Can I Ignore a Leaking Pool?

Above-Ground Pools

• To ignore a leak in your swimming pool is one of the worst things you can do for the long-term integrity of the structure. A steel or aluminum above-ground pool is manufactured with a vinyl pool liner to protect the pool walls. If water leaks through this liner, corrosion, rust and deterioration is likely over time as the leak is ignored. If left untreated, it can weaken the pool wall and potentially collapse.

In-Ground Pools

• A concrete in-ground pool with a crack or leak can put pressure on other parts of the pool and lead to rusting of the steel rebar beneath the concrete. The rebar is necessary to add dimension and stability to the concrete. It relieves pressure of the structure, making it last longer and withstand shifts in the ground. A leak can weaken the structure, leading to crumbling concrete. Once the concrete begins to crumble from a crack, it is more expensive to repair.

Leak Detection

• Detecting a leak with your eyes can be frustrating. Determine if you really have a leak by performing a bucket test. If you are losing more than 3 inches of water per week, it's not likely due to evaporation, but rather a leak. Fill up a 5-gallon bucket of water and mark the water level with a permanent marker. Place it beside the pool. Mark the water level of the pool itself in an inconspicuous spot with the marker as well. Wait 24 hours. Measure both water levels. If you lose more water in the pool than the bucket, you have a leak in the liner.

Repairs

• Repair vinyl swimming pool leaks with kits sold at most pool supply retailers. These patches are usually applied underwater without draining the pool, which in most jurisdictions is a time-consuming and expensive project. Concrete in-ground pools have specially formulated patch kits available as well that allow repairs without draining the pool. In some cases of severe structural damage, draining the pool may be necessary.