skimmers, and steps. Here’s how to do the dye test:
- Turn off the pool. Make sure that the water is entirely still before performing the test.
- Apply a small amount of dye close to the suspected leak area. If the dye disappears, you’ve found the leak source.
Please include attribution to https://sarasotapoolleakdetection.com with this graphic.
Sarasota Inground Pool Leak Repair
Here are some common inground pool leaks in Sarasota and ways to fix them.
1. Underground Plumbing Leaks
One of the worst news you can get is a leak in your underground plumbing. Pool professionals can detect underground leaks using pressure or ultrasonic testing.
To fix an underground pipe leak, pool experts need to cut into your pool deck using a concrete saw to unearth the damaged pipe. The next step is to cut out the cracked and damaged parts and replace them with new pipes and fittings.
The fittings must be securely glued and sealed to prevent further leaks.
2. Skimmer Leaks
Pool skimmer leaks are common in concrete inground pools.
Using underwater putty is an easy DIY fix for skimmer leaks.
- Turn off the pull pump.
- Get a small piece of underwater putty and knead it between your fingers.
- Apply the putty on the skimmer leak, making sure to fill in all the gaps. Smooth out the putty and allow it to rest for 24 hours.
- Once the putty turns white, you can turn on the pool pump.
3. Tile Leaks
Most tile leaks occur right around your pool water line. You can use epoxy, rubber-based sealant, and putty to seal tile leaks.
- Turn off the pool.
- Plug the return and skimmer and allow the pool to sit.
- Apply your chosen sealant and wipe it across the leak area.
- Allow the sealant to fully cure before turning on your pool pump:
- Epoxy: 45 minutes
- Rubber sealant: 48 hours
- Putty: 24 hours
To learn more about pool leak sealers, you can read this blog post here.
Find Pool Leak Repair in Sarasota
Most pool leaks require special equipment and professional attention.
Failing to repair major swimming pool leaks in your underground plumbing, skimmer, and tiles hikes up your damage costs.
Call (561) 570-1269 now, and we will schedule a pool repair and renovation company in your area to reach out to you. They will schedule a time convenient for you to stop by and give you a bid on the repairs.
Or you can fill out this form, and we will have the best pool renovation company in your area contact you!
**In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How Do You Fix an Inground Pool Leak on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ0jYvSQxqU **