Once a client asked me why their infinity pool was losing 3–5cm of water per week even when the weather was calm and evaporation couldn't account for it. The answer, confirmed after a dye test, was a hairline crack at the pool floor-to-wall junction that had been there since construction but widened gradually over two years of thermal cycling. Pools are the most demanding waterproofing application in Bali: constant hydrostatic pressure from the inside, thermal movement with every hot day, chemical exposure from chlorine, and structural movement from the villa's foundation settling into Bali's varied soil. Pool waterproofing failures are normal — they need planned maintenance and periodic remediation, not surprised reaction.
Pool Waterproofing Services
New Pool Waterproofing
Correct waterproofing system selection for new Bali pools. We specify negative-side (interior) systems — crystalline or polyurethane — appropriate for the pool type and finish. Infinity pools require additional attention at the overflow channel, where the water surface transitions to the view edge. This junction experiences constant wetting and drying cycles and needs a flexible membrane that handles both movement and chemical exposure.
Pool Leak Detection
Dye testing to confirm active leaks at specific points. Pressure testing of inlet and outlet pipework to separate plumbing leaks from shell leaks. Evaporation comparison testing (bucket test) to determine whether water loss exceeds evaporation. We confirm the leak type and location before recommending repair — pool shell leaks and plumbing leaks have completely different repair approaches.
Pool Shell Repair & Re-waterproofing
Crack injection with polyurethane foam for active structural cracks. Crack repair and crystalline treatment for dormant cracks. Full shell re-waterproofing when the existing system has failed systemically — this involves draining the pool, cleaning the shell, treating all cracks and penetrations, and applying a new system appropriate for the existing finish material.
Tile & Finish Remediation
Pool tiles are installed over the waterproofing membrane — when the membrane fails and is repaired, tile reinstallation is often required. We coordinate waterproofing and tile work as a single scope to ensure the repaired membrane system is correctly protected by the final finish layer.
Why Pools Leak in Bali
Pools are the most demanding waterproofing application on any Bali property. The shell is under constant hydrostatic pressure from the inside, it heats and cools with every tropical day, chlorine attacks the surface continuously, and the structure moves as the villa's foundation settles into Bali's varied volcanic and clay soils. Add the salt air near the coast and it is no surprise that pool waterproofing is a maintenance item, not a one-time job. The good news is that most pool leaks are slow and predictable — caught early with a simple water-loss check, they are far cheaper to fix than the structural and garden damage a long-running leak eventually causes.
The most common failure point on Bali pools is the floor-to-wall junction, where a hairline crack from thermal cycling can lose several centimetres of water a week while looking perfectly intact. Fittings, light housings, skimmers and the overflow channel on infinity pools are the next most frequent culprits. Because plumbing leaks and shell leaks need completely different repairs, we always confirm the source before quoting.
Our Pool Waterproofing Process
Loss test
A bucket test and meter reading establish whether you are actually losing water beyond evaporation, and roughly how fast.
Leak location
Dye testing at suspected points, plus pressure testing of inlet and outlet pipework, separates a shell leak from a plumbing leak.
Repair
Crack injection for active structural cracks, crystalline treatment for dormant ones, or full shell re-waterproofing where the existing system has failed across the pool.
Finish and refill
Tile and finish are reinstated over the repaired membrane, then the pool is refilled and rechecked before handover.
FAQ
How do I know if my pool is leaking or just evaporating?
Float a bucket of pool water on the steps and mark both levels. After 24–48 hours, if the pool has dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak. In Bali, normal evaporation is roughly 3–5mm per day; losses well above that point to a shell or plumbing leak.
Can you fix a pool leak without draining the pool?
Some leaks at fittings, lights or specific cracks can be repaired underwater. Shell membrane failure and structural cracks usually require draining and re-waterproofing the affected area. We confirm the leak type with dye and pressure testing first.
Why do infinity pools leak more often?
The overflow edge constantly wets and dries the catch channel, and the thin view-edge wall is under continuous load. That junction sees more movement and chemical exposure than a standard wall, so it needs a flexible membrane and careful detailing.
Pool Waterproofing Prices in Bali
| Service | Guide Price (IDR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pool leak detection | 300,000–500,000 | Dye test + pressure test |
| Crack injection (per crack) | 400,000–800,000 | Polyurethane injection |
| Shell re-waterproofing | by quote | Scope depends on size and finish |
See the full pricing page or send us your pool size and approximate water-loss rate for a quote.
Related Services
We also handle roof waterproofing, bathroom membranes and below-ground systems across all our Bali service areas.
Pool Losing Water in Bali?
Tell us the pool size, approximate water loss rate, and age of the pool. We can often narrow down the likely cause before visiting and plan the most efficient diagnosis approach.
WhatsApp About Pool Leak