Get Wet PoolsPALM BEACHUnderground pool plumbing leaks: signs and repairs
An underground pool plumbing leak sits in the pipes between the pool and the equipment pad, under the deck or yard. It can waste water for months before it shows on the surface, so testing is the reliable way to find it.
Signs of an underground pool pipe leak
- The pool loses more water than a bucket test shows for evaporation. Our pool losing water page walks through the bucket test.
- The loss changes with the pump on or off. More loss while it runs points to a return line on the pressure side, and more loss while it’s off points to a suction line.
- Wet, soggy or unusually green patches appear between the pool and the equipment.
- The deck cracks or settles along a pipe route.
- Air shows up in the pump basket or bubbles come from the returns, which can mean a suction line is pulling in air.
- Water bills rise or an auto-fill runs more than usual.
- Flow is weak at one return, the cleaner line or a skimmer.
Which pool pipes run underground?
Most pools have suction lines from the skimmers and main drain to the pump, and return lines from the filter and heater back to the pool. Many also have separate lines for a pressure cleaner, a spa, water features or an auto-fill. Each line can be isolated and tested on its own, which is how a leak is narrowed down to one pipe before anyone digs.
How underground pool leaks are found
- Water-loss measurement: confirms how much the pool is losing and whether it changes with the pump running.
- Pressure testing: each line is plugged at the pool and pressurized. A line that won’t hold pressure has a leak.
- Acoustic listening: listening equipment picks up the sound of water or air escaping underground, so the leak can be located along the pipe.
- Dye testing: checks the skimmers, lights and fittings in the pool so they can be ruled out.
Our leak detection visits follow these steps and include a written report with photos. See pool leak detection and repair for what the visit includes and how extra time for underground locating works.
Repairing an underground pool leak
Once the leak is located, the usual repair is to dig at that spot, cut out the damaged section of pipe and replace it, then backfill and restore the deck, pavers or lawn. Where a pipe runs under concrete or has failed in more than one place, running a new line around the problem area can make more sense than breaking up the deck. We explain the options and quote the repair before work begins.
Leaks at the skimmer are often mistaken for plumbing leaks and the other way around. If the water level stops near the skimmer, see our guide to pool skimmer leaks.
What you can do before the visit
- Run a bucket test with the pump running, then another with it off, and note both results.
- Turn off the auto-fill so it doesn’t hide the loss.
- Note wet spots, bubbles, flow changes and when you first noticed the loss.
- Don’t dig, cut into plumbing or drain the pool yourself.
Underground pool leak questions
How do you find a leak in a pool pipe underground?
Each line is isolated and pressure-tested to find which one is leaking. Acoustic listening equipment is then used along that line to pinpoint where the water is escaping, so the dig is small and in the right place.
Can an inground pool pipe leak be fixed?
Yes. Most are repaired by digging at the leak, replacing the damaged section and restoring the surface. Some lines are rerouted instead when the pipe runs under concrete or has several problems.
How much does it cost to fix an underground pool leak?
It depends on how deep the leak is, where it sits and what has to be removed and restored above it, such as pavers, concrete or landscaping. Leak detection comes first, and we quote the repair once the leak is located.
Are pool leaks covered by homeowners insurance?
Policies vary. Some cover part of the cost, such as access or resulting water damage, while many exclude the pipe repair itself. Check your policy and ask your insurer. A written leak report with photos can help if you file a claim.
How long can an underground pool leak go unnoticed?
Weeks or months, especially with an auto-fill or frequent rain. A steady drop of more than about a quarter inch a day without an obvious reason is worth checking.
Related pool leak questions
Let’s find the right next step
Get Wet Pools serves Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Tequesta and nearby communities. Share your bucket test results and anything you’ve noticed around the yard or equipment, and confirm service availability with the office.