An Expert’s Guide to Fixing Pool Leaks

Fixing Pool Leaks

Having a pool leak can quickly cause your utility bills to spike, especially if you’re having trouble finding it and fixing it ASAP. Thankfully, Metro Sealant are experts in concrete sealers that can have a lasting effect and put your mind at ease.

Here we’ve collected a comprehensive guide to fixing a variety of different types of pool leaks, so let’s take a look at how we can help you bring that water bill back down and enjoy your swimming pool!

How Do You Determine if You Have a Pool Leak?

Before diving into how to fix those leaks, it’s first important to determine whether or not your pool is truly leaking or it’s another issue entirely. Some of the most obvious signs of a pool leak are:

• Changes in your swimming pool’s water level.
• Water gathering under your pool equipment or in your yard.
• Dirt or other contaminants in your pool’s water.

These are just a few of the signs that you might have a pool leak. Unfortunately, they can develop into big problems quickly, like equipment breakdowns or algae growth making it unsafe for you or your family to swim; fixing them immediately is essential. So, let’s start with how to fix some of the most basic pool repair problems.

A Leaking Pool Pipe Connection

 If you’ve located a leak in the pipes of your pool pump, it’s likely that there’s standing water pooling beneath it. Thankfully, all you need for pool pvc leak repair  type of issue is some Teflon tape and silicone sealant.

• Step 1: Power down all of your pool equipment to ensure there’s no risk of electrocution while working.
• Step 2: Unscrew the leaking pipe at the connection base.
• Step 3: Spread the silicone sealant onto the male threading and voila!, problem solved.
• Step 4: Wrap the threading around the pipe with Teflon tape several times (counterclockwise).
• Step 5: Reattach your pipe and its fittings. Be sure not to overtighten it and give it plenty of time to cure before powering on your pool pump again.

For those who suspect there’s a leak with their underground piping, we recommend contacting a pool repair specialist trained to detect and repair such leaks.

Fixing a Leaking Pool Skimmer

Another common repair is fixing a leaking pool skimmer, but it’s a relatively easy fix for any DIY expert.

• Step 1: Remove the outer cover of your skimmer to ensure it’s properly connected to your pool’s concrete.
• Step 2: Make certain your skimmer is submerged by an inch of water at least; add water to your pool if it’s not, because having this inch of water will be necessary for the following steps.
• Step 3: Turn off all of your pool equipment so as not to disturb the water while performing repairs.
• Step 4: Test for the leak by adding some red dye or food coloring to the water. If there is a leak with your skimmer, you’ll notice the dye being drawn through the seam where the leak is.
• Step 5: Once the leak has been identified, use an underwater repair putty to seal it by first cleaning the area around the leak, then kneading the putty and applying it to the area with your fingers.
• Step 6: After the putty has dried and hardened (this should take approx. 30 minutes) you can replace your skimmer box and power up the pool pump again.

Fixing a Pool Liner Leak

A leak in your pool liner might seem disastrous, but don’t worry, it’s not actually such a big deal and can be repaired relatively easily. You could even patch it with some duct tape if it’s not too large, although, for a more appealing and permanent fix, you can purchase a vinyl patch kit. Additionally, there are a variety of peel-and-stick waterproof tapes out there you can take advantage of for small tears. Simply peel and stick the tape in the torn area, making certain your press out all of the air bubbles before sealing it completely.

Fixing a Leaking Crack in a Concrete Pool

In concrete pools, leaks and other issues can certainly happen. Although they’re a bit rarer, there are several ways they can be fixed. Some of the leading concrete sealant products you can use include:

• Polyurethane Foam: Many places, Metro Sealant included, sell polyurethane foam repair kits that include a cartridge gun for easy application and to ensure that the foam is injected at the proper pressure. Once it’s installed, it expands to up to 25 times its original volume to ensure a durable and full seal. It will fill up all the vacant space, then create a watertight bond to the concrete to seal the leak. However, if there’s significant structural damage to your pool, you may need to consult with a pool repair professional.

