Skimmer Leak Solutions: How to Detect and Fix Pool Skimmer Leaks in Victorville, CA

A leaking skimmer is one of the most common causes of pool leaks and water loss for pool owners in Victorville, CA. If you’ve noticed your pool level dropping, higher water bills, or soggy spots around the skimmer, you might be dealing with a skimmer leak. This article from GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair-Victorville’s leading pool leak detection and repair experts-will walk you through how to spot, diagnose, and fix a skimmer leak. We’ll also explain why professional help (using Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment) is often the best way to stop the leak for good. If you care about your pool’s health, this is a must-read!

What Is a Pool Skimmer and Why Is It Important?

A pool skimmer is a vital part of your swimming pool’s cleaning system. It sits on the side of the pool and draws in water, catching floating debris like leaves, bugs, and dirt before they sink to the bottom. The skimmer basket inside the skimmer box traps this debris, helping your pool pump and filter work more efficiently.

Without a properly working skimmer, your pool water can quickly become dirty, and your equipment may struggle. If the skimmer develops a leak, water can escape from the pool, causing a drop in water level and potentially damaging your pool wall, liner, or surrounding area.

How Do Skimmer Leaks Happen?

Skimmer leaks are common, especially in pools that are 10-15 years old. There are several ways a skimmer leak can develop:

• Cracks in the skimmer housing or body of the skimmer: Over time, ground movement or freeze/thaw cycles can cause cracks.
• Gasket failure: The skimmer gasket creates a seal between the skimmer and the pool wall. If it becomes kinked, worn out, or improperly installed, water can seep through.
• Separation from the pool wall: Sometimes, the skimmer pulls away from the pool wall, leaving a gap for water to escape.
• Improper installation: If the skimmer, gasket, or faceplate is not aligned and sealed correctly, leaks can occur from day one.

What Are the Signs of a Skimmer Leak?

Wondering if you have a skimmer leak? Here are some telltale signs:

• The pool water level drops below the skimmer opening and stays there.
• You notice dampness or erosion around the skimmer on the outside of the pool.
• Air bubbles appear in the pool pump, indicating air is being sucked into the skimmer line.
• You’re losing water faster than normal evaporation (try the “bucket test” to confirm).
• Visible cracks or gaps around the skimmer face or body.

If you see any of these, it’s time to check the skimmer for leaks.

How Can I Tell If My Pool Is Losing Water Due to a Skimmer Leak?

To determine if the skimmer is the culprit, start by performing a simple dye test. With the pool pump off, add a few drops of dye or red food coloring around the skimmer-especially at the seams and the bottom of the skimmer. If the dye is drawn into a crack or seam, you’ve found the leak.

Another method is the “bucket test”: Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step. Mark the water level inside and outside the bucket. If the pool water drops more than the bucket water after 24 hours, you likely have a pool leak.

What Is the Best Way to Perform Leak Detection Around the Skimmer?

While DIY methods can help, professional leak detection is the most accurate way to pinpoint a skimmer leak. At GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair, we use Leaktronics’ advanced leak detection equipment. This technology allows us to listen for leaks and pinpoint their exact location-even hearing water escaping through tiny cracks around the skimmer, main drain, or suction line.

Professional leak detection saves time, prevents guesswork, and ensures the leak is fixed right the first time.

How Do You Fix a Skimmer Leak?

Fixing a skimmer leak depends on the cause:

• For gasket leaks: Drain the pool water below the skimmer face, remove the screws and faceplate, and inspect the skimmer gasket. Replace it if it’s damaged or kinked. Make sure the new gasket is installed correctly (especially for wide mouth or Hayward skimmers), then retighten the screws evenly.
• For cracks in the skimmer or pool wall: Apply pool putty or a two-part epoxy to seal small cracks. For larger cracks or structural issues, the skimmer may need to be replaced.
• For leaks at the skimmer-to-pool wall seam: Clean the area and apply a bead of pool sealant or pool putty along the seam. Allow it to cure before refilling the pool.

If you’re not comfortable with these repairs, or if the skimmer is still leaking after DIY fixes, call a professional for help.

What Role Does the Skimmer Gasket Play in Stopping Leaks?

The skimmer gasket is critical for creating a watertight seal between the skimmer and the pool wall (or vinyl liner, in above ground pools). If the gasket is old, kinked, or not hugging the pool wall properly, water can escape around the skimmer. For Hayward and wide mouth skimmers, the butterfly gasket should be installed so it hugs both sides of the pool wall, with no liner or wall foam underneath.

Proper gasket installation and screw tightening are key to stopping leaks around the skimmer face. Always use a new gasket when replacing or reinstalling a skimmer.

When Should You Replace the Skimmer or Install a New Skimmer?

If the skimmer housing or body is cracked, or if repairs have failed to stop the leak, it may be time for a new skimmer. Replacing the skimmer involves cutting out the old one, installing a new skimmer box, and resealing it to the pool wall. This is a job best left to professionals, as it requires precise alignment and sealing to prevent future leaks.

At GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair, we use quality skimmers from trusted brands like Hayward and follow manufacturer guidelines for installation, ensuring a long-lasting fix.

Is It Possible to Fix a Skimmer Leak Yourself?

Some minor skimmer leaks can be repaired by handy pool owners. Replacing a gasket or applying pool putty to a small crack is within reach for many DIYers. However, if you’re unsure, if the leak is still leaking after your repair, or if the skimmer is damaged, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional repairs are faster, more reliable, and often save money in the long run by preventing bigger problems.

Why Choose GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair for Skimmer Leak Detection in Victorville?

GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair is Victorville’s trusted name for pool care, leak detection, and repair. Here’s why local pool owners choose us:

• Over 29 years of experience in pool leak detection and repair.
• Family-owned, licensed, and insured.
• We use Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment for fast, accurate results.
• Free estimates and honest advice.
• Skilled technicians who fix the leak right the first time.
• We use OEM parts from top brands like Hayward for new skimmer installations.

If you suspect a skimmer leak or any pool leak, call GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair for prompt, professional service in Victorville and the High Desert.

Key Points to Remember

• Skimmer leaks are a leading cause of pool water loss.
• Signs include dropping water level, wet spots near the skimmer, and air in the pool pump.
• The skimmer gasket is often the source-replace it if worn or kinked.
• Use dye tests or professional leak detection to pinpoint the leak.
• DIY repairs are possible for minor leaks, but call a pro if the skimmer is damaged or still leaking.
• GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair uses Leaktronics equipment and years of expertise to stop leaks fast in Victorville, CA.

Don’t let a skimmer leak drain your pool or your wallet-contact GFC Pool Cleaning & Repair today for expert leak detection and repair!