Picture this: it’s a warm Cape Town afternoon, you head outside ready for a quick swim… and you notice the water level in your pool seems lower than it was yesterday.
You top it up, shrug it off, and move on. A few days later, it’s dropped again. That’s when the worrying thought creeps in — “Do I have a pool leak?”
You’re not alone. Many Cape Town homeowners go through the same thing. Pools naturally lose some water to evaporation and splashing, but when it starts to feel like you’re constantly topping up, something else might be going on.
The good news? With the right steps, you can figure out if you’ve got a leak and what to do about it.
Common Signs of a Pool Leak
Not every dip in water level means disaster. Here’s how to tell if it’s more than evaporation:
- Higher water bills – topping up from a municipal connection gets expensive quickly.
- Water level drops more than 3–5 cm a week – Cape Town’s wind and heat cause evaporation, but not that much.
- Constant need to top up – if you’re refilling every few days even without heavy use, it’s a red flag.
- Wet spots in the garden – damp patches or unusually lush grass near the pool can point to underground leaks.
- Cracks in the pool shell, paving, or deck – even hairline cracks can slowly lose water.
- Air bubbles from return jets – often a sign of suction line problems.
The Bucket Test: A Simple First Step
Before you panic, try the old-school bucket test. It’s simple and surprisingly reliable.
Take a bucket, fill it with pool water, and place it on the second step of the pool so the water inside is level with the pool water outside. Mark both water levels with tape or a waterproof marker. Leave it for 24–48 hours.
If both levels drop the same amount, congratulations — it’s evaporation. If the pool’s level drops more than the bucket’s, you likely have a leak.
This little test has saved many Cape Town homeowners from unnecessary stress, and it’s always worth doing before calling in the cavalry.
Where Leaks Often Hide
Now, let’s say the bucket test points to a leak. Where should you look?
Start with the obvious suspects. Skimmer boxes, pool lights, return jets — these are all weak spots. Sometimes the seals around them degrade over time, and you’ll notice dampness or drips.
Equipment is another culprit. Pumps, filters, and pipes can leak when an O-ring wears out or a fitting loosens. Even the tiniest drip adds up over days and weeks.
Then there’s the pool shell itself. Fibreglass pools can develop hairline cracks, while concrete or gunite pools may show signs of structural wear.
Around Cape Town, we sometimes see pools shift slightly in areas with clay-heavy soil or where underground water is an issue. That movement can create small cracks that slowly release water.
The tricky part? Not all leaks leave a clear trail. You might not see water pooling anywhere, because it’s soaking into the ground or running off underground.
Why DIY Isn’t Always Enough
At this point, many pool owners grab a torch, inspect the fittings, and hope to spot something obvious. Sometimes you’ll get lucky. But here’s the thing: most leaks are sneaky. They don’t show themselves to the naked eye.
That’s where professional leak detection comes in. At Cape Pools, we use a mix of pressure testing, dye testing, and even acoustic equipment to “listen” for escaping water underground. Instead of guessing or digging up half your yard, we can pinpoint the leak accurately.
I’ll give you an example. A client in Durbanville swore their pool was leaking from a visible crack near the step. When we tested it, the real problem was a leaking suction line underground.
Without proper equipment, they’d have spent thousands resurfacing the shell and still had the same problem. That’s the value of bringing in pros when things aren’t clear.
Fixing a Pool Leak: From Quick Fixes to Full Repairs
Not all leaks are created equal. Some are easy to fix; others need more involved repairs.
If the problem’s in the equipment, like a pump or filter, it might just be a matter of replacing a seal or tightening a connection. These are quick fixes that can often be done on the spot.
Cracks in the pool shell can usually be patched with epoxy or similar materials if they’re small. Larger structural cracks may need resurfacing or, in rare cases, more serious renovation.
Leaks in the plumbing system are trickier. Once identified, the affected section of pipe usually needs to be replaced. The good news is, with proper detection, we only dig where we need to — no unnecessary trenches across your lawn.
And then there are older pools that develop recurring issues. In those cases, renovation might be the smartest long-term solution. It costs more upfront but saves you from chasing problem after problem.
What About DIY Patches?
You’ve probably seen DIY pool repair kits at hardware stores — patches, sealants, waterproof putty. These can work as a temporary measure, especially for very small cracks. But they’re rarely a permanent solution.
Think of it like putting a plaster on a leaking pipe. It might hold for a while, but the underlying problem usually comes back. If you’re serious about protecting your pool investment, professional repairs are the way to go.
Preventing Future Leaks
Once you’ve dealt with a leak, prevention is key. Regular maintenance goes a long way. Keeping your water chemistry balanced prevents corrosion and surface damage. Scheduling monthly or weekly checks means small issues get caught before they turn into big ones.
Covers are another simple win. In Cape Town, where the wind is relentless, a good pool cover not only keeps debris out but also reduces evaporation. And if you live near the coast, check metal fittings and rails often — salty air speeds up wear and tear.
It’s a bit like going to the dentist. Regular check-ups save you from bigger problems down the line.
Final Word
A pool leak can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare. Start with the basics — rule out evaporation, check the obvious spots — and if you’re still not sure, call in the experts.
At Cape Pools, we’ve helped countless Cape Town homeowners track down and fix leaks quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a simple equipment repair or a more complex underground leak, we’ve got the tools and experience to get your pool back in perfect shape.
Think your pool might be leaking? Contact Cape Pools today for professional leak detection and repair in Cape Town.
Comments are closed