Pool Losing Water? Find the Source in 5 Steps
Don’t panic! Most pool water loss isn’t from the pool shell. Follow our systematic approach to identify the real cause and get the right fix.
Is your pool losing more than 1 inch of water per day?
If yes, you likely have a leak that needs professional attention.
Understanding Water Loss Rates in Dallas
Normal evaporation in Texas heat
Possible small leak or high evaporation
Definite leak requiring immediate attention
Significant structural issue or equipment failure
5-Step Pool Leak Detection Process
Check Pool Equipment First
Start with the most accessible and common sources. Equipment leaks are often visible and account for about 30% of pool water loss.
What to Inspect:
- • Pump and filter housing: Look for wet spots, puddles, or mineral deposits
- • Heater connections: Check all pipe connections and heat exchanger
- • Skimmer and return fittings: Examine where they enter the pool wall
- • Equipment pad: Look for soggy ground or unusual vegetation growth
Examine the Tile Line and Skimmer Area
The tile line is where most structural leaks occur. Water level dropping to a specific point often indicates the leak location.
Key Signs to Look For:
- • Water stops at tile line: Usually indicates expansion joint failure
- • Loose or missing grout: Between tiles allows water seepage
- • Cracks behind tiles: Water penetration behind tile surface
- • Skimmer separation: Gap between skimmer and pool wall
Inspect Expansion Joints and Pool Mastic
This is the #1 cause of pool water loss in Texas. Failed expansion joints around the pool perimeter allow water to escape into the surrounding soil.
Critical Warning Signs:
- • Cracked or missing mastic: Gaps in the sealant around pool edge
- • Hard, brittle sealant: Can be easily picked or peeled away
- • Separation from coping: Mastic pulling away from pool edge
- • Water seepage: Wet soil or vegetation around pool perimeter
- • Deck settling: Uneven areas around pool that indicate water undermining
⚠️ If you find failed expansion joints, this requires professional mastic replacement to prevent structural damage.
Look for Deck Settlement and Cracks
Pool water escaping through failed expansion joints often causes the surrounding deck to settle or crack as the soil underneath becomes saturated and unstable.
Settlement Warning Signs:
- • Uneven deck surfaces: Sloping or sunken areas around pool
- • Cracks in concrete: Linear cracks radiating from pool edge
- • Separation gaps: Space between pool coping and deck
- • Loose coping stones: Wobbly or shifted pool edge materials
Determine Professional vs DIY Solutions
Based on your findings, decide whether you can address the issue yourself or need professional help to prevent further damage.
DIY Possible
- • Minor equipment leaks
- • Loose fittings
- • Small grout repairs
- • Equipment maintenance
Needs Professional
- • Failed expansion joints
- • Structural cracks
- • Underground plumbing
- • Deck settlement issues
Most Common Sources of Pool Water Loss in Dallas
Expansion Joints & Mastic
Failed mastic around pool perimeter allows water to escape
Equipment & Plumbing
Pump, filter, heater, or underground plumbing leaks
Pool Surface & Fittings
Cracks in pool shell, loose fittings, or tile issues
High Evaporation
Excessive heat, wind, low humidity conditions
Found Expansion Joint Problems?
Don’t wait for structural damage. Failed pool mastic and expansion joints require professional repair to prevent costly foundation and deck issues.
Why Professional Mastic Replacement Matters:
Related Pool Problem Solutions
Water Behind Pool Tile
Learn why water appears behind tiles and when it indicates expansion joint failure.
Read Solution →Emergency Pool Repair
When pool problems can’t wait - get priority scheduling for urgent repairs.
Get Priority Service →Pool Mastic Replacement
Professional expansion joint sealing with superior Sika materials for Dallas pools.
Learn More →