Pools and spas are a major draw for facilities like gyms, hotels, and wellness centers. They attract customers, add value to memberships, and create a sense of calm. But when those pools or spas leak, the impact on the business can be huge—financially and operationally.
The Cost of Commercial Pool Leaks
Commercial pool leaks are more than just a minor annoyance; they can be financially crippling. Water loss is the most obvious sign of a pool leak, but many other hidden costs can add up if not addressed quickly.
Operational Costs
The cost of water loss in a commercial setting can be huge. Unlike residential pools with thousands of gallons, commercial pools and spas hold tens of thousands of gallons of water. A small leak can cause significant water loss and require constant refilling to keep the water level up. This, in turn, adds to the water bill – potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars to the monthly utility bill.
Liability & Compliance Issues
Health departments regularly inspect commercial pools for safety, sanitation, and structural integrity. In extreme cases, a leaking pool can lead to serious compliance breaches, fines, temporary closures, or even permanent closures.
A pool leak can also expose businesses to legal liabilities. Water damage from leaks can create hazards like slippery floors, warped tiles, or weakened pool decks. Injuries from these hazards can lead to costly lawsuits and damage to the business’s reputation.
Structural Damage from Pool Leaks
Leaks in commercial pools can cause structural damage that goes far beyond the pool area.
Foundation & Building
When water from a leaking pool seeps into the ground, it can cause erosion around the pool or even beneath the building’s foundation. Over time, this can cause the ground to shift and lead to foundation cracks, uneven flooring, or other structural integrity issues. In a commercial setting, this can be disastrous and require costly repairs and, in extreme cases, temporary business closure.
Tile, Deck & Flooring
Commercial pools have tiled surfaces that can crack or shift when the soil beneath them moves due to leaks. This can be a tripping hazard for pool users and expensive to repair. The pool deck and surrounding flooring can also experience similar damage, making the area unsafe for guests and staff.
When to Call in a Specialist
If staff or guests notice visible signs like cracked tiles, wet spots on the pool deck, or puddles in unusual areas, it’s time to call a pro. Visible damage is usually a sign of a more significant underlying issue that needs attention ASAP.
Dropping Water Level
A leak is likely if a pool’s water level is dropping despite efforts to top it up. The “bucket test,” a simple test to compare the water loss rate between a pool and a bucket of water, will tell you if it’s evaporation or a leak. For commercial facilities, it’s usually best to hire a pro to do a more detailed evaluation.
Higher Water Bills
A sudden increase in water bills, especially during months when pool usage hasn’t increased, is a sign of a leak. When water bills are higher than expected, and there’s no apparent reason, it’s best to call a pro for a thorough leak inspection.
Don’t Ignore Leaks
Addressing leaks promptly through professional detection services is not just smart for businesses; it’s necessary. Call a pool leak detection service as soon as you suspect issues to keep your facility safe, compliant, and profitable.
