What to Check Before Calling Inground Pool Companies in San Antonio About a Leak

In-ground pools can lose water through normal evaporation, especially in hot, dry climates. But if you notice an unusually fast drop in water level, it could indicate a leak. In fact, “the most obvious indication of a leaking pool is a dropping water level”. Homeowners can perform a quick bucket test to see if the water loss exceeds evaporation. In this guide, we explain the common warning signs of a pool leak and simple DIY checks to try before calling inground pool companies in San Antonio about a leak. Taking these steps first can save time and money. Professional leak detection services often cost several hundred dollars, so gathering information up front can help you avoid unnecessary fees.

Signs Your In-Ground Pool is Leaking

Look for visible clues that often accompany a leak:

• Rapid water loss: If your pool water drops faster than about 1/4 inch per day (after the first few days of fill), you may have a leak. Use a bucket test to compare normal evaporation versus actual loss.
  
• Cracks or loose tile: Check the pool surface for cracks, peeling plaster, or shifting tiles. Movements in the pool structure are common when a leak is present.
  
• Wet spots around the pool: Soft, soggy ground or unexplained puddles near the pool can mean water is escaping under your deck or lawn.A plumbing leak beneath the surface is frequently indicated by persistently damp regions.

• Constant auto-fill or high water bills: If your pool’s auto-fill runs frequently or your water bill spikes without obvious reason, a hidden leak might be to blame.
  
• Water close to equipment: Examine the pipes, heater, pump, and filter.  Standing water, rust, or corrosion around this equipment is a sure sign of a leak.
  
• Air or debris in returns: Air bubbles or debris being sucked into the pool through the return jets can also signal a break in the plumbing.
  

Watching for these warning signs can alert you to a leak before the problem worsens. Early detection of even little indicators can save water and save more costly damage.

DIY Leak Detection Steps

Before calling in the experts, you can try a few basic tests yourself. A bucket test is a simple way to confirm if you have a leak. Mark the water level on the bucket and the pool wall after setting a 5-gallon bucket full of pool water on a pool step. The pool is losing water too quickly if, after a day, the water level is less than that of the bucket.

Next, inspect your pool equipment. Turn off the pump and look for drips or wet spots on the pump, filter, heater, and any exposed plumbing. Even small cracks in fittings or loose seals can leak water. Finding standing water around equipment or in the skimmer usually means a leak in that area. Tighten any loose fittings or O-rings and see if the leak stops.

You can also try a simple dye test. Turn off the pump so the water is still, then squirt leak-detection dye (or food coloring) near suspected spots such as skimmers, return fittings, or cracks in the shell. If dye flows toward a crack or fitting, it will reveal the leak’s location. (Be careful not to touch the pool walls while doing this, or you might disturb the dye.) This method can pinpoint even small leaks that are hard to see.

Because professional leak detection can cost several hundred dollars, trying these DIY tests first is worthwhile. They often help you identify the problem or even fix minor leaks yourself before needing to pay for a service visit.

Check out this blog on “The Ultimate Guide to Pool Filter Troubleshooting and Maintenance for Fiberglass Pool in San Antonio”

When to Call Inground Pool Companies in San Antonio

If your DIY checks confirm a leak or the problem persists, it may be time to bring in professional help. Call a pool service if:

• You find clear signs of a serious leak that you can’t patch yourself (for example, a large crack or a rapidly falling water level).
  
• The leak seems to be in underground plumbing or under the pool shell (muddy spots or sinking ground near the pool).
  
• Your equipment (pump or filter area) continues to leak even after tightening all fittings.
  
• You are still unable to identify the cause of the water loss even after performing a dye or bucket test.
  

In these cases, reach out to a local pool contractor. Many homeowners search for “swimming pool companies near me” or “fiberglass pool contractor near me” to find qualified help. For example, Staycation Fiberglass Pools is a San Antonio company specializing in fiberglass pools and its maintenance. They can pressure-test underground pipes and patch pool shells. It’s best to choose a contractor who understands your pool type.

Even a small undetected leak can cause big damage over time. If tests indicate a leak you can’t fix, call a professional quickly to protect your pool and yard.

Choosing the Right Pool Contractor

Once you decide to hire professionals, pick a company with the services you need. Some companies do repairs only, while others build new pools and handle maintenance. Searching online with terms like “swimming pool companies near me” can help you compare local options. Read reviews and confirm they have experience with fiberglass if that is your pool’s material. Verify that the contractor is licensed, insured, and has good customer reviews.

Staycation Fiberglass Pools, for example, offers a wide selection of fiberglass pool designs and full-service installation and maintenance. According to their site, they provide “over 150+ customizable models” of fiberglass pools. They handle design, construction, and ongoing care.

By checking these signs and running some initial tests, you’ll understand more about your pool’s condition before contacting inground pool companies in San Antonio. Being prepared helps ensure you get the right solution—whether a small repair or a larger installation—and saves you money.