It’s normal for a pool to experience leakage over time, primarily if it isn’t maintained correctly. However, severe pool leaks can cause serious financial and safety damage and should be addressed right away.
If you’re not sure whether you need a pool repair in Las Vegas, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know about pool leaks and determining whether they require professional intervention.
What is Pool Leakage and Why Does it Happen?
Pool leakage occurs when water seeps through cracks in the pool floor, walls or ceiling, or other openings in your pool’s structure. This can happen for several reasons, including:
Cause #1: Cracks in the concrete
The weight of the water can cause cracks to form on the concrete surrounding it. Over time, these cracks will only get more prominent, leading to serious pool leakage.
Cause #2: Masonry problems
If you have a gunite or shotcrete pool, the masonry that holds up your pool might develop cracks over time. These cracks can cause leaks and render your pool unusable because of the damage.
Cause #3: Pipe leaks
The pipes that circulate water around your pool can develop leaks over time, which can cause water to leak out of your pool. This happens when the lines are not correctly installed or become damaged.
How Serious is Pool Leakage?
Pool leakage can be a severe problem for residential and commercial pools. In some cases, leaking can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage and high repair costs. Here’s a closer look at the possible consequences of pool leakage:
1. Damaged property
Leakage can lead to extensive damage to your pool’s structure and the surrounding surface or equipment. If left unrepaired, this damage will only get worse over time and could eventually render your pool unusable.
2. High repair costs
A leaking pool needs to be properly repaired to prevent further damage. This can involve removing and replacing damaged components, costing as little as $10 to as much as $20,000. On average, pool repairs can amount to $900.
3. Increased water bills
If your pool is leaking, you’ll likely see a substantial increase in your water bill. This is because you’ll be losing a lot of water every month without even knowing it, which will urge you to open the taps more often to make up for the loss.
4. Health and safety hazards
A leaking pool can pose a severe health and safety risk for those who use it. If you have a residential pool, leakage can cause the water to become contaminated with chemicals or bacteria, and it can also create trip hazards around the pool. If you have a commercial pool, leakage can result in liability issues if someone is injured while using the pool.
How to Prevent Pool Leakage?
The best way to prevent pool leakage is to have your pool regularly inspected by a professional. This can ensure that any problems are identified and repaired before they lead to severe damage.
It’s also important to take steps to maintain your pool, such as:
Step 1: Cleaning regularly
Cleaning your pool is one of the best ways to prevent leakage, as it removes built-up dirt and debris that can damage the pool’s structure. This involves regularly cleaning the filters, skimmers, pump baskets, and other components.
Step 2: Checking the pH levels
It’s essential to check the pH levels of your pool water regularly and make sure it stays within 7.3 and 7.6. If the pH is too high or low, it can cause cracks and other damage, leading to pool leakage.
Step 3: Addressing cracks immediately
If you notice any cracks in your pool’s structure, no matter their size, you need to have them repaired right away. This will prevent the cracks from getting larger and causing even more damage over time.
Step 4: Inspecting the pipes
The pipes that circulate water around your pool should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are not leaking. This can prevent any water loss and ensure a more efficient pool operation.
By taking these steps to protect your pool, you can prevent pool leakage and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. And if you can’t maintain it alone, you can always find a professional for the job.
City Wide Pool Service is a full-service pool company, which means that we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs. Talk to us today about your pool repair needs and keep your pool in top condition!