Your swimming pool should be a source of relaxation and fun, not a hidden drain on your wallet. But when leaks develop, they often go unnoticed until the damage (and cost) becomes serious. From waterlogged lawns to skyrocketing utility bills, pool leaks can affect far more than just your water level.
At Royal Pool & Spa, we help homeowners with all of their pool concerns. Below are the most common warning signs that your pool may be leaking, plus guidance on what to do next.
Watch for These Red Flags
Soggy Patches That Won't Dry Out
Since most pool plumbing sits underground, a leak can surface as persistently wet areas in your yard. These damp spots often linger long after the rain has stopped. Several factors can cause underground pipes to crack or shift:
- Ground movement or settling soil
- Freeze-thaw cycles during harsh winters
- Intrusive tree roots
- Deck shifting or sinking
If you notice these symptoms, don't wait. Underground leaks often require excavation to locate and repair, so early detection is key.
Water Level Dropping Faster Than Normal
Some evaporation is expected, typically around a quarter of an inch per day. But if your pool loses significantly more water, you likely have a leak. A trained technician can diagnose various leak sources, including:
- Pressure-side plumbing failures
- Suction line breaches
- Faulty multiport or hydrostatic valves
Pinpointing leaks yourself can be both frustrating and time-intensive. Our certified specialists use professional-grade equipment to locate issues quickly and may recommend replumbing if your system is deteriorating.
Unexplained Cracks in Your Deck
Hairline cracks in concrete aren't always just cosmetic. When water escapes from plumbing beneath your deck, it erodes the soil and weakens the structure above. If you see new cracks, schedule an inspection right away.
Unusually High Water Bills
Pools with autofill systems can mask leaks until your utility statement arrives. Continuous refilling happens silently in the background, steadily increasing costs month after month. If your household water usage hasn't changed but your bill keeps climbing, your pool is a prime suspect.
Additional Pool Pump Concerns
Beyond leaks, your pool pump itself can signal trouble. As the heart of your circulation system, a failing pump will quickly degrade water quality. Be alert for these issues:
Strange or Loud Noises
Grinding or screeching sounds usually indicate worn motor bearings caused by rust. If your pump suddenly becomes much louder, replacement may be necessary. A slightly noisier pump, however, might just have a clogged impeller, which is an easier fix if caught early.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
When your pump repeatedly overloads its circuit, it's often due to debris clogging the motor, internal rust straining the system, or electrical faults. In most cases, repairs won't resolve the underlying issue, and replacement becomes the safest option.
Pump Cycles On and Off
Intermittent operation usually means the pump is clogged or overheating. Either way, water isn't circulating properly, which allows debris to accumulate and creates filtration problems. A technician can diagnose the cause and prevent further damage to other pool components.
Age and Efficiency
Pumps typically last 10 to 15 years. If yours is nearing or past that range, consider upgrading proactively. Modern variable-speed pumps can cut energy consumption by up to 70%, run more quietly, and extend filtration periods for clearer water. You'll save money on electricity and reduce wear on your entire system.
Choosing the Right Pump for Your Pool
Selecting a new pump involves more than picking the highest horsepower. The right fit depends on your pool's specific characteristics:
Key Factors to Consider:
- Total pool volume (measured in gallons)
- Any water features like fountains, waterfalls, or attached spas
- Filter type and capacity
- Whether you use a self-contained vacuum
An undersized pump won't clean effectively, while an oversized one wastes energy and can damage your filter, pipes, and fittings. Our team can calculate your pool's volume based on its shape—rectangular, oval, or round—and recommend a pump that balances efficiency with performance.
Why Upgrade Your Pool Equipment?
Beyond fixing immediate problems, upgrading your pool's core systems offers long-term benefits:
- Lower operating costs – Energy-efficient pumps and heaters reduce monthly utility expenses
- Improved water clarity – Modern filtration systems trap finer particles, reducing chemical needs
- Quieter operation – Newer equipment runs more smoothly with less noise
- Extended lifespan – Variable-speed motors and advanced designs minimize wear
If you're spending more on repairs than expected or notice declining performance, it's often more cost-effective to invest in new equipment now rather than continuing to patch an aging system.
Royal Pool & Spa: Your Trusted Swimming Pool Partner
Whether you're dealing with a suspected leak, a noisy pump, or simply want to upgrade to more efficient equipment, we’re here to help. Our Certified Pool Operators bring decades of hands-on experience to every job, from complete replumbing and liner replacement to pump installation and routine maintenance.
We know how important a properly functioning pool is to your family's enjoyment and your home's value. That's why we focus on fast, reliable service that gets your pool back in top shape, so you can spend less time worrying and more time swimming.
Ready to restore your pool's efficiency? Let's make sure your backyard oasis stays leak-free and enjoyable all season long.