What Should I Do If My Pool Is Leaking? Your Guide to Finding and Fixing Common Pool Leaks in Lexington, KY

A swimming pool should be a place to relax, not a source of stress. But when your water level keeps dropping, it’s natural to worry—what should you do if your pool is leaking? If you've noticed signs of a pool leak, don’t panic—you’re not alone, and this article will help. We’ll show you how to inspect, test, and locate a suspected leak, when to try DIY fixes, and when to call in the pros.

If you live in Lexington, KY, Wildcat Leak Detection is your go-to local expert for leak detection and repair. We use advanced Leaktronics equipment to find the exact leak location—saving you time, water, and money.

What Are the Most Common Signs of a Pool Leak?

Leaks can be sneaky. But if you pay attention, you’ll see clues:

• The water level in your pool drops faster than normal
• You see standing water or soggy spots around the pool
• Higher water bills with no clear reason
• Cracks in the pool wall, floor, or pool shell
• Air bubbles in the pool pump or poor circulation

These common signs of a pool leak can help you decide when it's time to investigate. Don’t assume it’s just evaporation—especially if you’re adding more than 2 inches of pool water per week.

How Much Water Loss Is Normal vs. a Leak?

Some water loss is totally normal due to evaporation, splash-out, and backwashing. But how do you know when it's too much?

• Normal evaporation is around ¼ to ½ inch of water per day, especially in hot weather
• If your water level drops more than 2 inches per week, you may have a leak

Don’t guess—run a simple bucket test or call in leak detection professionals to diagnose your pool.

Where Do Pool Leaks Happen Most Often?

Pool leaks happen in both visible and hidden areas. Some of the most common leak points include:

• Near the skimmer or around the skimmer box
• In or around the pool light housing
• At pipe fittings or pool pipes that run outside of the pool
• At seams in a pool liner or pool structure
• Cracks in a concrete pool shell

Leaks can also form around the pool deck if water is escaping underground. Keep an eye out for damp spots or shifting pavers.

What Type of Leak Are You Dealing With?

Identifying the type of leak is key to solving the problem:

• Structural leaks occur in the pool shell, walls, or floor
• Plumbing leaks are in the underground pool pipes or fittings
• Equipment leaks involve the pool pump, filter, or valves
• Liner leaks appear in vinyl pools due to tears or age

Each type needs a different solution, and often a professional pool service is required to locate the source of the leak.

How Can I Use a Dye Test to Find a Pool Leak?

A dye test is a simple and effective way to check for small leaks:

1. Turn off your pool pump so the water is still
2. Add a few drops of food coloring or pool dye near a suspected leak
3. Watch to see if the dye gets pulled into a crack or hole

Common areas to test include the skimmer, pool light, or seams in the pool liner. If the dye moves quickly into a crack, that’s a leak.

What Is the Bucket Test and How Do I Do It?

The bucket test helps confirm whether water loss is from evaporation or a leak:

1. Fill a bucket with pool water
2. Place it on a pool step and mark the water level inside and outside the bucket
3. Wait 24 hours
4. If the pool water level drops more than the bucket, you have a leak

This test gives you a clear answer and is great for checking leaks over time.

How Do I Inspect the Pool Liner, Skimmer, and Pipes?

Start with a visual inspection:

• Look for holes or wrinkles in the pool liner, especially at seams or the bottom of the pool
• Check around the skimmer for gaps where it meets the pool wall
• Examine connections for leaks at pipe joints, valves, and return lines

Use a vinyl patch kit to seal small holes. For deeper issues, call for leak detection with professional equipment.

Can I Fix a Pool Leak Myself or Do I Need a Pro?

You can try small fixes like:

• Applying a vinyl patch kit to a liner
• Sealing a skimmer gap with underwater epoxy
• Replacing worn o-rings or pool pump seals

But don’t guess if the leak is significant or hidden underground. That’s where we come in.

At Wildcat Leak Detection, we use Leaktronics' advanced leak detection tools to pinpoint the leak location with precision—no guesswork, no digging unless necessary.

What Happens If You Ignore a Leaking Pool?

Letting a leaking pool go unfixed can lead to:

• Ongoing water loss and higher water bills
• Soil erosion or damage near your pool
• Cracks, voids, or even structural damage to your pool
• Mold and mildew around the pool or in your home

One small leak can turn into a big repair bill. That’s why early leak detection matters.

Why Choose Wildcat Leak Detection in Lexington, KY?

We’re not just another pool professional—we’re Lexington’s local experts in finding and fixing pool leaks. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• We specialize in pool leak detection using Leaktronics’ industry-leading technology
• Fast, accurate results without destroying your yard or pool deck
• Honest pricing, detailed inspection, and friendly service
• We’re local—based right here in Lexington, KY

Don’t waste another drop. Call Wildcat Leak Detection today and keep your pool in top shape.

Key Takeaways: What Should I Do If My Pool Is Leaking?

• Unusual water loss or low water levels could indicate a pool leak
• Use the bucket test and dye test to check for leaks at home
• Common pool leaks occur near the skimmer, lights, pipes, or pool liner
• Small holes can sometimes be fixed with a vinyl patch kit, but hidden leaks need pros
• Ignoring a leaking pool can lead to structural damage and expensive repairs
• Leak detection by Wildcat Leak Detection saves time, water, and money
• We serve the Lexington KY area with advanced equipment and friendly service

Suspect a leak? Don’t wait. Contact Wildcat Leak Detection today and enjoy a trouble free pool again.