How much does it cost to repair a swimming pool leak?

Swimming pools, regardless of the materials used, are vulnerable to different forms of leaks. Before you start panicking and looking for leaks, just remember that one of the most common reasons for water loss is splashing. Evaporation can also lower the pool levels by ¼ to 1 inch daily depending on the location.

There are various methods that can be used to repair each leak. For this scenario, we shall look at a gunite ¹ (concrete) swimming pool, as it is one of the most common materials used. Notwithstanding the material, these methods can be used to repair most pools. The repair of a rectangular gunite ¹ pool with a typical size of 12' x 24' (288 sq.ft. of water surface area) varies depending on the problems faced. It ranges between $300 to $500 if it is a minor leak that can be easily repaired to $2500 to $5000 if it is a major leak involving liner ² replacement or replastering due to cracks

Cost breakdown

• Leak Detection can be self performed using a bucket test ³. Food dye is another popular method to detect leaks, as the dye will seep right through the holes. If you are not able to find the cause of the leak, it is always best to call a leak detection professional. According to Bud Neglio, the president of the American Leak Detection franchise in Freehold, N.J, it cost $175 per hour to do a scan, with a minimum of 2 hours. This is where batteries are used to apply a small electric charge to the pool and a sensor ⁴ is used to scan for areas where leaks are occurring through the liner ². Alternatively, a regular leak detection service can cost between $300 and $400, depending on the company.

• Plumbing and Pipe Leaks can only be detected by a pressure test on each line or a meter test, and obviously the line which does not hold pressure is causing the leak. While you can do this yourself, it is highly recommended to engage a professional. Depending on the company, and whether or not you engage the same company to do the repairs, it can cost between $200 and $300.

• DIY Repair: If you are convinced there is a leak, and you choose to DIY, use Fix-A-Leak. Similar to a tire sealant, this product by Marlig Industries diffuses through the water and seals any leaks it seeps through. It costs about $25 on Amazon for 32oz, which is enough to treat a 22,000-gallon pool, and you neither have to drain the pool, nor get wet. Alternatively, for small liner ² punctures, liner ² patch kits cost between $10 and $12.

• Liner ² Replacement can range between $2500 and $3500 inclusive of the labor charge (between $1200 and $1500) based on poolservicema.com. Liner ² replacement can take between 1 to 2 days for good quality work.

• If you find that there's a crack on the beam of the pool, according to poolcenter.com, it will cost $65 per linear foot to repair and can be extensive as the whole pool needs to be repaired. Based on this example, if the entire perimeter of the pool needs to be repaired, it will cost around $4680.

• Tile Replacement can cost an average of $20 per linear foot, plus $100 per skimmer. This varies depending on the type of tiles selected. For example, porcelain tiles being the most common will be cheaper, however they are not durable. Glass tiles, being more durable will be more expensive.

• Replastering of the pool can cost between $2,500 and $4,000, according to poolcenter.com.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Pool accessories such as lighting, diving boards, water features and waterslides may also cause leaks and require repair. These leaks usually require isolation for testing and may occur due to cracks or improper fitting. These accessories should be checked for rusted or loose bolts and cracks regularly.
  
  
• Underwater lighting may cause leaks due to improper fitting or failed seal. A leak detection test by the specialist will include the checking of all light fixtures to ensure that they are watertight. If the fixture has been corroded, it can cost around $195 for replacement.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Gunite: A type of concrete used for building concrete pools, lining tunnels, and structural repair. It is applied by being sprayed through a pressure hose, and produces a dense, hard layer of concrete

² Liner: A covering, usually made of vinyl, for the walls and floor of a swimming pool, used to keep the water in and protect the pool's surface.

⁴ Sensor: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal

⁵ Plaster: A paste composed of sand, water, and either lime, gypsum, or cement, which forms a smooth hard surface on walls, ceilings, and other structures upon drying

⁶ Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means