• Epoxy: This type of pool concrete sealant usually comes in the form of a two-part putty that you’ll need to knead together after cleaning the area where the leak is. One of the biggest benefits of using epoxy is that there’s no need to drain your pool to fix the area; it can be applied underwater. It also cures extremely quickly. But it’s important to note that epoxy is not flexible and doesn’t expand, so it may not be the right product to use if your pool has experienced significant structural damage.

Other Outstanding Pool Repair Products

 In addition to the products mentioned above, Metro Sealant carries several products that are ideal for pool repairs and sealing leaks, including:

Masterseal NP1 Non-Sag Polyurethane

This high-quality concrete sealant is a one-component, no-priming, gun-grade elastomeric polyurethane sealant is among the top of pool leak sealer that requires no mixing and bonding whatsoever. Its other benefits include:

• It’s paintable.
• Suitable for water immersion.
• Ready to apply.
• Boasts a wide temperature range.
• Has a 12-month shelf-life.
• Comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
• Requires no primer for most concrete substrates.
• Weather-resistant and provides long-lasting, weathertight seals.

Tremco Vulkem 116 : Non-Sag Polyurethane

This one-part, moisture-curing gun concrete sealant is flexible, durable, and offers excellent protection. It’s also used for a variety of different applications, including pool concrete repair.

Some of the other foremost benefits of Tremco Vulkem 116 include:

• It’s excellent for use on poured and pre-cast concrete as a general sealant and can also be used on a variety of different joints, everything from pool corners to window joints great to use as a best pool leak sealer.
• It’s suitable for water immersion applications.
• With the addition of the Vulkem Catalyst, the cure rate can be drastically accelerated.
• It’s rated for +/-25%movement capability.
• It’s designed for continuous immersion in water. 

Dymonic 100 : Tremco

This concrete sealant exhibits tenacious adhesion once it’s been fully cured and is perfect for everything from pool repair to perimeter caulking, as well as aluminum, masonry, and more. It’s important to note that this sealant best adheres to common construction substrates without primers. Great fix a leak sealer.

Some of the other advantages of Dymonic 100 are:

• It adheres to green or damp concrete with a skin time of two hours and a tack-free time of 6-8 hours that will reduce dirt attraction significantly.
• Boasts a movement capability of +100/-50% in normal conditions, awesome flex seal for concrete pools.
• It’s low VOC, paintable, and jet-fuel resistant.
• It won’t crack or yellow under extreme UV exposure.
• It’s suitable for water immersion.
• It’s designed to be compatible and coated with a variety of waterproofing products.

Pecora 890 Sausage NST

This is a one-part, high-performance silicone sealant is designed primarily for sealing expansion and control joints in precast concrete panels, architectural, natural stone, and more. It’s ideal for areas that require a high-performance sealant and works well with everything from concrete to wood, vinyl, and some plastics.

Some other advantages include:

• Exhibits outstanding UV resistance, perfect for pools.
• 1000% elongation.
• Worktime of solely 15-20 minutes.
• Boasts a service temperature range from -60 to +300.
• Offers a dynamic moving capability of +100- -50.

Contact us today for your concrete sealant and pool repair solutions!

Since 1989, Metro Sealant has been helping concrete repair specialists, contractors, and DIY professionals find the newest and most innovative products for their needs. As a family-owned and operated business, we’re committed to building long-term relationships with all of our clients. Metro Sealant boasts a wide inventory of every type of product, from sealant and waterproofing solutions to backer rods and caulking.

We have four stocked locations and offer timely delivery to the Washington, Richmond, Baltimore, and Virginia Beach areas and if we don’t have the product you’re looking for we can easily order it. Our team is committed to providing stellar customer service. As a family-owned business, we know that our clients rely on us, which is why we provide competitive pricing and technical support in addition to the best products in the industry.

For more information about how we can help you, contact us online or call (866) 695-6617.