Your pool loses water every day. However, not all water loss is normal. If your Gilbert pool is dropping more than a quarter inch of water daily, you may have a leak that needs immediate attention.
Pool leak detection is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of pool ownership. Because leaks can hide in your plumbing, shell, or equipment, they are often hard to spot without a trained eye. The longer a leak goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause to your yard, foundation, and equipment.
At Valley Pool Service, we work with Gilbert homeowners every week to identify and resolve pool leaks before they turn into expensive repairs. This guide will help you understand what to look for, what causes leaks, and when to call a professional.
How to Tell If Your Pool Has a Leak
Many pool owners mistake evaporation for a leak. Therefore, it helps to know what normal water loss looks like. In the Arizona summer heat, your pool can lose water through evaporation — but only so much per day.
A quick test can help you tell the difference. Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on your pool step. Mark the water level inside and outside the bucket. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If your pool dropped significantly more than the bucket, you likely have a leak.
Common Warning Signs of a Pool Leak
There are several signs that suggest your pool may be leaking. Additionally, some signs are easier to spot than others. Here is what to watch for:
- Unexplained water level drops that happen even without heavy use
- Wet or soggy spots in your yard near the pool equipment or plumbing lines
- Cracks in the pool deck or shell that were not there before
- Higher-than-normal water bills even though your habits have not changed
- Loose or shifting tiles along the waterline
- Air bubbles coming through the return lines when the pump is running
- Constantly needing to add chemicals to maintain water balance
If you notice one or more of these signs, do not wait. Contact Valley Pool to schedule a service visit and get an expert eye on your pool right away.
Where Pool Leaks Commonly Occur
Leaks can develop in many different parts of your pool system. Because of this, a thorough inspection is always the best starting point. Knowing where leaks typically hide helps you give useful information to your technician.
Plumbing Lines
Underground plumbing is one of the most common sources of pool leaks. These pipes carry water to and from your pump and filter system. Over time, ground shifting, root intrusion, or pipe corrosion can cause cracks or separations.
In the East Valley, soil movement is a real concern for homeowners. Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek all sit on expansive soil that shifts with moisture changes. As a result, underground plumbing can crack even without any obvious surface damage.
Pool Shell and Gunite Cracks
The shell of your pool can develop cracks over time. This is especially true in areas with extreme heat cycles, like Gilbert and Mesa. Plaster, gunite, and fiberglass pools all respond differently to temperature changes. Furthermore, small surface cracks can deepen and allow water to escape into the surrounding soil.
Not every crack signals a major leak. However, any crack that is wider than a hairline deserves a professional look. A trained technician can determine whether the crack is structural or cosmetic.
Equipment Connections and Fittings
Your pump, filter, heater, and valves all connect to your plumbing through fittings and seals. These connections can loosen or degrade over time. Moreover, Arizona’s intense sun and heat speed up the wear on rubber seals and O-rings.
Check around your equipment pad regularly for wet spots or mineral stains. These can indicate a slow drip that adds up over time.
Skimmers and Return Fittings
Skimmers are the rectangular openings on your pool wall that pull surface water into the filtration system. They are made of plastic and can crack, especially as they age. In addition, the gaskets that seal the skimmer to the pool shell can break down and allow water to seep out behind the pool wall.
Return fittings — the small jets that push filtered water back into your pool — can also develop leaks at their connections. These are often easy to spot but easy to overlook during a casual visual inspection.
How Professional Pool Leak Detection Works
Professional leak detection goes far beyond a visual inspection. Trained technicians use a combination of pressure testing, dye testing, and specialized listening equipment to locate hidden leaks accurately.
Pressure Testing
During a pressure test, a technician seals off your plumbing lines and pressurizes them with air or water. If the pressure drops, that confirms a leak somewhere in the line. This method is highly effective for detecting underground plumbing leaks without unnecessary digging.
Dye Testing
Dye testing is a simple but effective technique. The technician injects a small amount of colored dye near a suspected leak point. If there is a crack or gap, the dye will be pulled toward it by the escaping water. This method works well around skimmers, fittings, and visible shell cracks.
Electronic Leak Detection Equipment
For deeper or harder-to-find leaks, technicians use electronic listening devices. These tools detect the sound of water escaping underground or behind pool walls. As a result, the technician can pinpoint the leak location without removing large sections of deck or plumbing.
