Pool Leaks can happen for a variety of reasons. Some pool leak repair cost very little for things like replacing a gasket on an underwater light. Sometimes, you’ll run into a much more costly pool leak repair. Damage like cracked tiles, or torn vinyl liners will make a more significant dent in your pool maintenance budget. 

Taking a look into the different pools and the maintenance associated with them will give you a better idea of what to expect when calling a specialist for your pool leak repair. Southern Illinois Epoxy specializes in rooting out the leaks’ cause before repairing them, so you can rest comfortably knowing your pool leak is repaired correctly.

Below-ground pools are significantly more resilient to wear and tear. However, they are more expensive for the initial install, and the maintenance costs are high. Keeping a well-maintained in-ground pool will increase your property value and give you years of summer fun. 

An in-ground pool will give you a level of relaxation and fun that you can’t get from an inflatable or soft side pool. However, even keeping a well-maintained pool won’t prevent damage and leaks forever. Early leak detection is the key to avoiding costly repairs.

pool leak repair cost

Early Leak Detection

If you hear odd gurgling, soggy surrounding ground, see a significant reduction in water daily, or notice the growth of algae or other scum on the surface of your pool, you may have a leak that needs to be repaired. 

Detection services are the first step in protecting the longevity of your pool. Taking action as soon as you notice an issue will save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs. Waiting for any problems to get worse before fixing them can lead to extensive damage beyond the pool itself. 

From a simple fix, like a leaking gasket seal around a light ($100-125) to a crack in the pool support beam ($4000-5000), the pool leak repair cost vary greatly. Preemptive maintenance can save you both money and stress in the long run. 

Another benefit of regular maintenance and repair is that you can change the aesthetic appearance of your pool when you take on extensive repairs. You can request a new color or repairs to damaged tiles while you have the surface tiling off for significant repairs.

The Value of Pool Repair

While it may be tempting to temporarily patch your pool leaks with pool putty, or vinyl tapes, these are bandaids on a more significant issue. By figuring out the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, you can also stop the issue from worsening. 

Temporary fixes add up. The term nickel and dime-ing apply here. You can pay for several small repair options over the years, and never fix the source of the issue. Eventually, the temporary fixes will fail, and the damage caused will be catastrophic. When a leak becomes a flood, your pool will become a nightmare for your pocketbook. 

Hiring a professional to resurface your pool is the most efficient option for long term repair. It addresses concrete cracks, peeling liners, gaskets and seals, pipes, and plumbing, and more. The professionals at Southern Illinois Epoxy have worked on pool leak repair for over 15 years and bring the experience of many situations to the deck.  

Your pool is an investment. The cost will be more upfront for a big repair job. Investments in your pool maintenance and upkeep will pay dividends down the road when you’re given years of enjoyment and resale value.

How to Fix a Leak in a Pool

A leak can waste upwards of 1000 gallons of water a day. That can lead to high costs in your water bill. When your pool leaks hundreds of gallons of water into the surrounding ground, it’s pushing your pool cleaning chemicals into the soil and water table. 

When you search “pool leak repair near me,” you’ll want to make sure that the company you contract with has a process that addresses the cause and the side effects. Southern Illinois Epoxy has a system for our repair services, as seen below:

pool leak repair cost

Drain the Pool

We utilize our equipment to safely remove the water from your pool, avoiding flooding and further damage to your property. We will turn off the filter and use the drain valve or plug to drain your pool appropriately.

Prepare the Pool’s Surface

We clean the surface and go over it inch by inch to assess the damage. We will remove ladders, lights, drain covers, and anything else that could be damaged by the media blast process.

pool leak repair cost

Remove Surface Layer

We will carefully remove surface layers, which uses a process called media blasting. We will use sand or crushed glass to remove paint and other surface covering. 

In-ground pools are typically concrete, which isn’t waterproof on its own. Concrete is porous. It becomes less water-resistant as it ages. Water can seep into the pores in concrete, expanding in changing temperatures and cracking it. Removing the outer layer of paint or epoxy is a critical step in repairing cracks and resealing your pool.

Prime the Pool

Priming the pool occurs after the blast media and debris from the surface layer is removed. The surface of the lake is clean and bare, revealing any cracks that need to be sealed. We use an elastomeric liquid rubber polyurethane to bond abrasions and prevent future leaks. The liquid rubber will add years to the life of your pool. It seals the porous surface of your concrete and creates a completely waterproof surface in your pool. 

pool leak repair cost

Leak Repair

After the primer is laid down, we will address more severe leaks with a rubber-based repair medium. The rubber penetrates cracks deeply, sealing them, and preventing further damage. The rubber flexes with contracting and constricting materials, giving a long-life to the pool surface. The rubber material also seals the pool surface, making it waterproof, and preventing further damage around light fixtures and pump systems

Additional Coats

Adding another coat of the polyurethane rubber epoxy seals the repairs, and gives an extra layer of protection against wear and tear for years to come. Most polyurethane coatings will last a minimum of 10 years under normal wear.

Finish with a Top Coat

The last coat of epoxy will be your surface. This layer creates the beauty of your pool’s underwater surface. It will be shinier and present a bolder color than the previous coats. It protects the working layers from the wear of daily use. 

This process is an excellent opportunity to change the surrounding tile colors and add any deck resurfacing. While your pool is out of commission, you can kill two birds with one stone, refinishing your entire pool area.

Southern Illinois Epoxy Pool Repair

Southern Illinois Epoxy serves the Southern Illinois region. Contact us today to speak with one of our experts. Let’s discuss your pool leak repair cost today.