A swimming pool is a fantastic feature for any Queensland backyard—but a hidden leak can quickly turn it into a costly headache. Pool leaks not only waste thousands of litres of water, they can also lead to serious damage to your pool’s structure, surrounding soil, and even nearby foundations.
At Atlantis Pool Services, we help homeowners across North Lakes, Mango Hill, Deception Bay, and other surrounding suburbs stay on top of pool maintenance—leaks included. If you suspect a leak, it’s essential to act quickly and methodically.
“Many pool owners think a small leak isn’t a big deal, but even a slow drip adds up fast,” says Kylie Rojahn, owner of Atlantis Pools. “We always encourage people to keep an eye on their pool levels and trust their instincts. If something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s time to investigate.”
Signs You Might Have a Leak
The most obvious sign of a pool leak is a sudden drop in your water level. If you find yourself refilling the pool more often than usual, or your water bill seems higher than expected, a leak could be to blame.
To confirm your suspicion:
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Turn off any automatic top-up systems
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Use tape or a waterproof marker to record your pool’s current waterline
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Monitor the level over the next 24–48 hours
“Comparing your recent water usage with past bills can also reveal a hidden issue,” Kylie adds. “If you’re using significantly more water, but your habits haven’t changed, it’s worth doing a leak check.”
Understanding the Types of Pool Leaks
Before diving into repairs, it helps to understand what kind of leak you’re dealing with:
1. Static Leaks
These occur regardless of whether your pool system is running. Water loss is consistent over time.
2. Pressure Leaks
These only occur when your pool’s filtration or pump system is operating, indicating an issue with the plumbing under pressure.
Knowing the type of leak helps narrow down its location and whether professional help is needed.
DIY Leak Checks You Can Do at Home
Before calling in Atlantis Pools’ highly trained pool technician, there are a few simple steps you can take yourself to help pinpoint the problem:
🔍 Inspect the Pool Surroundings
Walk around your pool and look closely at the area between the pool and equipment pad. Wet patches, soggy soil, or erosion may signal underground leakage.
🛠 Check Plumbing & Fittings
Examine all visible valves, pipes, and joints near the pool and pump. A single drip per second might not seem like much, but over a year, it adds up to over 7,000 litres of lost water.
“Even a slow, steady trickle can become a very expensive issue if left unchecked,” Kylie warns. “This is especially important around joints and valve connections—don’t ignore even the smallest leak.”
🔄 Observe When Water Loss Happens
Run the pump and watch the water level. If it only drops when the filter system is on, it’s likely a pressure leak. If the level drops regardless, you may be dealing with a static leak.
🧱 Inspect the Pool Surface
Look closely at the interior of the pool—check for cracks in concrete, tears in vinyl liners, or signs of deterioration around the tile line or skimmer box. Small damage can often be temporarily patched, but long-term fixes may require professional repair.
💡 Check Pool Lights
Underwater lights can leak, especially around the conduit running to the junction box. This is a common but often overlooked issue.
“If you notice water loss near a light fitting, sealing the conduit opening at the back of the niche with an underwater sealant, depending on the pool surface, can often do the trick,” Kylie advises.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve done your due diligence but still can’t identify the source—or the leak appears to be serious—it’s time to bring in an expert. Professional leak detection can save you time, water, and prevent damage to your pool or home structure.
“At Atlantis Pool Services, we are trusted local technicians who specialise in the diagnostic approach. We can guide and assist with a bucket test,” Kylie says. “We also help our customers maintain their pools properly to avoid leaks in the first place. With regular water testing, we can identify potential indicators of underlying issues.
Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid the stress and cost of pool leaks is through regular maintenance. Keep an eye on fittings, inspect your water levels routinely, and schedule professional servicing when needed.
“Leaks are one of those things that sneak up on you,” says Kylie. “But with constant monitoring on salt and/or mineral levels in your water chemistry, and the right advice, they’re totally manageable.”
Think you’ve got a leak? Don’t wait. For troubleshooting tips before the expense of leak detection services, come in and chat with the Atlantis Pool Services team or give us a call—we’ll help you get back to enjoying your pool without the waste and worry.
