Where Does Water Go When a Pool Leaks? Common Leak Spots and What You Need to Know

When your pool starts losing water, it can feel like a mystery. One day your water level looks normal, and the next, it’s noticeably lower. Is it just evaporation—or something more serious? If you’ve ever asked, “Where does the water go when a pool leaks?”, this blog is for you.

We’ll explore the most common areas where leaks develop, why leaks happen, and how you can detect them before they lead to major issues. As Vancouver’s trusted pool leak detection and repair specialists, BlackTie Pools uses Leaktronics’ industry-leading equipment to help homeowners and commercial properties save water, avoid damage, and get back to enjoying their pools.

1. How Much Water Loss Is Normal in a Pool?

Every pool loses some water naturally due to evaporation, splash-out, and backwashing. But when your pool is losing more than ¼ to ½ inch of water per day, it’s time to suspect a leak.

Water loss from evaporation depends on weather conditions, wind, and pool usage. However, if you're adding water frequently or see a drop in water level overnight, it could point to a leak in your pool. High water bills can also be a red flag.

2. Where Do Pool Leaks Happen Most Often?

Leaks can form in several parts of a pool structure. Some of the most common pool leak locations include:

• Pool skimmers
• Return lines and fittings
• Cracks in the pool floor or pool wall
• The seal between the pool wall and the skimmer

Whether you have a vinyl pool, concrete pool, or inground pool, leaks may occur anywhere around the pool. These leaks can cause water to seep into the soil around the pool, leading to structural damage over time.

3. How Do Leaks in Vinyl Liner Pools Develop?

A vinyl liner pool is more prone to small tears, especially if the liner is aging or poorly installed. Even a small leak in your vinyl liner can cause significant water loss over time.

Look for wrinkles or bubbles in the liner, or spots where the liner is pulling away from the swimming pool wall. These are often signs of a leak in a vinyl pool. At BlackTie Pools, we can locate even tiny leaks in liners using advanced leak detection tools from Leaktronics.

4. Can Cracks in the Pool Cause Major Water Loss?

Yes. Cracks in the pool—whether in the pool surface, floor, or wall—can let a lot of water escape. Concrete pools and older plaster finishes are especially vulnerable to cracking.

These cracks can be caused by shifting ground, freeze-thaw cycles, or poor construction. If you notice cracks or standing water near the pool deck, it’s time to find the leak and seal the leak before it worsens.

5. Are Pool Skimmers and Return Lines Common Leak Points?

Absolutely. A leaky pool skimmer is one of the 5 most common pool leaks. The seal between the pool wall and the skimmer can weaken, letting water from the pool leak out.

Return lines, which carry water back to the pool after filtration, can also develop leaks at joints, fittings, or where the pool pipes run underground. If your pool leaks when the pump is on or off, it might point to a plumbing issue.

6. What About the Underground Pool Plumbing?

A leak in the underground plumbing is harder to detect but can be serious. Pool plumbing leaks often result in unexplained water loss, soil erosion, or water pooling outside the pool.

At BlackTie Pools, our trained technicians use Leaktronics’ state-of-the-art equipment to identify underground leaks without invasive digging. We listen for the sound of escaping water through acoustic leak detection—so we can find the leak fast.

7. How to Spot Signs of a Pool Leak

There are several signs of a pool leak you shouldn’t ignore:

• A rapid drop in pool water levels
• Standing water near the pool
• Visible cracks in the pool
• Wet spots in the yard or around the pool
• Air bubbles in the pool pump system
• Constant need to refill the pool

If any of these signs show up, it's time for a pool leak detection service from pros like us.

8. How Does Pool Water Escape Through Leaks?

When a pool has a leak, water doesn’t just disappear—it moves. Water can leak into the soil around the pool, under the pool deck, or into the pool plumbing system. This causes erosion, damage to the structure of the pool, and even foundation problems.

In vinyl pools, water may collect behind the liner, causing bubbling. In concrete pools, leaks can lead to soil settling, which cracks the pool surface even more.

9. How to Use a Bucket Test or Dye Test to Detect a Leak

A bucket test is an easy way to determine if your pool is leaking:

“Fill a bucket with water and place it on a pool step. Mark the water levels on both the bucket and the pool. After 24 hours, compare them. If the pool level drops more than the bucket, you likely have a leak.”

A dye test helps find a leak near visible cracks or fittings. Turn off the pool circulation, squeeze dye near the suspected leak, and watch to see if it gets sucked in.

10. When Should You Call a Professional Pool Leak Detection Company?

If you're unsure where the leak is or have a leak in the underground plumbing, it's best to call professionals. At BlackTie Pools, we serve Vancouver and surrounding areas, offering accurate leak detection and repair.

We use Leaktronics’ advanced technology to pinpoint the location of the leak and recommend the best fix—whether it's pool putty, liner patching, or pipe replacement. Don’t let a small leak become a costly repair.

Quick Summary: What to Remember About Pool Leaks

• Losing more than ½ inch of water a day? Suspect a leak.
• Most pool leaks happen at the skimmer, return lines, plumbing, or cracks.
• Vinyl liner pools are especially vulnerable to tears and holes.
• Use a bucket test or dye test to spot basic leaks.
• Underground pool plumbing leaks can cause serious structural issues.
• Detecting a pool leak early can save money and prevent damage.
• BlackTie Pools in Vancouver uses Leaktronics technology to locate and repair leaks efficiently.

Need help with a suspected pool leak in Vancouver? Contact BlackTie Pools today for professional service and peace of mind. Let’s keep your pool clean, safe, and leak-free!