Can You Fix a Pool Pipe Leak Under Concrete? Learn How the Pros Handle It

If you're dealing with water loss in your pool and suspect the issue lies beneath your concrete deck, you might be wondering — can you fix a pool pipe leak under concrete? The answer is yes, and it’s more common than you might think.

Underground leaks, especially in swimming pool plumbing, can be tough to spot and even harder to fix without the right equipment. That’s where we come in. At Your Tropical Oasis, we’re Tampa’s trusted experts in professional leak detection and patio restoration. We use Leaktronics’ industry-leading tools to pinpoint leaks accurately and repair them with minimal disruption to your pool or deck.

This guide walks you through how pool pipe leaks under concrete happen, how we find them, and how they’re repaired — all in easy-to-understand language. Whether you're a seasoned pool owner or new to pool maintenance, this article is packed with helpful info to protect your investment.

What Causes a Pool Pipe Leak Under Concrete?

Leaks in pool pipes buried under concrete usually result from aging pipes, pressure changes, shifting ground, or faulty fittings. Over time, wear and tear causes PVC pipes and connections to crack or separate.

Common causes include:

• Ground movement that stresses buried pipes
• Improper pool installation that doesn’t support fittings
• High pressure in the pipe from pump and filter systems
• Corrosion in older metal pipes
• Damage during other repairs around the pool

Once a leaking pipe forms under your concrete deck, water starts escaping slowly, leading to potential damage and water loss. Identifying and repairing the leak early prevents costly structural repairs later.

How Do You Know If Your Swimming Pool Has an Underground Leak?

If your water level in the pool is dropping quickly and you can’t see a visible crack or leak, it’s a sign the leak may be underground.

Look for these signs:

• Consistent water loss despite normal weather and evaporation
• Wet spots or soggy concrete around the pool
• Air bubbles in the pool pump, especially in the suction line
• Drop in water level when the pump is running

A plumbing leak under concrete may not be obvious at first, but small drips add up. Pool owners should always act quickly when they suspect a leak.

Where are pool plumbing leaks most likely to happen?

Most underground pool plumbing leaks occur near the skimmer, return fittings, main drain, or pipes running between the pool and pump equipment.

Swimming pool pipes that handle high pressure, like return lines, are more prone to pipe leaks due to constant stress. Leaks in pool pipes near corners or joints in the plumbing system are also very common.

The more fittings and buried pipes your system has, the greater the chance a pipe may eventually leak.

Can you locate the exact location of the leak?

Yes — finding the exact location of the leak is the key to avoiding unnecessary digging. At Your Tropical Oasis, we use advanced leak detection equipment from Leaktronics to listen for water movement underground.

Here’s how we do it:

• We run a pressure test to check if the line is losing pressure
• We use sound technology to locate the leak
• We mark the leak location before starting repairs

This precision helps us repair the leak with the least damage to the surrounding concrete around the pool.

What tools and materials are used for leak detection?

Finding a leak under concrete requires more than a visual inspection. We use a combination of tools and materials to detect and repair the issue.

Key tools include LeakTronics electronic listening equipment, pressure testing kits for pipes, underwater microphones and hydrophones, sealant, epoxy, and pool putty for minor fixes, as well as PVC cutters and couplings for pipe replacement.

Using the right tools and materials ensures we detect the leak fast and fix it right the first time.

What are the most effective repair methods?

Once the leak has been located, we decide on the best repair methods based on the extent of the damage.

Options include cutting out and replacing the damaged pipe, using a PVC coupling to reattach two pipe ends, or applying sealant or epoxy if the leak is small and accessible.

For larger issues, sections of concrete may need to be removed to access buried pipes and fittings. After the repair, new concrete is poured to restore the area.

Can you fix a pool pipe leak without digging?

In some cases, yes. If the leak is in an accessible pipe near the pool wall or equipment pad, it may be possible to fix a pool pipe leak without digging.

Situations where digging can be avoided include leaks at above-ground fittings, leaks close to the front of the pump, and leaks in exposed pipes near the pool equipment.

For deep or hidden leaks, a small portion of the pool deck may need to be opened, but precise location keeps the area minimal.

How long does it take to repair a leak under concrete?

The repair process can vary depending on the leak location and how deep the buried pipes are. On average:

• Minor leaks near equipment: 1 day
• Small pipe section replacement: 1 to 2 days
• Complex underground leaks: 2 to 3 days (including concrete repair)

We always aim to prevent further damage by completing repairs efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to your property.

Why professional leak detection is key

Trying to repair a leaking pipe under concrete without proper leak detection is risky and often costly. You may dig in the wrong spot or miss the source of the leak entirely.

Professional leak detection saves time and money, pinpoints the exact leak location, prevents unnecessary excavation, and protects pool plumbing, deck, and landscaping.

This is why Tampa pool owners trust Your Tropical Oasis — we get it right the first time.

Why choose Your Tropical Oasis in Tampa, FL?

As your local experts, we don’t just repair leaks — we restore your pool and patio so you can get back to enjoying your pool faster.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We use LeakTronics leak detection equipment
• We’re based in Tampa, FL and understand local soil and plumbing systems
• We offer full pool leak repair and patio restoration
• Our trained technicians know how to work around swimming pool pipes safely
• We care about doing clean, lasting work

If you suspect a leak or know your pool is leaking, don’t wait. Call Your Tropical Oasis today and let us fix it — fast, affordable, and local.

Summary: What to Remember

• Pool pipe leaks under concrete can be fixed, often in just a couple of days
• Look for signs like water loss, wet spots, or air in the pump
• Most leaks in pool pipes happen near fittings, skimmers, or the main drain
• LeakTronics tools help locate the leak accurately, saving time and cost
• Professional repairs may involve cutting out damaged pipe or resealing joints
• Some repairs can be done without digging, depending on leak location
• Choose a local expert like Your Tropical Oasis in Tampa, FL for best results

Visit us at yourtropicaloasis.com to schedule a service or learn more about how we can help detect and repair your pool leak under concrete!