Oh, you balanced the chemicals, ran the pump, and even checked the skimmer basket. You’re practically a pool pro in your own mind. Then you woke up to a water level that mysteriously dropped overnight. Weird, huh? Nope. That’s a leak, my friend.
Let’s talk about what you’re screwing up while patting yourself on the back.
Mistake One: Blaming Evaporation
You noticed the water a little lower but shrugged it off. “It’s just the sun,” you told yourself. Sure. The sun didn’t drain four inches overnight, champ.
Fix: Do a bucket test. Fill a bucket with water, place it on the step, and mark the levels. If the pool water drops more than the bucket water, you’ve got a leak.
Mistake Two: Ignoring the Equipment Pad
You hear a faint hiss, see a little puddle near the pump, but decide it’s nothing. That “nothing” is your money leaking out into the dirt.
Fix: Inspect the pump, valves, and pipes regularly. If you see water where it shouldn’t be, call a professional or fix it immediately.
Mistake Three: Overlooking the Liner or Tiles
You assume your liner is invincible or that the tiles don’t crack. Spoiler alert: they do. Tiny tears or cracks can cause big leaks.
Fix: Check the liner and tiles closely. If you see damage, patch it or get help before it gets worse.
Mistake Four: Skipping Routine Pressure Tests
You figure if water’s moving, the pipes are fine. Meanwhile, underground leaks laugh at your confidence.
Fix: Schedule a pressure test annually to catch hidden leaks.
Your “Stop The Leak” Checklist
Here’s how to quit letting your pool drain your wallet:
- Do a bucket test to confirm it’s not evaporation
- Check pump, valves, and pipes for leaks
- Inspect liner and tiles for tears or cracks
- Patch damage immediately or call a professional
- Get an annual pressure test for peace of mind
Your pool didn’t wake up overnight and decide to mess with you. You just stopped paying attention. Fix the leaks, and you can actually enjoy your pool instead of funding a new water bill every week.
