5 Common Signs of a Pool Leak (and What to Do Next)
Pools naturally lose a little water from splashing, backwashing, or evaporation, but if your pool seems to be losing more water than usual, you could have a leak. Pool leaks can go unnoticed for weeks or months, leading to higher bills, damaged equipment, and even structural issues.
Here are 5 common signs of a pool leak to watch out for—and what you should do if you suspect one.
1 - Unexplained Water Loss
This is the most obvious sign. If you find yourself refilling your pool more than once a week, especially when there hasn’t been much swimming or hot weather, a leak may be the culprit.
What’s normal?
Losing ¼ to ½ inch per day to evaporation is expected - more than that could signal a problem.
2 - Wet or Soggy Spots Around the Pool
Water escaping from a leak has to go somewhere. If you notice constantly wet grass, puddles near the pool deck, or eroded landscaping, your pool might be leaking underground.
This is especially common with leaks in underground plumbing lines or cracked return pipes.
3 - Cracks or Gaps in Pool Surfaces
Visible cracks in your pool’s shell, tiles, or decking may allow water to escape slowly over time. Even tiny fissures in concrete or vinyl liners can be the source of steady leaks.
Also check around skimmers, returns, lights, and stairs—these are common trouble spots where seals can wear down.
4 - Air Bubbles in the Return Line
When a pool has a suction-side leak (on the pipes that draw water into the pump), it can cause air bubbles to form in the return jets. If you see bubbles in the pool or notice your pump is frequently losing prime, it could mean air is entering the system through a leak.
5 - Rising Water or Chemical Bills
A hidden leak often shows up on your water bill before you even notice it in the pool. You might also find yourself constantly adjusting chemical levels. That’s because fresh water added to the pool dilutes your chlorine, pH, and other chemicals, forcing you to rebalance more often.
6 - What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you suspect a leak, here’s what you should do next:
Try a DIY Bucket Test
This simple test helps determine if you're losing water due to evaporation or a leak. [Need instructions? See our guide here.]Inspect Equipment & Fittings
Look for obvious drips, cracks, or damaged seals around pumps, filters, valves, and the pool structure.Call in a Professional Leak Detection Company
Professionals use tools like sonar, dye tests, and pressure testing to find exactly where a leak is coming from—above or below ground. At Atlas Pool Leak Detection, we specialize in accurate, non-invasive testing to find and document leaks quickly.
Why Early Detection Matters
Ignoring a small leak today can lead to big problems tomorrow, like eroded soil, damaged plumbing, and even pool shell failure. Early detection saves money and protects your investment.
Serving North Georgia
We provide expert pool leak detection services throughout Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, and surrounding North Georgia areas.
Get Peace of Mind
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, don’t wait. Let us help you find the leak before it becomes a costly repair.
👉 Schedule your leak detection today or give us a call to learn more.