Repairing Cracks and Leaks in Swimming Pools: Diagnosis and Solutions
A leaking pool is a problem that should not be ignored or put off. Beyond the financial loss caused by ongoing expenses for water and chemicals, an undetected or improperly repaired leak can cause serious structural damage to the pool itself, the surrounding area, and even nearby buildings. Detecting and resolving the problem in a timely manner is key.
The first step is to distinguish between the different types of cracks. Surface or shrinkage cracks affect only the lining or the pool’s final finish, without compromising the structure. They are common in older mosaic or tiled pools and usually appear as fine lines on the surface. Structural cracks, on the other hand, penetrate the mortar and reach the concrete or the pool’s blocks; these are the truly dangerous ones and require immediate professional intervention.
To determine whether there is actually a water leak or if it is simply normal evaporation, the simplest method is the bucket test. Fill a bucket with water and place it on the first step of the pool, at the same temperature and with the same exposure to the sun. Mark the water level in both the bucket and the pool. After 24–48 hours, compare the water loss: if the pool has lost more water than the bucket, there is a leak.
To pinpoint the exact source of the leak, professionals use the dye test. Using a syringe, they inject a fluorescent dye near the suspected areas (skimmer joints, jet nozzles, return inlets, and ladders). If there is a leak, the dye will be drawn toward the point of escape. This method is especially useful for leaks in hydraulic connections, where the crack is not visible to the naked eye.
Repair options vary depending on the type and severity of the damage. For small, superficial cracks, there are hydraulic sealants and epoxy resins that can be applied even underwater. For wider cracks, expanding polyurethane injections or polyester resins are used. However, these solutions are merely stopgap measures that, in many cases, do not address the root cause of the problem: the pool remains porous and structurally compromised.
The definitive and most effective solution for pools with recurring problems of cracks and leaks is a complete lining with a reinforced membrane. By covering the entire pool with a continuous, hot-welded membrane without vulnerable seams, total waterproofing is achieved that does not depend on the condition of the underlying concrete. The reinforced membrane acts as a completely watertight second skin, capable of bridging existing cracks and adapting to minor ground movements without breaking.
The cost of ignoring a leak is far greater than that of repairing it. A leaking pool can lose between 2,000 and 10,000 liters of water per week, depending on the size and severity of the leak. This results in a continuous waste of water, a constant imbalance in chemical parameters, and, in the worst-case scenario, the erosion of the ground beneath the pool basin, which can lead to the pool’s structural collapse. Taking action early is always more cost-effective than waiting.
If your pool is losing water or has visible cracks in the walls or bottom, don’t wait any longer. At ArgPiscinas, we perform professional diagnostics and offer long-lasting solutions using reinforced liner for all types of pools. Check out our services at argpiscinas.es and regain control of your pool.
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