Pools and spas bring relaxation, exercise, and entertainment to your home, but they also require regular upkeep. One of the most common—and often overlooked—issues that can arise is a leak. Even a small leak can cause big problems over time, from wasted water and chemical imbalances to structural damage. Whether you own a backyard pool, an in-ground spa, or both, understanding how to identify, diagnose, and repair leaks early on is essential to keeping your system running efficiently.
Detecting a leak starts with knowing what’s normal. All pools lose water naturally through evaporation, splash-out, and backwashing. However, losing more than an inch or two of water per week is a strong indication of a leak.
Visible signs include water pooling near the pool deck, soft or soggy spots in the lawn, cracks along the coping or tile line, or air bubbles in the pump basket. You might also notice that your pool chemicals seem unbalanced no matter how often you adjust them. Constantly having to refill your pool or spa is another clear sign that water is escaping somewhere.
When you suspect a leak, it’s best not to delay. Water escaping underground can erode soil, damage decking, and even create voids beneath the pool structure. Addressing leaks early prevents costly and complicated repairs later.
Before calling a professional, you can perform a simple test to confirm whether you actually have a leak. The most common method is known as the bucket test.
Fill a bucket with water from your pool or spa and place it on a step so that the water levels inside the bucket and outside in the pool are the same. Mark both levels with tape or a waterproof marker. After 24 hours, compare them again. If the water level in the pool or spa has dropped more than the level inside the bucket, you likely have a leak rather than normal evaporation.
This test won’t pinpoint the exact location, but it will confirm whether further inspection is needed. If you suspect a leak after this test, it’s time to investigate more closely or bring in an expert.
Leaks can develop in several areas, and identifying the type of leak is the first step toward a proper repair.
Over time, concrete, plaster, or tile surfaces can crack due to ground movement, temperature fluctuations, or general aging. These small cracks may look harmless, but they can allow a steady flow of water to escape. In pools or spas built with gunite or shotcrete, structural cracks are especially common near corners or steps.
The network of pipes that circulates water between the pool, filter, pump, and heater is another frequent culprit. Underground plumbing leaks are harder to detect because they often don’t show visible signs. You may only notice that your water level drops faster when the system is running.
Leaks at the equipment pad usually come from failing seals, cracked filter housings, or loose fittings. Pumps, heaters, and chlorinators are all potential sources. These leaks can often be identified visually, but ignoring them can cause premature wear or electrical hazards.
The skimmer is one of the most common sources of pool and spa leaks. Over time, the seal where the skimmer meets the pool shell can weaken, allowing water to seep through. Similarly, return fittings and jets can develop small cracks or gaps where pipes connect to the wall.
For small, visible leaks, homeowners can often apply temporary repairs. Underwater epoxy and putty kits work well for sealing small cracks in plaster or around fittings. Vinyl liner patch kits can stop small tears without draining the water. For equipment leaks, replacing O-rings or tightening loose fittings can sometimes solve the issue.
While these solutions can help in the short term, they aren’t permanent. Temporary fixes may stop the visible leak but won’t address underlying issues such as structural shifting or pipe corrosion. If you continue losing water or see new leaks appear, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Even a slow leak can lead to serious damage over time. Water loss affects more than just your water bill—it can undermine your pool’s structure and impact surrounding areas. When water escapes underground, it can wash away supporting soil, leading to cracks in the deck or uneven settling.
Leaks also throw off your pool’s chemical balance, forcing you to use more chlorine and stabilizers to maintain safe water quality. In spas, this imbalance can cause scaling, corrosion, or cloudy water that’s unpleasant and unsafe to use. Equipment also suffers when it’s forced to operate at low water levels. Pumps can overheat, filters can clog, and heaters can fail prematurely.
Fixing a small leak today is far less expensive than repairing a damaged deck, replacing a pump, or resurfacing a pool later.
Professional leak detection companies use specialized tools to find the exact location of leaks without guesswork. These tools include pressure testing equipment, electronic listening devices, and underwater cameras. Experienced technicians can detect leaks inside plumbing lines, under decking, or behind tile without unnecessary digging or disruption.
Once the source of the leak is found, many companies can also perform immediate repairs. This saves time and prevents additional water loss. Reliable technicians will document their findings, explain the cause of the problem, and recommend long-term solutions. Some also offer warranties for both detection and repair, which adds extra assurance that the issue won’t return.
When hiring a professional, look for a company that is licensed and insured, with experience specific to pool and spa systems. Ask whether the quote includes both detection and repair, and be sure to review their warranty policies.
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent leaks from recurring. Inspect your pool and spa surfaces regularly for cracks or wear. Check equipment for moisture, corrosion, or vibration that could indicate loosening connections. Ensure your pool’s water chemistry remains balanced—uncontrolled pH and chlorine levels can corrode fittings and damage seals over time.
Also, pay attention to landscaping around your pool area. Roots from nearby trees or plants can shift soil and put pressure on plumbing lines or pool walls. Keeping heavy vegetation a safe distance away helps protect your pool’s structure.
If your pool or spa is older, consider scheduling a professional inspection every year. Catching small issues early, such as minor cracks or deteriorating seals, can prevent major water loss and structural repairs later.
If you’ve performed a bucket test, checked for obvious issues, and still can’t identify the cause of water loss, it’s time to call a pool and spa leak detection specialist. Professionals have the experience and equipment needed to locate leaks quickly and accurately.
Beyond finding the problem, a trained technician can provide expert repairs that restore the integrity of your pool or spa system. They can reseal joints, replace broken pipes, repair structural cracks, and ensure all components are functioning as intended.
Attempting to locate or fix leaks on your own may seem cost-effective, but it often leads to more expense in the long run. A professional repair not only resolves the issue but also prevents recurring leaks that waste time, money, and water.
Leaks in pools and spas are more than just an inconvenience—they can compromise your investment and reduce the life of your equipment. Whether you’re dealing with a slow drop in water level or visible cracks in the surface, acting quickly is key.
Start with a simple leak test, look for visible issues, and if the problem persists, contact a swimming pool leak detection company. They can locate the exact source of the leak, make lasting repairs, and help prevent future issues.
A pool or spa should be a source of relaxation, not stress. When you call in a professional to handle leaks the right way, you can get back to enjoying crystal-clear water, balanced chemistry, and peace of mind knowing your system is in expert hands.
