POOL SKIMMER LEAK? SIGNS, CAUSES & WHAT TO DO
If your pool water level keeps dropping and stops around the skimmer, there’s a good chance the leak is coming from the skimmer body, the skimmer throat, or the plumbing connected to the skimmer. Skimmer leaks are one of the most common pool leak sources and usually get worse over time if ignored.
WHY POOL SKIMMERS LEAK
Skimmers are where the pool wall, plumbing, and deck structure meet—so they’re a common failure point. Over time, movement and wear can create small separations that let water escape.
Common causes include:
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Cracks in the skimmer body
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Separation at the skimmer throat (where the skimmer meets the pool wall)
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Worn seals around fittings
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Plumbing leaks on the suction line connected to the skimmer
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Deck/pool movement causing gaps at the skimmer area
SIGNS YOUR SKIMMER MAY BE THE LEAK SOURCE
Look for these common symptoms:
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Water level drops and stops at the bottom of the skimmer opening
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You notice cracks around the skimmer area
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You see sinking, shifting, or gaps near the skimmer/deck line
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You lose water faster than normal evaporation
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You hear air in the system or notice suction issues (in some cases)
QUICK CHECKS YOU CAN DO (BEFORE CALLING A PRO)
These don’t confirm the leak, but they help narrow it down.
1) Watch where the water stops
If your pool repeatedly stabilizes at the same level right at the skimmer opening, that’s a strong clue the leak is at or near the skimmer.
2) Do the bucket test (evaporation vs leak)
This confirms whether you’re dealing with a real leak.
3) Check for visible cracks or separation
Look around:
• the skimmer faceplate
• the skimmer throat area
• the deck line near the skimmer
Avoid DIY patching until you confirm the exact source—many “skimmer leaks” are actually caused by plumbing.
WHY DIY PATCHING A SKIMMER LEAK OFTEN FAILS
A skimmer leak might not be where you can see it. Water can escape from:
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behind the skimmer
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at the throat connection
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through underground plumbing connected to the skimmer
Quick patches may hold temporarily, but if the real leak is behind the structure or in plumbing, the water loss returns. Professional testing prevents repeat repairs and wasted money.
HOW PROS CONFIRM A SKIMMER LEAK
To confirm the skimmer is the true source, pros typically use:
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Dye testing around the skimmer throat and fittings
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Inspection for cracks, separation, and movement
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Testing to determine if it’s a structural skimmer leak vs a plumbing leak
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Pressure testing (as needed) to isolate suction line leaks
Once confirmed, we recommend the right repair based on what’s actually leaking—no guessing.
WHEN TO SCHEDULE LEAK DETECTION
Schedule professional pool leak detection in Tampa if:
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Your water level consistently stops at the skimmer level
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The bucket test points to a leak
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You’re losing more than ¼ inch per day
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You want the leak pinpointed fast to prevent damage and water waste
If you’re in Tampa and your skimmer may be leaking, we can pinpoint the exact source quickly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY POOL SKIMMER IS LEAKING?
If the water level repeatedly drops and stops at the skimmer opening, or dye testing pulls toward the skimmer throat, it’s likely the source.
CAN A SKIMMER LEAK CAUSE HIGH WATER BILLS?
Yes. Even small skimmer leaks can waste a large amount of water over time, especially with an auto-fill system.
IS A SKIMMER LEAK ALWAYS A CRACK IN THE SKIMMER?
Not always. Many skimmer leaks come from the throat connection or the plumbing line connected to the skimmer.
DO YOU HAVE TO DRAIN THE POOL TO FIX A SKIMMER LEAK?
Not always. It depends on the leak location and repair method needed.
CAN YOU CONFIRM A SKIMMER LEAK WITHOUT GUESSING?
Yes. Dye testing and proper inspection can confirm whether the leak is actually at the skimmer or in the connected plumbing.