Valley Pool Service technicians are experienced in using these methods for Gilbert, Chandler, Gilbert, and Tempe area pools. Our team will clearly explain what we find and walk you through your repair options before any work begins.
Why Leak Detection Matters in Gilbert, Arizona
Arizona pools work harder than pools in most other states. The intense summer heat means pools run longer, lose more water to evaporation, and put more stress on equipment. Because of this, leaks can escalate quickly if left unaddressed.
Moreover, water is a precious resource in the desert. A slow pool leak can waste thousands of gallons over just a few weeks. Beyond the environmental impact, that wasted water raises your utility bill and forces you to constantly refill and rebalance your pool chemistry.
In Gilbert neighborhoods like Power Ranch, Morrison Ranch, and Trilogy at Power Ranch, homes often feature large resort-style pools with complex plumbing systems. These pools have more connection points, which means more potential leak locations. Therefore, routine leak checks are a smart investment for homeowners in these communities.
Additionally, foundation damage from a persistent leak is a serious concern in Arizona. Saturated soil under your pool deck or home slab can lead to settling, cracking, and structural problems that are far more expensive to fix than the original leak.
What to Do When You Suspect a Leak
First, run the bucket test described earlier in this article. If the results suggest a leak, turn off your auto-fill valve if you have one. This will help you track the actual rate of water loss more clearly.
Next, check around your equipment pad and along the pool shell for any visible signs of moisture, staining, or cracking. Take photos and note where the water level drops to each day. This information helps your technician narrow down the search area quickly.
Then, call a professional. Do not attempt to seal cracks with DIY products before a technician has diagnosed the source. In some cases, patching the wrong area can make it harder to find the real leak later on.
Finally, avoid running your pool equipment on its normal cycle if you suspect a plumbing leak. Running water through a cracked line can worsen the damage and erode more soil around the pipe. Talk with a pool care expert to get guidance specific to your pool’s situation before making any changes.
Preventing Future Pool Leaks
Prevention is always easier and less expensive than repair. There are several steps Gilbert pool owners can take to reduce the risk of future leaks.
- Schedule annual inspections of your pool shell, plumbing, and equipment
- Watch your water level regularly and note any unusual drops
- Keep your water chemistry balanced to prevent corrosion of fittings and surfaces
- Inspect your skimmers for cracks or loose gaskets each season
- Have your equipment seals and O-rings checked during routine service visits
- Address small cracks early before they grow into larger structural issues
Additionally, ongoing weekly maintenance from a trusted local company helps catch developing problems early. Our Valley Pool Service technicians inspect your pool equipment and shell as part of our regular service visits. This proactive approach saves Gilbert homeowners time, money, and stress throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Leak Detection
How much water loss is normal for an Arizona pool?
Evaporation in Arizona can cause noticeable daily water loss, especially in summer. However, if your pool is dropping more than about a quarter inch per day, a leak may be the cause. The bucket test is a reliable first step to check.
Can I use the pool while a leak is being investigated?
In most cases, yes — but it depends on the severity and location of the leak. Your technician will advise you based on what they find during the inspection. Safety always comes first.
How long does professional leak detection take?
A standard leak detection visit typically takes a few hours, depending on the pool size and complexity. Moreover, having multiple potential leak points can extend the process. Your technician will give you a timeframe estimate before starting.
Will I need to drain my pool to fix a leak?
Not always. Many leaks — especially at fittings, skimmers, and surface cracks — can be repaired without draining the pool. On the other hand, some structural repairs or underwater plumbing work may require a partial or full drain. Your technician will explain what the repair involves before proceeding.
Is pool leak detection covered by homeowners insurance?
Coverage varies by policy and by the cause of the leak. Some sudden damage events may be covered, while gradual leaks often are not. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and requesting a professional inspection report to support any potential claim.
Trust Valley Pool Service for Leak Detection in Gilbert, AZ
Pool leaks are stressful — but you do not have to deal with them alone. The Valley Pool Service team is here to help Gilbert homeowners identify and resolve leaks quickly, clearly, and professionally. We explain every step of the process and make sure you understand your options before any repair begins.
Whether you are in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, or Queen Creek, our experienced technicians are ready to visit your property, perform a thorough leak detection inspection, and recommend the best course of action for your pool.
Do not let a small leak turn into a big problem. Contact Valley Pool today to schedule your pool leak detection service and keep your pool safe, full, and swim-ready all year long.
