Common Hotspots for Pool Leaks

A leak can happen anywhere water flows, but some areas are more susceptible than others. From the equipment pad to the pool shell itself, let’s break down the most common problem areas.

Pool Skimmers

The skimmer is the rectangular opening on the side of your pool that pulls in water to be filtered. Because it’s made of plastic and encased in concrete, the connection point is a prime spot for leaks. Over time, the expansion and contraction of the pool shell can cause the skimmer to pull away from the concrete, creating a gap.

• How to spot it: If the water level drops to the bottom of the skimmer opening and then stops, it’s a strong sign of a You might also hear the pump making strange gurgling noises as it starts to suck in air instead of water. This indicates you likely have a leak in the skimmer box or the connected plumbing.You might also notice cracks in the plaster or tile around the skimmer opening. You can perform a dye test by squirting a small amount of pool-safe dye near the skimmer with the pump off. If the dye gets pulled into a crack, you’ve found your leak.

Check out our YouTube video here to see leaks around the skimmer area in action!

• The solution: Minor skimmer leaks can often be repaired with a two-part epoxy. For more significant damage, a professional repair might be necessary, which could involve cutting out and replacing the damaged section.

Return Lines and Jets

Return lines are the plumbing that brings filtered water back into the pool through jets. These fittings can crack or become loose, especially if they are older or were not installed correctly.

• How to spot it: Look for damp spots in the soil around the pool deck near a return jet. Similar to the skimmer, you can use a dye test around the jet fittings while the pump is turned If the dye is pushed out through a crack or into a pipe, there’s a posible leak.

For a visual guide, watch our YouTube video on detecting leaks around return lines.

• The solution: In many cases, a leaking return fitting can be sealed with pool putty or a fitting saver. If the fitting is savere damaged, it may need to be replaced by a

Pool Light

Underwater lights are a beautiful feature, but the conduit that houses the electrical wiring can be a source of leaks. Cracks in the light niche can also lead to significant water loss.

• How to spot it: Leaks in a light conduit are often fast and easy to detect. If the leak is severe, you can apply dye around the light fixture and observe for any movement. However, the absence of dye movement doesn’t necessarily mean there is no For more accurate detection, remove the light fixture and perform a dye test at the entrance of the conduit. If a leak is present, the dye will flow into the conduit.
• The solution: Seal the conduit entrance with butyl tape, then apply a second layer of 2-part epoxy for added security. Given the combination of water and electricity, this

repair is best handled by professionals. You can see a detailed guide on how we perform this repair in our YouTube video here.

Main Drains

The main drain at the bottom of your pool’s deep end is another potential trouble spot. The hydrostatic relief valve or the drain cover itself can fail, leading to significant water loss.

• How to spot it: A leak in the main drain will cause water loss whether the pump is on or off. This is one of the more difficult leaks to identify without professional equipment, but if you’ve ruled out other areas, the main drain could be the problem.

You can see some examples of main drain leaks on our YouTube channel here.

• The solution: Repairing a main drain is a complex job that requires diving equipment and specialized It’s almost always a task for an experienced pool leak detection company.

Pool Equipment Pad

Your pool’s circulation system—the pump, filter, and heater—is a network of pipes and valves where leaks can easily occur. Constant vibration and exposure to the elements can cause fittings to loosen or crack.

• How to spot it: This is usually the easiest leak to find. Look for puddles of water, drips, or sprays around the equipment while the pump is You might also notice rust or corrosion on the equipment itself.
• The solution: Many equipment pad leaks can be fixed by simply tightening a loose fitting or replacing a worn-out O-ring. A cracked pump housing or filter tank will require a part replacement. Most homeowners can handle simple O-ring replacements, but more complex repairs are better suited for a pool professional.

Cracks in the Pool Shell or Tile Line

Cracks in your pool’s plaster, fiberglass, or vinyl liner are direct paths for water to escape. These can be caused by ground movement, improper construction, or simple aging. The tile line is also a common area for leaks, as the grout can deteriorate and allow water to seep through.

• How to spot it: Visible cracks in the pool surface are a clear You may also see tiles that have fallen off or notice that the ground around the pool is unusually wet or has sunk. A dye test along any suspicious crack will confirm if it is leaking.

For a more in-depth look at how to find leaks in concrete or vinyl liners, check out our YouTube videos.

• The solution: Small cracks can often be patched with underwater epoxy or pool putty (or liner patches for vinyl pools).. Larger structural cracks are a serious problem and require professional attention, which may involve stapling the crack and resurfacing the pool.

Underground Plumbing Lines

Leaks in the underground pipes that connect your equipment to the pool are the most challenging to find. These can be caused by shifting soil, tree roots, or corrosion of the pipes over time.

• How to spot it: If your pool loses water when the pump is running, the leak is likely in the pressure-side plumbing (return lines). If it loses water when the pump is off, the suction-side plumbing (skimmer and main drain lines) is the probable You might also notice sinkholes in your yard or perpetually soggy areas.

If the leak is in the suction lines, you might observe air bubbles coming from the return lines as the pump draws air through the leak. However, be aware that air leaks in the equipment system itself can also cause similar bubbles.

• The solution: Locating and repairing underground leaks requires specialized electronic listening devices and pressure testing equipment. This is a job exclusively for a professional leak detection service.

Watch our video: Identifying Underground Leaks.

Don’t Ignore a Pool Leak

It might be tempting to just keep refilling the pool and put off dealing with a leak, but this can lead to much bigger problems. A small, ignored leak can cause:

• Structural Damage: Water leaking into the ground can erode the soil supporting your pool and deck, leading to cracks and even collapse.
• Higher Bills: You’ll face increased water and chemical bills as you constantly replace what’s being lost.
• Equipment Damage: A leak can cause your pump to run dry, which can burn out the motor and lead to costly repairs.
• Environmental Impact: In addition to wasting water, leaking pool chemicals can harm surrounding plants and soil.

Take Action on Your Pool Leak

Finding a pool leak can feel overwhelming, but a systematic approach makes it manageable. Start by checking the most common and accessible areas, like your equipment pad and skimmer. If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, or if the problem seems complex, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.

A professional leak detection company has the tools and experience to pinpoint the exact location of a leak and recommend the most effective repair. Investing in a professional service can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, ensuring your pool remains a source of enjoyment for years to come.

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