Stop hidden pool leaks before peak storms
Florida’s wet months expose every weak seal and hairline crack. Lock in leak detection now and prevent washed-out chemistry, stained surfaces and equipment strain.
Spot the red flags fast
Act on small cues before they become big repairs.
Water loss over 1/4 inch per day outside of heat and wind.
Air in the pump basket or burping returns after startup.
Damp soil near plumbing runs or equipment pad.
New stains or scale halos near light niches, returns or steps.
Persistent algae on one wall even with proper chlorine.
Evaporation vs Real leak
Confirm before tearing anything apart.
Do the bucket test
Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a step.
Mark water levels on the bucket and the pool.
Run the pool normally for 24 hours.
Compare drops. If the pool falls more than the bucket, you have a leak.
Tip: Repeat with the pump off for 24 hours. Larger loss with the pump off points to a suction-side leak. Larger loss with the pump on points to a pressure-side leak.
Target common leak zones
Prioritize the usual suspects.
Skimmer throat and box
Hairline cracks at the tile line and throat joints pull water fast. Seal with a compatible pool putty as a temporary stopgap and plan a proper repair.Light niche and conduit
Aging gaskets and brittle conduit let water migrate behind the shell. Use a dye test around the gasket while the pump is off. Any draw confirms movement.Returns, main drain and fittings
Shrinking plaster and o-rings open micro paths. Check each fitting with dye. Record where draw happens to guide pressure testing.Autofill and overflow
Stuck autofills hide leaks by topping the pool 24/7. Shut off the autofill during testing. Verify overflow lines are not siphoning water during heavy rain.
Protect chemistry while you diagnose
Leaks waste chlorine and drive pH swings.
Hold pH 7.4–7.6 and keep free chlorine steady based on CYA.
Dose a clarifier after big rain to control haze while you test.
Log daily top-off volume. Rising demand confirms ongoing loss.
When to bring in a pro
Save time and guesswork.
Run a pressure test on suction and return lines to isolate plumbing issues.
Use electronic listening and tracer gas for underground breaks.
Inspect the shell for structural cracking after long drought followed by heavy rain.
Replace compromised gaskets, seals and union o-rings in one visit to stop drip points.
Why you can’t wait
Storm peaks magnify leaks.
Dilution spikes chemical costs and fuels algae.
Soil saturation undermines decks and footers.
Pumps and heaters run harder to chase clarity and temperature.
Small weeps turn into visible cracks after repeated rain cycles.
Enjoy your pool stress-free. >>>
Let our experts handle the rest.
Enjoy your pool stress-free. >>> Let our experts handle the rest.
Book a Leak Check and Storm Ready Reset.
We verify loss, run targeted tests, seal priority points, stabilize chemistry and leave a simple monitoring plan.
