Concrete Pool Leaks

When you realize that your pool may have a leak, you will likely have many questionings running through your mind. How did it happen, when, and how much is it going to cost to repair it? It is important to know how to detect a leak and other details, so here’s what you need to know:

Types & Causes

There are three types of leaks that tend to affect concrete pools: structural leaks, fitting leaks, and plumbing leaks. 

Structural Leaks: A structural leak is a leak in the structure of the vessel, meaning that there is likely a crack or fissure in the pool shell. Structural leaks should be repaired immediately. They are typically caused by ground movement, pressure from groundwater, poor construction or engineering, settling due to shifting soil, or freezing and thawing cycles.

Fitting Leaks: A fitting is any penetration through the pool shell, such as jets, lights, or skimmers. Concrete pools are not watertight, so there is a higher possibility of leakage. When a fitting is inserted into the pool, plaster is packed around it, which makes these areas vulnerable to leaks. If the areas are loosely fitted, leaks are more likely to happen. 

Plumbing Leaks: Plumbing must be secured during installation because if it moves, it can leak. Plumbing leaks can be set off by settling in the ground, which can cause systems to move. Corrosion may be another cause of leakage. 

Identifying a Leak

If you are experiencing any of the following problems, you most likely have a leak in your concrete pool:

• Displaced or loose tiles
• Standing water or mushy spots around the pool
• Settling of the vessel into the ground
• Gaps or cracks in the concrete vessel
• Automatic filler releasing water constantly
• Algae forming quickly after a chemical treatment
• Significantly increased water or electric bill
• Needing to add more water than usual

If you know that your pool has a leak but aren’t sure of the location of the leak, squeeze some food coloring near the cracked area. If there is a leak, the food coloring will get sucked into the crack. This also applies to areas around fittings, like the main drain, return, and lights, as well as the mouth of the skimmer. 

Another method to check for leakage is by placing a 5-gallon bucket on the second step of your pool. Fill it to match the water level in your pool, then turn off the pump. Check the levels in 24 hours. If the water in the bucket is higher than the water in the pool, there is likely a leak. 

Rising Sun Pools & Spas

For over 46 years, we’ve been the pool builders of choice for home and business owners in North Carolina. No pool company has more customers, more experience or more expertise than Rising Sun Pools. There’s no pool construction, design or renovation project that we haven’t encountered (and solved)! Contact us today!