Pool Plumbing Leak in Arlington: How to Spot It and What It Costs

A pool plumbing leak is a leak in the buried pipes that carry water from the skimmers and main drain to the pump, and back to the pool through the returns. The clearest sign is a pool that loses more water with the pump running than with it off. Wet spots near the equipment pad, air in the pump basket and a pool that keeps losing water below the skimmer are other clues. Call (817) 285-5426.

As a local leak detection company, we pressure test every pool line and give you a written list of what we find.

How do pool plumbing lines leak?

Pool lines are usually PVC pipes buried under the deck and yard. Fittings loosen, glue joints fail, and pipes crack when the ground moves. Arlington's clay soil swells and shrinks a lot between wet springs and dry summers, which puts stress on joints. Tree roots and freezing weather can also crack lines near the surface.

There are two kinds of lines. Suction lines pull water from the skimmers and drain to the pump. Pressure lines push water back to the pool through the returns. Each one leaks in a slightly different way.

Is it the plumbing or the shell? Try the pump test

First, confirm the pool is leaking and not just evaporating with a bucket test. Then run a pump test. Mark the water level and run the pump for 24 hours. Then mark it again and leave the pump off for 24 hours. If the pool loses more with the pump on, the leak is likely on the pressure side. If it loses more with the pump off, it may be a suction line or the shell.

1. Do a bucket test to rule out evaporation.
2. Mark the level and run the pump for 24 hours.
3. Mark again and turn the pump off for 24 hours.
4. Compare the two drops.

Our guide on pool leak detection arlington tx owners use explains the bucket test step by step.

What are the signs of a pool plumbing leak?

Common signs include wet or soft ground near the equipment pad or between the pool and the pad, air bubbles coming out of the returns, a pump that loses prime, cracks or sinking in the deck, algae that keeps coming back, and a water bill or auto-fill that runs far more than normal.

• Air in the pump basket. Often points to a suction-side leak pulling air in.
• Bubbles from the returns. Another sign of air getting into the system.
• Wet soil near the pad. Often a pressure-side leak pushing water out.
• Deck cracks or settling. Leaking water can wash soil away under the deck.
• Auto-fill running all the time. Hides the loss but drives up the bill.

How does a tech find a pool plumbing leak?

The tech plugs each line at the pool and pressure tests it one at a time. A line that will not hold pressure has a leak. They then listen along that line with an acoustic microphone to find the exact spot under the deck or yard. Dye testing checks the fittings at the skimmers, returns, lights and main drain at the same visit.

Because each line is tested on its own, you know which pipe is bad before anyone cuts the deck.

How are pool plumbing leaks fixed?

Most are fixed by cutting a small opening in the deck or digging in the yard at the marked spot, replacing the broken pipe or fitting, and patching the surface. Leaks at fittings inside the pool, like a skimmer throat or return, can often be sealed from the water side. Repair costs depend on the location and are quoted after the leak is found.

Skimmers and lights are the other common leak points. See our guides on a pool skimmer leak and a pool light leak.

What does pool leak detection cost in Arlington?

Pool and spa leak detection in Arlington usually costs about $250 to $550. That includes pressure testing the plumbing lines, dye testing the fittings and listening for leaks in buried pipe. You get the price before the visit.

General estimates for Arlington, TX in 2026. Your exact price is confirmed before any work begins.

For a pool-only breakdown, see our pool leak detection cost guide, or book pool and spa leak detection today.

What can you do until the leak is fixed?

Keep the water above the skimmer so the pump does not run dry. Turn off the auto-fill so you can see how fast the level drops. Write down the daily loss. Avoid draining the pool, because an empty in-ground pool in clay soil can shift or pop out of the ground.