How Pool Leaks Can Cause Foundation Damage and Make Homes Vulnerable to Water Damage

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton highlights the damage a pool leak can cause to the foundation of a home.

Most homeowners associate the need for flood restoration services with a localized flood from a severe thunderstorm, a burst washing machine supply line, or a sewage backup. However, the swimming pool, the oasis of family fun and relaxation in the backyard, can cause serious foundation damage and flooding in the basement and crawl space if leaks in the pool or pool plumbing go undetected.

Spring is fast approaching. Homeowners will soon be removing pool covers and preparing their swimming pools for the Texas pool season. Three key indicators that it is time to begin the pool opening process are:

• Temperatures are high enough to make people in the North Dallas area sweat.
• Temperatures trend at 70 degrees or higher for several days.
• Mid-March to early April rolls around on the calendar.

Meanwhile, while frost is still on the morning lawn and before the green Spring foliage erupts, it is an excellent time to inspect the pool foundation for any issues. A pool has a foundation that rests on the soil. The pool’s structural components are heavy even without the weight of the water. The addition of 30,000 gallons of water adds 125 tons to the weight of the pool. The weight and stress of the water require the pool to have a great deal of foundational support, and a breach in the pool’s structural integrity could result in the leakage of thousands of gallons of water. This leakage, which may very well go unnoticed by the homeowner, can have a catastrophic impact on the foundation of any nearby structure, including a home, pool house, or garage. The homeowner or property manager needs to inspect for leakage regularly. Both above-ground and in-ground pools can pose a potential risk if water begins leaking into the soil around a pool and home.

Warning Signs of Foundation Damage

#1. Foundation cracks in an in-ground pool

Indicators of pool foundation issues can mimic signs of problems with a home’s foundation. Cracks appearing in the foundation of an in-ground swimming pool should alert the homeowner to inspect the home’s foundation. If soil movements are causing cracks in the in-ground pool, the shifting soil is likely affecting the home’s foundation.

#2. Shifting and cracks in the pool deck

Upward or downward shifting of the paving around a swimming pool may indicate the pool itself could be moving. Soil problems under the pool may be the cause. Examine the bottom and sides of the pool for cracks. Once the pool cavity is compromised, leaks may accelerate soil degradation. If soil problems exist beneath the pool, these same issues may be affecting the home’s foundation.

#3. Unexplainable moisture fluctuations around the pool

Sudden sogginess in the soil around the pool decking may be a warning sign of a severe leak either from the pool or from damaged underground pool plumbing. Soil expands when wet and contracts as the moisture evaporates and as water is absorbed by plants. The changes in the soil can damage the pool’s foundation and the home’s foundation.

A slow leak can cause severe damage over time. Two of the most common sources of slow pool leaks, the supply and return lines to the filtration system, are difficult to detect. Since pool equipment is often situated close to the home’s foundation, the leaks directly impact the integrity of the foundation. Have the pool plumbing system tested for leaks if there is any sign of a leak.

What to Do if Leaks and Damage Are Discovered

If any of the warning signs mentioned above are spotted, contact a pool professional and a foundation specialist to diagnose the problem and offer solutions. Keep in mind a typical pool contains around 30,000 gallons of water. If the leak leads to a breach in the home’s foundation, water from the pool, clogged gutters, or a heavy thunderstorm can flood the basement or crawl space in just a short time.

In the event of a water damage disaster, trust the cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton to remove the water, dry out the structure, and clean the area. For more information about flood damage cleanup in Farmers Branch, TX, email SERVPRO of Carrollton at office@SERVPRO10952.com or call the office at (972) 446-0383.