When your pool starts losing water, one of the first places professionals check is the skimmer. Skimmers are essential components of your swimming pool, responsible for pulling water into the filtration system, but they’re also common sources of leaks.
In this article, we’ll highlight the three most common skimmer leaks: leaks in the skimmer throat, cracks in the skimmer housing, and broken skimmer plumbing lines. Understanding these issues can help you identify and address leaks before they lead to costly repairs.
Leaks in the Skimmer Throat
The skimmer throat is the passage between the skimmer and the pool. It’s a common failure point due to constant exposure to water movement, pool chemicals, temperature fluctuations, shifting soil, or a poor hydraulic cement mixture and installation.
Signs of a Skimmer Throat Leak:
Visible cracks or gaps in the cold joint of the skimmer throat where the skimmer housing butts up against the structure of the pool itself.
Consistent water loss that always stops at the bottom of the skimmer throat with no visible signs of damage anywhere else.
How to Fix It...
Thoroughly dye-test the cold joint of your skimmer throat to confirm the location of your swimming pool leak.
For more minor leaks, you may get lucky by trying to patch the leak with two-part underwater epoxy or pool putty. This is by no means a permanent fix.
Professional repairs and a complete skimmer throat renovation may be necessary for larger, more significant leaks or structural damage. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and prevents further damage to your pool structure.
Cracks in the Skimmer Housing
The plastic skimmer housing is built directly into the side of the pool. It is designed to house the skimmer basket, which collects debris and directs water into the plumbing system, ensuring proper circulation and filtration. However, cracks can develop in this housing over time due to age, shifting soil, or improper installation.
Signs of a Cracked Skimmer Housing:
Water loss that stops at the bottom of the skimmer throat often indicates a crack or leak in the plastic skimmer housing itself.
Visible cracks or hairline fractures inside the plastic skimmer housing.
Debris, such as algae, dirt, or mud, accumulates around the crack, indicating where water may be rushing out.
How to Fix It…
Clean the cracked area thoroughly to remove any debris.
Fill and seal the cracks with a two-part epoxy or pool putty. These materials can provide a temporary solution until permanent repairs are made.
In severe cases, the skimmer housing may need to be replaced entirely. This process typically requires excavation and professional assistance to ensure proper installation and long-term durability.
Broken Skimmer Plumbing Lines
The plumbing lines connected to the skimmer are another common source of leaks. These lines can break or develop leaks due to ground movement, aging, tree roots, sinking pool decking, or even old or lousy glue joints.
Signs of Broken Skimmer Plumbing Lines:
Significant water loss that stops at the bottom of your skimmer throat with no visible cracks in the pool, skimmer throat, or skimmer housing.
Muddy water getting sucked into your swimming pool pump basket.
Wet or soggy ground around the pool deck near the skimmer.
How to Fix It...
Note: You will need professional assistance for this part.
Pressure test your skimmer plumbing line to confirm that it is broken.
Connect an air compressor to your pressure testing rig to help identify exactly where the plumbing line is broken underground.
Once you locate the plumbing line leak, you can choose whether to plug it up and eliminate that skimmer plumbing line altogether or hire a professional to permanently repair the broken portion of the plumbing.
Professional repairs may involve rerouting pipes, replacing damaged sections, or installing new fittings to restore proper function.
Preventing Skimmer Leaks
Regular pool maintenance and inspections can go a long way toward preventing skimmer leaks. Here are a few tips:
During routine pool cleaning, check your skimmer and surrounding area for cracks or gaps.
Address signs of soil shifting or deck sinking promptly to prevent structural stress on the skimmer and plumbing.
Consult a professional if you notice any signs of water loss or suspect a skimmer-related issue.
In Conclusion...
Skimmer leaks are among pool owners’ most common issues, but they don’t have to lead to major headaches. By understanding the common causes—such as leaks in the skimmer throat, cracks in the housing, and broken plumbing lines—you can take proactive steps to address them early.
If you’re unsure how to diagnose or repair a skimmer leak, it’s always best to contact a pool leak detection expert.
Precision Leak Detection, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, specializes in identifying and resolving swimming pool leaks quickly and efficiently. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re here to help you keep your pool in perfect condition.
Contact us today to schedule a professional leak detection service and ensure your pool remains leak-free for years.
