A swimming pool is a wonderful luxury, but when it begins leaking into your home’s foundation, that luxury can quickly turn into a nightmare. Water seepage can weaken structural integrity, cause mold growth, and lead to expensive repairs if ignored. If you suspect your pool is leaking into your foundation, acting quickly is essential.
Here are five steps you should take right away to protect your property and prevent long-term damage.
1. Confirm the Leak
Before taking drastic measures, make sure the water issue is truly from your pool and not another source like plumbing or surface runoff. Conduct a simple bucket test by filling a container with pool water and placing it beside the pool.
If the pool’s water level drops significantly more than the bucket after 24 hours, there’s a good chance you have a leak. This confirmation helps you address the problem correctly and prevents wasting time on the wrong issue.
2. Call a Pool Specialist for Leak Detection
Once you’re certain the pool is leaking, the next step is to contact a professional pool contractor. Specialists use advanced techniques such as pressure testing, electronic listening devices, and dye testing to pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
Identifying whether it’s a crack in the pool shell, faulty plumbing lines, or damaged fittings is crucial. Trying to guess or fix it yourself often leads to temporary solutions, while a professional ensures the problem is fully diagnosed.
3. Consider Swimming Pool Removal if Needed
If the pool is severely damaged or old, repairing it may not be cost-effective, especially if it continues to threaten your home’s foundation. In such cases, swimming pool removal becomes a practical long-term solution.
Removing a deteriorating pool not only eliminates the leak risk but also frees up valuable yard space that can be repurposed for landscaping, outdoor seating, or even a safer play area for children. It’s a tough decision, but sometimes removal is the most effective way to protect your home.
4. Schedule Professional Foundation Repairs
If water has already infiltrated your foundation, don’t delay repairs. Moisture can weaken concrete, cause cracks, and compromise the stability of your home. Hiring professional foundation repairs expert ensures that the damage is properly assessed and fixed using proven techniques like crack injections, waterproofing membranes, or structural reinforcement.
Foundation issues only worsen over time, so immediate intervention can save you from higher costs and more extensive repairs in the future.
5. Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance
Finally, prevention is key. Routine pool maintenance—such as inspecting liners, seals, and plumbing—can stop small leaks from turning into major problems. Additionally, keeping gutters and drainage systems in good condition around your property helps redirect water away from your home.
Regular check-ups by both pool professionals and foundation experts ensure that your home remains safe from water-related damage.
A leaking pool is not just a pool problem—it’s a home problem. By confirming the leak, seeking expert detection, considering pool removal when necessary, investing in professional repairs, and committing to preventive maintenance, you can safeguard your property and avoid serious financial strain. Quick action today can mean long-term protection for both your home and your peace of mind.