Pool Skimmer Leak? Signs, Simple Tests and Fixes for Arlington Pools

A pool skimmer leaks most often where the plastic skimmer body meets the concrete pool shell. Cracks in the skimmer throat, a bad seal around the faceplate, or a crack where the skimmer line connects can all let water out. The main sign is a water level that drops to the middle of the skimmer opening and then stops. Call (817) 285-5426 if you want it tested.

Our team handles pool leak detection services Arlington TX pool owners call when the level keeps dropping.

What are the signs of a skimmer leak?

Five signs point to the skimmer: the water stops dropping at about mid-skimmer level, cracks are visible around the skimmer lid or deck, the skimmer moves when you press on it, wet soil or a soft deck sits next to the skimmer, and dye drifts into a crack when the pump is off.

• The water level stops falling near the skimmer opening.
• Hairline cracks run around the skimmer mouth or the deck lid.
• The deck near the skimmer is sinking or lifting.
• The soil beside the pool stays wet in dry weather.
• You add more than about a quarter inch of water a day.

Why do skimmers leak so often in Arlington?

North Texas clay soil swells after rain and shrinks in drought. The pool shell and the deck move a little with it, and the skimmer sits right where they meet. Over years, that movement opens a gap between the plastic skimmer and the concrete. Hot summers also make plastic brittle, and winter freezes can crack it if water sits in the skimmer.

Pools in older North and West Arlington neighborhoods, and those built 15 to 20 years ago in South Arlington, often show this kind of wear.

How can I test the skimmer myself?

First, rule out evaporation with a bucket test. Then turn off the pump, let the water go still, and squeeze a little dye or food coloring near the cracks and seams around the skimmer. If the dye is pulled into a gap, you have found a leak. Also watch whether the level stops at the bottom of the skimmer opening over a few days.

1. Do a bucket test for 24 hours to compare pool loss with evaporation.
2. Turn off the pump and wait 10 minutes for still water.
3. Hold the dye close to each seam and crack and release slowly.
4. Watch for dye being pulled into the gap.
5. Mark any spot that pulls dye and call for repair.

Our arlington pool leak detection guide walks through the bucket test step by step.

How is a skimmer leak fixed?

Small gaps at the skimmer-to-shell joint are sealed with pool putty or flexible sealant made for underwater use. A cracked faceplate gasket is replaced. A cracked skimmer throat can sometimes be repaired with an insert or liner. If the skimmer body is badly cracked or the line below it leaks, the deck around it may need to be cut and the skimmer replaced.

What does pool leak detection cost?

Pool and spa leak detection in Arlington usually costs about $250 to $550. That covers pressure testing the lines, dye testing fittings like the skimmer, lights and returns, and listening for underground leaks. Repairs are priced once the leak is found. Sealing a skimmer gap is often a small job; replacing the skimmer costs more.

See our pool leak detection cost guide, or book pool leak detection service. For leaks near the house, our leak detection Arlington TX team checks the slab too.