Where Are Most Pool Leaks Found? Discover the Common Pool Leak Locations and How to Fix Them

Pool leaks can cause serious issues if left untreated—from water loss and increased utility bills to structural damage. Whether it's a skimmer leak, an underground pipe issue, or a crack in the pool wall, understanding where most pool leaks occur is the first step in solving the problem. This article walks you through the most common leak locations, how to spot them, and when to call in a professional. If you're located in Destin, FL, Santa Rosa Leak Detection is your trusted local expert in locating and repairing pool leaks using advanced Leaktronics technology.

Where Do Pool Leaks Happen Most Often?

Pool leaks tend to happen in a few key areas more often than others.

• Skimmer leaks are one of the most common. The skimmer can separate from the pool wall over time, creating gaps that allow water to escape.
• Underground plumbing leaks are harder to detect but often occur in the return line, main drain, or other underground pipes.
• Cracks in the pool surface or plaster can also lead to slow, steady leaks that are difficult to notice at first.

Knowing these common types of pool leaks can help you quickly identify where pool leaks occur.

What Are the Signs of a Pool Leak?

Recognizing the signs early can prevent major damage and unnecessary water loss.

• A consistent drop in your pool level not caused by evaporation could mean a leak.
• Wet spots around your pool or in your yard are red flags for underground leaks.
• Standing water near the pool deck and unusually high water bills are additional signs.

If any of these issues are present, it's a strong indication that your pool is leaking.

How Can You Tell If It’s Evaporation or a Leak?

Use the bucket test to rule out evaporation.

• Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a step inside the pool. Mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket.
• After 24 hours, compare the levels. If the pool water level has dropped more than the water inside the bucket, a leak is likely.

This simple test helps pool owners determine if water loss is due to evaporation or a leak.

Is My Skimmer Leaking?

The skimmer is a very common source of leaks, especially in older pools.

• Over time, the seal between the skimmer and pool wall can deteriorate, leading to a small leak.
• A dye test can help confirm a skimmer leak. Add dye near the skimmer while the pump is off. If the dye is drawn into a crack or seam, a leak is present.

Some skimmer issues can be temporarily sealed with pool putty, but more serious leaks require professional repair.

Could My Pool Liner Be the Problem?

Tears or damage to the liner are often to blame for leaks in vinyl-lined pools.

• Check the pool liner for visible tears, loose fittings, or gaps around the main drain.
• Wrinkles in the liner or areas where it has pulled away from the wall can indicate a leak source.

If your liner is damaged, it may need patching or replacement to stop water loss.

What About Underground Plumbing Leaks?

Underground leaks are some of the most damaging and difficult to locate without proper tools.

• These leaks often occur in the return line, main drain, or other underground plumbing connections.
• Symptoms include wet spots in your yard, standing water, or even sinking soil near the pool area.

Santa Rosa Leak Detection uses industry-leading Leaktronics equipment to pinpoint underground leaks without unnecessary digging or disruption.

Can Pool Lights Leak?

Yes, pool lights are another area where leaks can happen.

• Water can escape through the conduit behind the pool light if it’s not properly sealed.
• Conduct a dye test around the light niche to see if water is being drawn into the conduit area.

Leaks behind pool lights often go unnoticed and may require professional leak detection to confirm.

What Should I Do If My Pool Is Losing Water?

If you're seeing signs of water loss, it's important to act quickly.

• Visually inspect the most common places: skimmer, liner, lights, and fittings.
• Try a bucket test and dye test to narrow down the source.
• Call a professional if you're unable to locate the leak or if the leak is in an underground pipe.

In Destin, FL, Santa Rosa Leak Detection specializes in helping homeowners locate and repair pool leaks quickly and accurately.

Why Choose Santa Rosa Leak Detection?

We focus exclusively on leak detection and repair, giving us the expertise needed to solve your pool problems efficiently.

• We use advanced equipment from Leaktronics to detect leaks with precision.
• Our non-invasive methods mean no unnecessary damage to your pool or yard.
• As a locally owned business in Destin, FL, we provide fast, dependable service tailored to our community.

We don’t guess—we find the leak and fix it right the first time.

How Can You Prevent Pool Leaks in the Future?

While leaks can’t always be prevented, you can reduce the risk with routine observation.

• Regularly check the pool wall, skimmer area, and liner for cracks or wear.
• Monitor your pool's water level and investigate any sudden drops.
• Don’t ignore unexplained increases in water bills or wet spots near the pool.

Staying proactive can help you avoid bigger problems down the line.

Quick Recap: Where Are Most Pool Leaks Found?

• Skimmer leaks – often due to separation from the pool wall
• Underground plumbing – leaks in return line, main drain, or underground pipe
• Pool liner damage – tears, wrinkles, or loose fittings
• Pool lights – leaks behind conduit areas
• Water loss signs – sudden drop in water level, wet spots, higher water bills
• Bucket test – helps distinguish between evaporation and leaks
• Dye test – used to identify exact leak points
• Santa Rosa Leak Detection – local experts in locating and repairing pool leaks in Destin, FL

Think your pool might be leaking? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Santa Rosa Leak Detection is here to help you find and fix the issue quickly and professionally.

Visit us at www.santarosaleaks.com to schedule your inspection today.