Any number of problems could merit pool repair—from faulty swimming pool pumps to hidden leaks. Among the issues, leaks are the hardest to identify, especially ones that are small or nearly undetectable to the naked eye. A pencil tip-sized hole or hairline crack can lead to gallons of water lost daily, not to mention the likelihood of property damage, so look out for the signs below.

How to Identify a Leaking Pool

1. Spike in Water Consumption

It is not uncommon for a swimming pool to lose water due to evaporation, particularly during sweltering weather. Half an inch of water loss is typical when you also factor in splash-outs from playing children and adults. If your pool is equipped with an automatic fill device, check whether it’s frequently running and pay attention to your water consumption. A spike can mean potential leaks in your pool, so do a bucket test to gauge evaporation rates. Don’t forget to turn off the swimming pool pump when running a check.

2. Algae Growth

Another indication of a possible leak in your pool is algae growth. When untreated water comes in to fill up your swimming pool, this results in an imbalanced chemistry and algae growth. If you seem to be adding more chemicals than usual to stop the spread of algae, there may be a leak somewhere.

3. Wet or Soft Spots

One way to check for a leaking pool is to give its surrounding area a once-over. Look for wet, soft, or unusually lush spots in your lawn as telltale signs of leaks in the underground plumbing system. Water corrosion around the swimming pool pump and pipes may also suggest leaks, so have them inspected as well.

4. Structural Damage

For leaks that have gone unrepaired long enough, they can also cause extensive damage to the surrounding area. Examine the surrounding ground for evidence of unsettling, such as loose tiles or cracked pool deck—escaped water from the pool has seeped through and flooded the soil. If your pool appears to be settling into the ground, as seen on gaps or tears in the bond beam, there’s excessive water loss underneath.

When your pool exhibits any of the signs above, call on the licensed plumbers at Carolina Plumbing & Water Systems, LLC in Mebane, NC. In business since 1984, they have offered a broad range of services involving swimming pool pumps, water heaters, and leaky pipes throughout the Piedmont Triad area. Call (919) 563-3709 to set an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.