A Guide to Fixing Stubborn Pool Leaks: How to Find and Fix the Problem Fast

Is your pool losing water faster than usual? You might be dealing with a stubborn pool leak—a frustrating issue that can cost you big on your water bill and damage your pool equipment. If you’re in Miami, you’re in luck. At The Pool Guys, we specialize in finding and fixing even the toughest leaks using Leaktronics’ advanced leak detection equipment.

In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive guide to identifying, diagnosing, and repairing pool leaks efficiently and affordably. Whether you’re opening up your pool for the season or you’ve noticed signs of water loss, this blog will help you take action and protect your investment.

What Are the Signs of a Pool Leak?

The first step in tackling a leak in your pool is knowing what to look for. Some signs of leaks are obvious, while others are more subtle.

• A noticeable drop in water level—more than ¼ inch per day may indicate a leak.
• Wet areas around the pool, especially near the pool deck.
• Air bubbles coming from the pool pump.
• Difficulty maintaining proper chemical balance.
• Cracks in pool walls or pool liner.

If you notice any of these signs of a pool leak, don’t wait. Leaks can sometimes cause serious damage to the pool plumbing and pool equipment if left untreated.

What Causes Pool Leaks?

There are several common pool leak sources, depending on the type of pool you have—vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. Each presents its own challenges.

• In above-ground pool setups, leaks often come from fittings or the pool liner.
• In underground pool systems, the problem may be with buried pool pipes.
• Concrete pools often develop cracks in skimmer areas or fittings.
• Faulty valves, aging pool filter parts, or deteriorating seals can also leak.

No matter the material or type of pool, our team uses professional leak detection methods to find the exact location of the leak quickly and non-invasively.

How Can You Confirm There’s a Leak?

Before calling the pros, there are a couple of easy DIY checks you can do to confirm a suspected leak.

The Bucket Test:

1. Place a bucket on the pool steps, fill it with water to match the level of the pool.
2. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool’s water level.
3. Wait 24–48 hours without swimming or rainfall.
4. If the pool water level drops more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak somewhere.

This basic test can indicate a leak, but if results are inconclusive, you’ll want professional leak detection to be sure.

Where Do Pool Leaks Commonly Occur?

Some areas are more prone to leaks than others. The most common leak locations include:

• Skimmers: Cracks where the skimmer meets the pool shell.
• Pool fittings: Returns, lights, and jets are frequent culprits.
• Pool liner: Tears and holes, especially near edges of the pool.
• Valves and plumbing: Worn-out pool pump or pool filter parts.
• Pool deck and expansion joints: May shift and cause gaps.

Knowing where to look helps our team get these leaks repaired fast and effectively.

How Do Professionals Detect Pool Leaks?

At The Pool Guys in Miami, we use Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment for accurate and efficient service. Here's how it works:

• Listening devices help locate leaks in buried lines and plumb systems.
• Dye testing is used near fittings, drains, and lights.
• Pressure testing checks the integrity of pool plumbing lines.
• We inspect all major components, including valves, pump, and filter.

This combination of advanced leak detection tools allows us to find even minor leaks in hard-to-reach areas without causing damage.

What Types of Pool Leaks Are There?

Not all leaks are created equal. Understanding the types of pool leaks helps determine the best repair method:

1. Structural Leaks: Cracks in the pool walls or base.
2. Plumbing Leaks: Issues in the underground pool pipes or joints.
3. Fitting Leaks: Leaks around lights, jets, or skimmers.
4. Liner Leaks: Tears in vinyl pool liners, often needing a vinyl patch kit.

Identifying the source of the leak is key. A suspected leak in the plumbing will require different tools than a pool liner tear.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If your DIY test indicates a potential leak, or your pool is losing water regularly, it’s time to call leak detection professionals.

Professional help is critical when:

• You can't find the source of the leak.
• The leak repair requires digging or cutting into pool surfaces.
• The leak detection methods you’ve tried don’t provide clear results.

With pool leak detection services from The Pool Guys, you’ll get accurate results and fast fixes from Miami’s trusted pool maintenance experts.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Pool Leak?

Pricing depends on the location and severity of the issue. For instance:

• Underground pool pipe repair cost is typically higher due to labor and equipment.
• Simple leak repair for a light or skimmer might be done same-day.
• Repairing a pool liner tear is more affordable, especially if caught early.

We offer upfront pricing and efficient service to minimize water loss, reduce downtime, and avoid further damage.

Can Pool Leaks Be Prevented?

While not all leaks are avoidable, regular pool maintenance can reduce risk:

• Keep an eye on the water level and chemical balance.
• Inspect and clean pool equipment like filters and pumps regularly.
• Use timers for swimming pool timers for pump to reduce wear.
• Schedule seasonal checkups, especially when dewinterizing pool systems.

Proper care can extend the life of your pool and spa, reduce water and chemicals usage, and help keep your pool in top condition.

Why Choose The Pool Guys for Leak Repair in Miami?

We’re not just pool cleaners—we’re leak hunters. Here’s why Miami pool owners trust us:

• We use Leaktronics’ advanced leak detection tools for fast, non-invasive results.
• We handle everything from pool leak repair to full pool plumbing replacements.
• We work with all pool types, including in-ground pool, concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass.
• We're locals—we know Miami pools and what they need.

From a leak in your pool to a full system check, we’re your go-to team.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Pool Leak Repair

• A pool leak can cause costly water loss and damage if ignored.
• Common signs include a low water level, air in the pool pump, or soggy ground.
• DIY methods like the bucket test can help confirm a suspected leak.
• Leaks often occur in fittings, skimmers, valves, or pool liners.
• Professional detection with Leaktronics equipment ensures fast, precise results.
• Regular pool maintenance reduces your chances of future leaks.
• For reliable service in Miami, The Pool Guys are ready to help!

Need leak detection help today? Contact The Pool Guys Miami — we’ll find and fix your pool leak so you can get back to enjoying your swimming pool worry-free.