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Dread washes over you like the water that used to be in your pool the moment you realize there might be a leak. Is there a leak? How did it happen? When did it happen? And the scariest question, how much will it cost to repair it?
This is a common problem that plagues many concrete pool owners. Leak repairs can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, so it’s important to know the details associated with them.
Since we at River Pools have a lot of experience with installing and servicing swimming pools, we’ll discuss the types of concrete pool leaks, concrete pool leak detection, and concrete pool repair in the following sections.
Concrete pools are made to last decades, and with good care and maintenance, they can. However, there are three major leaks that affect concrete pools:
A structural leak is a leak in the structure of the vessel itself. For concrete pools, this most likely means a crack or fissure in the pool shell, which must be repaired immediately.
Structural leaks typically occur when there is a crack in the pool’s shell. These structural cracks are often caused by:
Read Next: Concrete Pool Repair: Structural Problems
A fitting is any penetration through the pool shell. Think things like lights, skimmers, and even jets. And because concrete pools are not watertight, the opportunity for leaks is higher.
The cavity of the pool is mainly plumbing, and when a fitting is inserted, builders simply pack in plaster around it, leaving those areas vulnerable to leaks. For example, if areas around railings or tiles are loosely fitted, leaks are more probable.
Plumbing in a pool can be fickle. Correct installation is critical because if it moves at all, it can leak. This means that the plumbing needs to be secured during installation. If it’s held down with straps or run all the way to the ground, you can rest easy that your plumbing will not move.
Plumbing leaks are caused by the movement of the system. Settling in the ground, for example, can cause systems to move, creating a leak in the plumbing. Corrosion is another issue that may cause a swimming pool's plumbing system to leak.
The process of concrete pool leak detection can be fairly transparent if you know what to look for. For example, if you are experiencing any of the following, you likely have a leak:
Once you’ve determined that you have a leak, the next step is to repair it.
Concrete pool leak repairs can be extensive and costly, depending on the damage. After pinpointing the culprit of the leak, you may be able to repair it yourself with a temporary patch, or you’ll be forced to immediately call professionals to make the repairs (we strongly advise getting leaks fixed by a professional ASAP).
How do you fix a pool leak?
When it comes to preventing concrete pool leaks, the secret is in the installation. Concrete pools are made to withstand years of use if installed correctly. Make sure that:
One of the main drawbacks of owning a concrete pool is the overall cost. Upkeep and repairs can both be very expensive, even for minor issues. Fiberglass pools cost significantly less to maintain, have a long lifespan, and aren’t as prone to leaks and structural damage as concrete pools.
If you want to learn more about fiberglass pools (or compare them to concrete pools), you can visit our learning center, browse our catalog of models, or download our free ebook below.
Inground Concrete Swimming Pool Cost and Price Guide 2020
Pool Plaster Repair 101: Common Pool Plaster Problems and How to Fix Them
River Pools® manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned and operated dealers and franchisees. The relationship between the dealers and franchisees to River Pools® is that of an independent contractor. River Pools Franchising LLC (Franchising) provides independently owned and operated River Pool franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee. Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Due to the unprecedented and historic growth of the River Pools brand, this website contains an abundance of information that has been created over the last decade. Some of the content on this site may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be as relevant today.
Consumers should consult their local installer (independent dealer or franchisee) for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their property. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.