Where Do Most Inground Pools Leak? Discover the 5 Most Common Pool Leak Sources

If you own an inground swimming pool, chances are you’ve worried about a leak at some point. A pool leak not only causes water loss but also leads to higher water bills, structural damage, and more pool repairs than necessary. In this article, we’ll explore where most inground pools leak, what warning signs to watch for, and how to fix the problem before it gets worse. At PoolRX LLC, we offer professional leak detection and repair services in Corpus Christi, TX, using state-of-the-art LeakTronics equipment to help you keep your pool trouble free.

What Are the 5 Most Common Pool Leaks?

Most pool leaks happen in just a few predictable places. Understanding the 5 most common pool leaks helps you stay ahead of costly repairs. These include:

• Skimmer leaks
• Underground plumbing
• Pool lights
• Pool liner tears or cracks in plaster
• Main drain leaks

These leak areas are prone to leaking due to pressure, wear, or faulty seals. At PoolRX LLC, we’ve seen these issues time and again and have the tools and expertise to handle them fast.

How Do You Know If Your Pool Is Leaking?

You may first notice a pool is leaking when the water level starts dropping for no obvious reason. While some water loss is normal due to evaporation, consistent drops of more than 1/4 inch per day could indicate a leak.

Here are common signs of a pool leak:

• Water level drops quickly
• Standing water near the pool or equipment
• Soggy spots around the pool
• Higher water bills
• Air bubbles in the pool pump

If you're unsure, try the bucket test. Place a bucket of water next to the pool and mark the water level in both. If the pool water level drops more than the bucket’s after 24 hours, a leak is likely.

Why Are Skimmers So Prone to Leaking?

One of the most common places for a pool leak is the skimmer. Cracks often develop where the plastic skimmer meets the concrete pool wall. This skimmer leak typically forms due to settling, wear over time, or faulty seals.

To check for a skimmer leak, place food coloring around the skimmer throat and observe if the dye gets pulled into a crack. A pool putty patch might be a temporary fix, but professional leak detection is recommended to confirm the source of the leak.

At PoolRX LLC, we specialize in identifying and fixing skimmer leaks, using non-invasive tools from LeakTronics that let us hear the leak even behind the wall.

Could the Leak Be in the Underground Plumbing?

Leaks in underground plumbing are harder to detect without the right equipment. These leaks often occur where the plumb lines connect to the pool pump, return lines, or suction lines.

Signs of a plumbing leak include:

• Air in the pool pump
• Difficulty priming the pump
• Wet spots or standing water around your pool or decking

Our team uses advanced audio and pressure testing methods to pinpoint underground plumbing leaks. This saves you time and avoids tearing up areas around the pool unnecessarily.

Can Pool Lights Leak?

Yes, pool lights are another common source of a swimming pool leak. The conduit that houses the light's wiring can allow water to travel behind the pool wall if not properly sealed.

To test for this type of leak, turn off the pool pump and observe the water level. If the level stops dropping just below the light, the pool light conduit might be the culprit.

Our PoolRX technicians use dye tests and microphones to determine if your pool light area is causing the issue. We’ll let you know if a sealant can fix it or if a more permanent solution is needed.

Is Your Pool Liner or Plaster Cracked?

For vinyl-lined pools, small tears or punctures in the liner can lead to slow leaks. Concrete or plaster pools can also crack with age or due to ground shifting.

Check the floor and walls of your pool for:

• Visible cracks
• Discoloration
• Wrinkles in the liner
• Rough spots

Using dye, we can test suspect areas for movement. If a crack pulls in dye, it’s likely a leak. Depending on the damage, a vinyl patch kit or professional resurfacing may be needed.

What About the Main Drain?

Located at the deepest part of your pool, the main drain is another spot where leaks can occur. Due to water pressure and the drain’s central connection to underground plumbing, it’s a high-risk zone.

Detecting a main drain leak requires specialized equipment. At PoolRX LLC, we isolate plumbing lines and pressure test them individually to locate hard-to-find issues like main drain leaks.

Could It Just Be Evaporation?

Before assuming the worst, consider how much water you’re losing due to evaporation. Normal evaporation ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day depending on wind, sun, and humidity.

To rule this out:

• Perform a bucket test
• Watch for patterned water loss
• Check if water loss slows at night

If the water loss continues beyond normal levels, you may have a suspected leak and it’s time to contact a leak detection company like PoolRX.

What Do You Do If You Suspect a Leak?

If you notice any of the signs of a pool leak, it’s best to act fast. Waiting can lead to:

• Structural damage to the pool shell
• Erosion under the pool
• Increased water and chemical costs
• Damage to pool equipment

At PoolRX LLC in Corpus Christi, we offer pool leak detection and repair using LeakTronics equipment that helps us hear leaks others miss. We provide fast service, clear answers, and reliable repairs to get your pool back to a trouble free pool experience.

How Does PoolRX Detect and Repair Leaks?

We take pride in our process:

• Listen with precision – LeakTronics pool scope lets us hear leaks through the structure and plumbing
• Pressure test plumbing – To identify breaks in underground pipes
• Dye test – To pinpoint structural cracks
• Repair or refer – Once located, we fix the issue or connect you with trusted swimming pool repair experts

Our local pool professionals understand Corpus Christi’s climate and how it affects inground pools. Whether it’s a leak near the skimmer or in underground pipes, we find the leak and fix it.

Key Takeaways to Keep Your Pool Trouble Free

• Skimmers, underground plumbing, and lights are where many pool leaks happen
• Look for falling water levels, soggy ground, and high water bills
• Use a bucket test to rule out evaporation
• PoolRX LLC offers pool inspections and leak detection in Corpus Christi, TX
• We use LeakTronics technology to locate and resolve even the toughest leaks
• Don’t ignore a suspected leak—early repair saves money and prevents damage
• We’re here to help you keep your pool clean, full, and trouble free year-round

Need help with a leaking pool? Contact PoolRX and let us find the source of the leak so you can enjoy your pool with confidence again.