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🕳️ Winter Pool Leaks: What to Do If You Think Your Pool Is Losing Water

It’s not unusual for pool owners to notice lower water levels after winter — but that doesn’t always mean there’s a leak. Below is a step-by-step guide to help determine whether your pool is leaking and what to do next.

Important: The vast majority of leaks discovered in the spring are not caused by the pool closing process. They often stem from small, previously undetected issues that become noticeable after months of inactivity.

🔍 Step 1: Assess the Situation

Ask yourself:

• Has the water level dropped significantly (6” or more)?

• Does it appear to have stopped dropping at a certain point?

• Are there any signs of active leaks now (wet areas, bubbling, visible tears)?

If the water loss appears to have stopped, the pool may have reached the level of the leak.

🧊 Step 2: Check for Ice and Cover Conditions

Before you do anything:

• Check for remaining ice under the cover.
  Use a T-pole or broom handle to gently press down and feel for ice below.

• Don’t operate your automatic cover if there’s ice under it — doing so can damage the liner.

• If the cover can be safely opened, look for the waterline inside the pool. It may indicate where the leak is located.

💧 Step 3: Begin Refilling the Pool

If you're ready to investigate further:

1. Begin filling the pool through a skimmer or directly into the main body of water.

2. If we plugged your skimmer line during closing, remove the white winter plug or gently push it into the pool to allow water to flow freely.

3. Aim to bring the water up to its normal operating level.

⚙️ Step 4: Coordinate With Us for Opening

As soon as the water level is high enough to safely open:

• Contact Premier Pool & Spa to schedule your pool opening.

• Let us know the target date you expect to have the pool filled, and we’ll do our best to adjust your opening date accordingly.

• Be prepared to heat the pool if needed — some leak detection services may require warmer water to conduct in-pool inspections.

🧪 Step 5: Schedule Leak Detection (if needed)

We recommend scheduling with a leak detection service as early as possible. These companies book up fast in spring, and even if the leak ends up being minor or visible, it’s better to have your name on their list.

Recommended service:

• American Leak Detection – Minneapolis

• Contact them early to:

  • Check their lead time

  • Ask whether the pool needs to be heated for inspection

🔦 Bonus Tip: Try a Visual Check

If you can’t open the cover:

• Remove a skimmer lid and use a waterproof camera or phone to peek inside.

• This might help identify the current water level or visible tears (especially around steps, corners, or lights).

Common Leak Sources After Winter

• Liner pinholes or tears (especially around steps and corners)

• Aging gaskets on return fittings or lights

• Cracks in skimmers or main drains

• Light niches, especially if they’re large or older

✅ Summary

Have questions or need help walking through this process?
📞 Call or text Premier Pool & Spa — we're here to help guide you step-by-step.

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