For many homeowners across the Sun Belt states, a backyard pool is the heart of family time and entertaining year-round. But as every pool owner knows, keeping a pool in pristine condition takes work. When leaks or cracks sneak in, they can spoil the fun and quickly turn into frustration.
One of the most common concerns homeowners face is whether their pool might be leaking or developing cracks. The question then becomes: can professional pool services actually detect these issues before they turn into major problems?
The answer is yes. SPS PoolCare has the expertise, equipment, and training to detect leaks and cracks accurately, as well as perform your pool repair service.
What Causes Pool Leaks and Cracks?
Pools are built to last, but they’re not immune to wear and tear. Over time, different environmental and structural factors can put stress on your pool and cause leaks or cracks. If you understand what causes them, it’s easier to recognize potential risks and address small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
- Ground Movement: Shifting soil, common in regions like Texas, can stress pool structures.
- Aging Materials: Over time, plaster can wear thin, tiles can loosen, and pipes can corrode.
- Tree Roots: Roots searching for water may invade plumbing lines or create pressure on pool walls.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In areas of Florida or Texas with occasional cold snaps, expansion and contraction of water can lead to cracking.
- Lack of Pool Maintenance: Without routine pool care, small cracks or equipment issues to worsen over time and make leaks more likely
- Poor Installation: If a pool wasn’t built correctly, poor workmanship may cause structural cracks sooner than expected.
Each of these factors can significantly shorten the overall life of your pool, creating the need for major repairs or even full renovations sooner than expected.
Pool Leaks Don’t Fix Themselves
A leak in your swimming pool may seem small at first glance. After all, a little water loss could just be evaporation, right? While evaporation can cause some water level changes, a persistent or rapid drop often indicates a more serious issue. Ignoring it can cause:
- Higher water bills from constantly refilling the pool.
- Damage to surrounding areas, such as decks, patios, or landscaping.
- Increased chemical costs since lost water also means lost balance of chlorine, pH, and other treatments.
- Structural issues if cracks worsen or water seeps beneath the pool shell.
Professional pool services are trained to spot these warning signs and intervene before the damage becomes more widespread and expensive to repair.
How Pool Services Detect Leaks
Leak detection is more complex than just spotting water on the ground. Skilled pool services companies use a combination of methods to locate the problem:
1. Water Level Monitoring
The first step many pool services take is to measure how quickly the pool is losing water. They’ll compare the loss against normal evaporation rates for the region. In hot, dry climates like Arizona or Nevada, evaporation is higher, but professionals know what’s considered “normal.”
2. Dye Testing
Dye testing is one of the simplest yet most effective techniques. A small amount of special dye is released near suspected cracks or fittings. If there’s a leak, the dye is pulled toward the area, which reveals the source of the problem.
3. Pressure Testing
Not all leaks are in the pool liner; many occur in circulation systems. Pool services can also test the plumbing lines connected to the pool and determine if underground pipes are leaking. If the pressure drops, it means there’s a leak somewhere in that line.
4. Electronic Leak Detection
Advanced pool services use listening equipment that can detect the sound of escaping water underground. This technology allows for pinpoint accuracy in locating leaks without unnecessary digging or guesswork.
5. Visual Inspection for Cracks
Cracks in plaster, tile, or concrete are often visible to the trained eye. Pool techs know which ones are surface-level and which may indicate deeper structural issues. They’ll document their findings and recommend repairs if needed.
Can Homeowners Detect Pool Leaks on Their Own?
While pool owners can perform simple checks, most leak detection requires professional tools and knowledge. Pool services bring expertise that goes far beyond what a homeowner can realistically do on their own.
The difference between DIY and partnering with the SPS PoolCare team is invaluable. You save time, avoid guesswork and worrying, and make sure the problem is fixed correctly the first time.
Repair Options After Leak Detection
Once a leak or crack is found, pool services can provide repair solutions that are appropriate for the type and severity of the issue. These may include:
- Crack injection with sealants designed for underwater use.
- Plaster patching to restore worn or cracked surfaces.
- Tile replacement if grout lines or individual tiles are compromised.
- Pipe repair or replacement if leaks are found in underground plumbing.
- Resurfacing for pools with widespread wear and tear.
- Liner repair to patch small leaks with specialized adhesives.
The right pool repair approach depends on the severity of the damage. When you work with a trusted pool services business like SPS PoolCare, you can be confident repairs are handled correctly and safely.
Pool Services Help Prevent Future Issues
Detecting leaks and cracks is only part of the picture; keeping them from happening in the first place is just as important. Regular swimming pool cleaning and pool maintenance go a long way toward protecting your pool’s structure and equipment, ultimately preventing problems before they start.
Pool Cleaning
Routine pool cleaning keeps debris, dirt, and algae from building up on surfaces. Left unchecked, buildup can stain plaster, weaken tile grout, and put added strain on circulation systems. By keeping the pool clear and balanced, you reduce the chances of surface deterioration and clogged equipment.
Pool Maintenance
Consistent maintenance involves balancing water chemistry, inspecting equipment, and monitoring water levels. Pool maintenance addresses small concerns so they don’t turn into major repairs. For example, unbalanced water can eat away at plaster or corrode pipes, while unchecked equipment issues can lead to leaks or circulation problems over time.
Together, regular cleaning and maintenance keep your pool sparkling and swim-ready but also protect the investment you’ve made. By staying on top of these routine tasks, you extend the life of your pool and avoid costly surprises down the road.
Early Leak Detection Means More Time in the Water
Owning a pool should be all about fun, relaxation, and making memories, not stressing over hidden problems. The sooner issues are caught, the easier they are to fix, saving you money while maintaining safe access. With early detection, pool services protect your investment so you can spend more time enjoying the water instead of worrying about it.
If you’ve noticed signs of water loss or just want the peace of mind that comes with professional care, now’s the time to act. Find your local SPS PoolCare branch. We serve customers in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Florida.
