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Pool leaks do not always announce themselves with a dramatic gush of water. In fact, the most damaging leaks are often the ones you cannot see. They work silently beneath the surface, eroding soil, inflating your water bill, and slowly compromising the structural integrity of your pool. For homeowners in Brick Township, NJ, where inground pools are a staple of summer living, knowing how to spot the early warning signs of a hidden leak can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
At Caliber Pool Pro, we specialize in professional pool leak detection across the Jersey Shore. Here are seven warning signs that your inground pool may be losing water due to a hidden leak.
1. Your Water Level Drops More Than a Quarter Inch Per Day
Every pool loses some water to evaporation, especially during the hot and humid summers we experience in Brick Township. On average, a pool in this area will lose about a quarter inch of water per day due to evaporation alone. However, if your pool is consistently losing more than that, there is a good chance you have a leak somewhere in the system.
A simple bucket test can help you determine whether the water loss is from evaporation or a leak. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it on the steps so the water inside the bucket is level with the pool water, and mark both water levels. Wait 24 hours and compare. If the pool level dropped significantly more than the bucket level, you likely have a leak that needs professional attention. If you have a vinyl liner pool, we have a detailed guide on how to find a leak in a pool liner that walks through additional testing methods.
2. You Are Adding Water to the Pool More Than Once a Week
If you find yourself running the garden hose into your pool multiple times a week just to keep the water level where it needs to be, that is a red flag. Topping off the pool occasionally during peak summer heat is normal, but frequent water additions point to a leak. Beyond the inconvenience, constantly adding fresh water throws off your chemical balance, which means you are also spending more on pool chemicals to compensate.
3. Cracks or Gaps Appearing in the Pool Deck
When water leaks from a pool, it saturates the soil underneath and around the pool structure. Over time, this causes the ground to shift, settle, or erode unevenly. The result is often visible cracking, lifting, or sinking in the concrete or paver deck surrounding the pool. If you have noticed new cracks or gaps forming in your pool deck in Brick Township, the cause may not be normal settling. It could be a sign that water is escaping from the pool and undermining the ground beneath. If you are unsure whether this is something to worry about, our article on whether a pool leak is serious explains the risks of ignoring these signs.
4. Soggy or Unusually Green Patches in the Yard Near the Pool
A patch of grass that is noticeably greener or softer than the rest of your lawn near the pool area is a telltale sign of an underground plumbing leak. Pool water that escapes through cracked pipes or failed fittings saturates the surrounding soil, creating areas of lush growth that stand out from the rest of the yard. In some cases, you may even notice standing water or consistently muddy spots near the pool equipment pad or along the plumbing runs.
5. Your Chemical Consumption Has Increased Without Explanation
When a pool is leaking, you are not just losing water. You are also losing the chemicals dissolved in that water. This means your chlorine levels, pH balance, and alkalinity will fluctuate more than usual, requiring you to add chemicals more frequently to maintain safe swimming conditions. Increased chemical costs are one of the hidden expenses of a pool leak, which is why understanding how leak repair saves you money is so important for every pool owner.
6. Air Bubbles in the Return Lines or Pump Basket
Air entering the plumbing system is a strong indicator of a suction-side leak. If you see a steady stream of air bubbles coming from the return jets in your pool, or if the pump strainer basket appears to have air trapped in it during operation, there is likely a crack or loose fitting on the suction side of the plumbing. Pool owners in nearby Toms River and Brick Township frequently call us about this issue. These types of leaks can be tricky to locate because they only draw air when the pump is running, and the water escapes when the pump shuts off.
7. Algae Growth That Keeps Coming Back Despite Proper Treatment
Recurring algae problems can be incredibly frustrating, and while poor circulation or inadequate chemical treatment are common causes, a leak should also be on your list of suspects. As leaking water is replaced with fresh, untreated water, it dilutes the sanitizer in your pool and creates conditions where algae can take hold. If you have tried everything to get rid of persistent algae and nothing seems to work, it may be time to have your pool checked for a leak.
What to Do If You Suspect a Pool Leak in Brick Township
If any of these warning signs sound familiar, do not wait to address the problem. Pool leaks only get worse over time, and the longer they go undetected, the more damage they cause to your pool structure, your property, and your wallet.
Caliber Pool Pro serves Brick Township and all of Ocean and Monmouth County with professional pool leak detection services. Our team uses advanced LeakTronics equipment to pinpoint leaks with accuracy, whether they are in the pool shell, the plumbing, or the equipment. We are certified, licensed, and backed by nearly two decades of industry experience.
Call us at (833) 776-2205 to schedule a professional leak detection appointment, or contact us online to learn more about our services. Catching a leak early can save you thousands. Do not let a hidden problem drain your pool and your bank account.