Stop That Pool Skimmer Leak: The Ultimate Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners

A leaky pool skimmer can turn your backyard paradise into a costly headache. If you’re noticing a drop in your water level, high water bills, or soggy spots near your pool, you may have a skimmer leak. This article is your go-to guide for understanding, detecting, and fixing pool skimmer leaks—especially if you’re in Los Angeles, where SJ Pools leads the way with advanced LeakTronics leak detection technology. Read on to learn how to spot the signs, what causes these leaks, and how our professional team can restore your swimming pool to perfect health.

What Is a Pool Skimmer Leak and Why Does It Matter?

A pool skimmer leak is a break, crack, or faulty seal in or around the skimmer—the part of your swimming pool that draws in water and debris for filtration. When a skimmer leaks, water escapes from your pool, leading to water loss, higher bills, and potential damage to your pool wall or surrounding ground. Left untreated, a skimmer leak can cause structural problems and even undermine the pool’s foundation.

What Are the Signs of a Pool Skimmer Leak?

Look for these common signs of a pool leak around the skimmer area:

• The water level drops quickly, especially when the pool pump is off.
• You see wet spots or erosion near the side of the skimmer or outside of the pool.
• Bubbles appear in the pool pump or the flow into the skimmer is weak.
• You notice cracks in the skimmer box, skimmer throat, or where the skimmer meets the concrete pool wall.
• High water bills with no other explanation.

If you spot any of these, you should suspect a leak and take action before the problem gets worse.

How Do Skimmer Leaks Happen?

Skimmer leaks can develop for a variety of reasons:

• Aging and Wear: Over time, the plastic skimmer or skimmer gasket can become brittle, causing cracks or separation.
• Improper Installation: If the skimmer gasket wasn’t installed correctly, or if screws weren’t tightened evenly, leaks can form around the skimmer faceplate or where the skimmer meets the pool wall.
• Ground Movement: In Los Angeles, shifting soil or earthquakes can cause the skimmer to separate from the pool wall, especially in in-ground pools or where the skimmer is encased in concrete.
• Chemical Damage: Pool chemicals can degrade the skimmer body, gaskets, or sealant, leading to leaks.

How Can I Tell If My Skimmer Is Leaking?

To confirm a skimmer leak, try these steps:

• Water Level Test: Mark the water level on the side of your pool and monitor it for a few days. If the water drops to the bottom of the skimmer and then stops, the leak is likely in the skimmer area.
• Dye Test: With the pool pump off, add red food coloring or leak detection dye near the seams around the skimmer. If the dye is drawn into a crack or seam, you’ve found the source of the leak.
• Visual Inspection: Remove the skimmer basket and inspect the skimmer throat, body, and gasket for cracks or gaps.

If you’re still unsure, professional leak detection is your best bet.

What’s the Role of the Skimmer Gasket in Preventing Leaks?

The skimmer gasket forms a watertight seal between the skimmer and the pool wall. In vinyl pools, it’s especially important to have the skimmer gasket properly placed on both sides of the pool wall, hugging the liner and the skimmer faceplate. If the gasket is kinked, misaligned, or deteriorated, water can escape through the seams, causing leaks around the skimmer.

How Do Professionals Detect Skimmer Leaks?

At SJ Pools, we use industry-leading LeakTronics leak detection equipment to pinpoint leaks with precision. Our process includes:

• Acoustic Listening: Using hydrophones and amplifiers, we listen for the sound of water escaping from cracks or gaps in the skimmer or pool wall.
• Pressure Testing: We isolate the skimmer line and pressurize it to check for pressure drops, indicating a leak.
• Dye Injection: We inject dye into the skimmer area and use cameras to visually confirm the source of the leak.

This technology allows us to find even hidden leaks without unnecessary demolition or guesswork.

Can I Fix a Leaky Pool Skimmer Myself?

Some minor skimmer leaks can be repaired by handy pool owners:

• Tighten Screws: If the leak is at the skimmer faceplate, retighten all screws evenly to compress the gasket.
• Replace the Gasket: If the skimmer gasket is damaged, drain the pool below the skimmer, replace the gasket, and reinstall the faceplate.
• Seal Small Cracks: Use pool putty or a waterproof sealant to patch small cracks in the skimmer box or around the skimmer throat.

However, these are often temporary fixes. For persistent or severe leaks, professional repair and possibly a new skimmer installation may be needed.

When Should I Call a Professional for Pool Leak Detection?

Call SJ Pools if:

• The leak persists after basic repairs.
• You can’t locate the source of the leak.
• The skimmer is cracked or separated from the pool wall.
• You suspect leaks in underground skimmer lines or plumbing.

Professional pool leak detection services save you time, money, and frustration by accurately diagnosing and repairing the problem.

How Does LeakTronics Equipment Help Find Skimmer Leaks?

LeakTronics is the gold standard in pool leak detection. Their equipment includes:

• Acoustic Devices: Detects leaks underwater and around the skimmer area with pinpoint accuracy.
• Pipe Mic: Gets inside tight spaces like skimmer ports and slot drains to listen for leaks.
• Deck Plate and Soil Probe: Identify leaks under concrete, decks, or landscaping—perfect for Los Angeles pools with complex construction.

This advanced technology means less guesswork, minimal disruption, and faster repairs.

Why Choose SJ Pools for Skimmer Leak Repairs in Los Angeles?

SJ Pools is Los Angeles’s trusted local expert for pool leak detection, repairs, and maintenance. Here’s why homeowners choose us:

• Local Experience: We know the unique challenges of Los Angeles pools, from shifting soil to sun damage.
• Industry-Leading Tools: We use LeakTronics equipment for fast, accurate leak detection.
• Comprehensive Service: From minor gasket replacements to full skimmer installations, we handle every type of skimmer leak.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our team is dedicated to clear communication, honest pricing, and quality workmanship.

Key Takeaways: What to Remember About Pool Skimmer Leaks

• A pool skimmer leak can cause water loss, high bills, and structural damage.
• Signs include dropping water levels, wet spots near the skimmer, and visible cracks.
• The skimmer gasket is critical for a watertight seal—check for kinks or wear.
• DIY fixes may help, but persistent leaks need professional attention.
• SJ Pools uses LeakTronics technology for the most accurate leak detection and repair in Los Angeles.
• Don’t wait—early detection and repair save you money and protect your pool investment.

If you suspect a skimmer leak in your Los Angeles pool, contact SJ Pools today for expert leak detection and reliable repairs. Your pool deserves the best care—let us help you stop the leak for good!