A pool leak might seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to significant consequences – especially when it comes to your water bill. If you’re noticing that your water usage is higher than usual, there’s a good chance a leak could be the culprit. At Showtime Pools, we specialize in pool leak detection and pool leak repair across Toronto, the GTA, York Region, Durham Region (including Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering, Uxbridge, and Ajax), Simcoe County, Peel Region, and Muskoka. In this blog, we’ll explain how a pool leak can impact your water bill and provide you with the steps to check if your pool is leaking.
How a Pool Leak Affects Your Water Bill
A pool leak may seem small, but even a minor leak can waste a huge amount of water over time. As the water leaks out, you’ll need to constantly top up your pool to maintain the water level. This means you’re using more water than necessary, which increases your water bill. Let’s take a closer look at how different sizes of pool leaks can impact your water costs.
1. Small Pool Leaks: The Impact of a 1/16″ Hole
Even a tiny hole, such as a 1/16-inch hole, can lead to a significant amount of wasted water. This size of leak can waste 3.57m³ (3,570 litres) of water in just 24 hours. Over the course of 120 days, that’s a total of $2,008.00 in wasted water costs. The daily cost of this small leak is about $16.73. While this may seem small at first, the longer it goes unnoticed, the bigger the impact it will have on your wallet.
Impact of a 1/16″ hole:
- Wasted water per day: 3.57m³ (3,570 litres)
- Cost per day: $16.73
- Cost over 120 days: $2,008.00
2. Medium Pool Leaks: The Impact of a 1/8″ Hole
As leaks get bigger, the amount of water lost increases exponentially. A 1/8-inch hole can waste 14m³ (14,000 litres) of water in just 24 hours, leading to a daily water cost of $65.62. Over 120 days, that’s a total of $7,874.50 in wasted water. This is a significant increase in your water bill, and the cost will only continue to grow if the leak is left unchecked.
Impact of a 1/8″ hole:
- Wasted water per day: 14m³ (14,000 litres)
- Cost per day: $65.62
- Cost over 120 days: $7,874.50
3. Large Pool Leaks: The Impact of a 3/16″ Hole
A larger hole, such as a 3/16-inch hole, can waste 32.13m³ (32,130 litres) of water every 24 hours. This can add $150.60 to your daily water bill, and in just 120 days, you could end up spending $18,071.97 on wasted water. The financial impact of a large pool leak is substantial, and if you’re dealing with such a leak, it’s crucial to address it immediately to avoid draining your wallet.
Impact of a 3/16″ hole:
- Wasted water per day: 32.13m³ (32,130 litres)
- Cost per day: $150.60
- Cost over 120 days: $18,071.97
How to Check If Your Pool Is Leaking
If you’re wondering whether your pool is leaking, there are a few steps you can take to check before calling in a professional.
1. Perform the Bucket Test
Fill a bucket with water and place it on the steps of your pool. Mark the water level both inside the bucket and on the outside of the pool. After 24 hours, compare the water levels. If the water level in your pool has dropped more than the water inside the bucket, you likely have a leak.
2. Check Your Pool Equipment
Inspect your pool equipment, including pumps, filters, and pipes, for any visible signs of leaks. Pay close attention to the areas where plumbing connects, as these are common places for leaks to occur.
3. Look for Wet Spots
Examine the area around your pool for any damp spots or puddles, especially if the pool water level is dropping. Wet spots around the pool deck or in the yard could indicate that the leak is coming from the plumbing or the pool structure.
4. Monitor Your Water Bill
If you notice an unexplained increase in your water bill, this could be a sign that your pool is leaking. Compare your current bill to previous months and track the difference. If the increase is significant and ongoing, a pool leak could be the cause.
Why You Should Fix Pool Leaks Immediately
Leaving a pool leak unchecked not only increases your water bill but also causes other damage to your pool. Leaks can lead to structural damage, plumbing issues, and mechanical system failures. Over time, a small leak can lead to costly repairs if it’s not addressed promptly.
At Showtime Pools, we offer pool leak detection and pool leak repair services throughout Toronto, GTA, York Region, Durham Region, and surrounding areas. Our experts will quickly locate and fix any leaks in your pool, saving you both money on water and potential repair costs down the road.
Contact Showtime Pools for Your Pool Leak Detection and Repair Needs
If you suspect your pool has a leak, don’t wait for it to drive up your water bill. Contact Showtime Pools for expert pool leak detection and pool leak repair services in Toronto, York Region, Durham Region, and beyond. Our team will provide fast, reliable, and affordable solutions to help keep your pool in top shape.
