6 Signs of Swimming Pool Leaks

Having a swimming pool that you and your family can enjoy is a privilege in sunny Singapore. However, upkeep and proper maintenance require a fair amount of work. Part of the maintenance involves making sure that the swimming pool has adequate waterproofing. Both residential and commercial swimming pools can become damaged over time for various reasons. Good swimming pool waterproofing will reduce the need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Types of Swimming Pool Leaks

1. Penetration Leaks - these leaks occur when the water leaks out of the pool's concrete form around the pipe or fitting penetration.
   

2. Structural Leaks - these leaks occur due to a leak in the structure itself. In cases of concrete pools, this is when the swimming pool's waterproofing membrane or shell has cracked.
   

3. Plumbing Leaks - these leaks occur when the pool's plumbing has holes or damage, resulting in water leaking out of those points. Typically, plaster surrounds the fitting and if done incorrectly, may be subject to leaks over time.

6 Signs of Swimming Pool Leaks

There are different signs that a swimming pool is damaged and has sprung a leak. Some signs are more obvious than others and may require a professional waterproofing contractor to inspect. Take note of these 6 signs when inspecting your swimming pool for leaks.

1. Swimming Pool Liner Damage Tears may form on the vinyl pool liner and cause water to leak due to deterioration over time. UV radiation and pool chemicals are common causes for pool liner damage. Cracked liners become brittle and allow pool water to leak out.
   

2. Wet Patches and Ground Damage Water may leak into the surrounding groundwater, resulting in visible damp patches, damp soil, ground sinking or soil erosion. Water movement underground may cause soil erosion and result in the landscaping in the surrounding area to shift and sink.
   

3. Equipment Damage The leak may also come from damaged pool equipment. Check the pool's pump, heater, pipe valve or filter to inspect for signs of visible leakage or corrosion.
   

4. Water level change Significant changes in the water level is a clear sign that the pool is leaking. One water leakage identification method is by measuring the amount of water the pool loses in 24 hours. An exposed swimming pool loses approximately 3mm - 7mm of water a day due to evaporation. If you notice your swimming pool is losing more than this amount a day, it might indicate a leak.
   

5. Cracks In Surrounding Tiles Due to the presence of excess water from a swimming pool leak, the surrounding ground area may shift and become unsettled. This shifting can cause tiles in the surrounding area to move and crack. Cracks may occur in the bond beam as the pool settles further into the softened ground.
   

6. Unusually High Water Bill Certain swimming pool systems use automatic fill devices that keep the pool filled. If you notice the autofill device constantly running or water bills are strangely higher than average, it would pay to investigate if there is a leak in the pool.

Waterproofing Products For Fixing Swimming Pool Leaks

1. Cementitious Coatings These are breathable, seamless waterproofing coatings that help to prevent water infiltration and resist mould & mildew buildup. The anti-mould properties are especially important for swimming pools as people use them on a regular basis. The cementitious coatings may be applied via a brush, trowel or sprayed onto the surface. The benefit of this method is that it is easy to apply and can last a long time.
   

2. Epoxy Resin Products Epoxy resin grouts may be injected into cracks found in the swimming pool membrane. The benefit of this material is that it is elastic and easy to apply, the epoxy resin grout will contract and expand to fill the crack, sealing off any leaks.
   

3. Pool Paints Painting your pool is a quick and affordable way to make the interior surface look new and clean. Pools generally have to be repainted every 2-4 years depending on multiple factors. The three main types of paints used are epoxy, premium acrylic and water-based acrylic. The type of paint depends on the material of the pool plaster.
   

4. Pool Membranes There are 3 types of pool membranes: fiberglass, vinyl liner and concrete (also known as gunite). Fiberglass pool membranes are low-maintenance, durable and affordable to maintain in the long-run. The disadvantage of fiberglass membranes are its higher installation costs and it's inflexibility when it comes to customisation. Concrete pools are durable and highly customisable but requires more maintenance and potential waterproofing work due to its porous nature. Vinyl liner pools are affordable to install and are highly customizable, however, they require constant liner replacements over the span of ten years.

Contact Hydro-seal Engineering

Hydro-seal Engineering has assisted residential & commercial clients with their swimming pool waterproofing needs since 1995. Contact us at 6289 6811 for a free consultation and assessment of you swimming pool.