If you’re a pool owner, you understand that maintaining your swimming pool is more than just keeping the water clean and sparkling. One of the most challenging problems pool owners face is a pool plumbing leak, especially when the leak is underground. At Showtime Pools, we specialize in pool leak detection and pool leak repair, ensuring your pool runs smoothly and efficiently year-round.
Underground plumbing leaks can be tricky to detect, but with the right approach and professional help, you can identify the issue early before it leads to costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify and repair underground pool plumbing leaks and explain why prompt action is essential to preserve both the pool and your wallet.
What Are Pool Plumbing Leaks?
Pool plumbing leaks refer to any issue where water escapes from your pool’s plumbing system. These leaks typically occur in the pipes or lines that carry water to and from your pool equipment. In many cases, these leaks are underground, which means they can go unnoticed for an extended period—resulting in wasted water and increased utility bills.
Underground pool plumbing leaks can be especially problematic because they can cause significant damage to your property, lead to increased water consumption, and ultimately raise the cost of pool leak repairs.
How to Identify Underground Pool Plumbing Leaks
1. Sudden Drop in Water Levels
If you notice that your pool water level drops significantly overnight—especially when no one is using the pool—this is a strong indicator that you may have an underground plumbing leak. Small leaks, like a 1/16” hole, can waste up to 3.57 cubic meters (3,570 liters) of water per day, costing you up to $16.73 a day. Larger leaks can waste even more water, resulting in higher costs and potential damage to the pool structure.
2. Unexplained Increase in Water Bills
A sudden spike in your water bills is another indicator of a pool plumbing leak. Since a leak in the plumbing system means water is being lost to the ground instead of being circulated back into the pool, you will notice a steady increase in your monthly water consumption charges. Showtime Pools can help you determine the source of the leak and prevent further water waste.
3. Wet Spots Around the Pool Area
If you notice wet patches around the pool deck or lawn near the plumbing lines, this is another sign that water is leaking out from underground pipes. Pool leak detection experts like us can use advanced technology to pinpoint the exact location of the leak, saving you the hassle of unnecessary digging.
4. Pool Equipment Malfunctioning
When there’s a leak in the plumbing, it may also affect your pool equipment. Issues with your pump, skimmers, or return lines are common when there’s a plumbing leak. If you experience low water pressure or reduced flow in your pool, this could be a sign that water is leaking from the pipes before it reaches the pool.
The Pool Leak Detection Process: How We Find Underground Plumbing Leaks
At Showtime Pools, we use state-of-the-art techniques to detect underground pool plumbing leaks, including:
1. Pressure Testing
We pressurize the pool’s plumbing system to identify if there’s a drop in pressure. If the pressure drops significantly, it indicates that water is leaking from a certain part of the system.
2. Dye Testing
By adding a special dye to the pool, we can visually detect any plumbing leaks around the skimmers, returns, or other pool lines. This method helps us determine where water is escaping from the plumbing.
3. Listening Devices
In some cases, we use specialized listening devices that can detect sounds of water escaping from underground pipes. This method allows us to pinpoint the exact location of a leak without having to dig up your entire yard.
4. Thermal Imaging
Advanced thermal imaging cameras are sometimes used to detect temperature differences in the ground. These temperature variations can indicate areas where water has been leaking, helping us quickly locate the source of the problem.
Repairing Underground Pool Plumbing Leaks
Once we’ve identified the location of the underground plumbing leak, it’s time to repair it. Depending on the severity of the damage and the location of the leak, our pool leak repair specialists will either patch the pipes or replace damaged sections entirely. In some cases, we may need to excavate the area around the plumbing line to access and repair the leak.
Showtime Pools offers comprehensive pool leak repair services to get your pool back to working order quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a small crack or a major plumbing issue, we provide lasting repairs to ensure your pool system functions flawlessly.
Why Early Detection is Crucial
Ignoring a pool plumbing leak can lead to several issues, including:
- Increased water bills due to the constant loss of water
- Pool structure damage as water undermines the surrounding area
- Electrical problems from water exposure to electrical components
- Damage to landscaping as water continues to leak into the yard
Addressing leaks early can prevent these problems and save you significant repair costs in the future.
Get Professional Pool Leak Detection and Repair Services from Showtime Pools
At Showtime Pools, we have over 20 years of experience in pool leak detection and pool leak repairs. Our expert team uses the latest technology to quickly and accurately identify and fix underground plumbing leaks, ensuring that your pool stays in great condition.
If you suspect you have a pool plumbing leak or need help with pool leak repairs, don’t wait! Contact Showtime Pools today to schedule a professional inspection and get your pool fixed fast.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of pool plumbing leak detection and knowing the signs of an underground leak can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether it’s a small crack or a major plumbing issue, Showtime Pools is here to provide fast, professional service to help you resolve your pool plumbing leaks and keep your swimming pool in excellent condition.
For the best pool leak repair services in Toronto, York Region, Durham Region, and beyond, trust Showtime Pools to get the job done right!