You've noticed your pool water level dropping. You're adding water more often than usual. Maybe your water bill is climbing. Now you're asking yourself: "Is a pool leak serious?"

The short answer? Yes. Even a small leak can lead to expensive problems if you ignore it.

At Caliber Pool Pro, we help pool owners across Wall Township, New Jersey, find and fix leaks before they cause major damage. We've seen firsthand what happens when people wait too long. Let's talk about why pool leaks matter and what you should do about them.

Is a Pool Leak Serious? Understanding the Real Risks

Here's what many pool owners don't realize: your pool can lose up to a quarter inch of water a day due to evaporation. That's normal. But if you're losing more than that, you have a leak.

A leaking pool isn't just annoying. It can:

  • Damage your pool structure - Water movement underground can cause the pool shell to shift and crack
  • Waste thousands of gallons - Some pools lose an inch of water per day or more
  • Spike your water bills - You're literally watching your money drain away
  • Harm your yard - Standing water and erosion destroy landscaping
  • Create safety hazards - Soggy ground near your pool becomes unstable

"A leak that seems small today can become a major structural problem tomorrow," says our team at Caliber Pool Pro. "We see this constantly in Wall Township and across New Jersey."

What Are the Common Signs of a Pool Leak?

Not sure if your pool is leaking? Watch for these common signs of a pool leak:

Water Level Changes:

  • Your pool loses more than a quarter inch per day
  • You need to add water to your pool more than once a week
  • The water level drops below the skimmer

Around Your Pool:

  • Wet spots or standing water in your yard
  • Unusually green grass growth near the pool
  • Cracks in the deck or patio
  • Loose tiles around the pool edge

Equipment Issues:

  • Your pool pump runs more often
  • Air bubbles in the return line
  • The pump system makes strange noises

Water Quality Problems:

  • Algae growth even with proper chemicals
  • Algae growth or discoloration that won't clear up
  • You're using more chemicals in your pool than normal

The Bucket Test:

Want to confirm that your pool is leaking? Try this simple test:

  1. Fill a bucket with pool water
  2. Mark the water level inside the bucket
  3. Place it on your pool steps
  4. Mark your pool water level
  5. Wait 24 hours
  6. Compare the difference in water levels inside the bucket and pool

If your pool loses more water than the bucket, you have a leak. Time to call Caliber Pool Pro for professional leak detection.

How Much Water Loss is Normal vs. a Sign of a Leak?

Understanding normal water loss helps you spot problems early:

Situation Water Loss What It Means
Normal Evaporation ¼ inch per day No action needed
Possible Small Leak ½ inch per day Schedule inspection
Serious Leak 1+ inch per day Call immediately
Major Problem 2+ inches per day Emergency repair needed

Hot weather, wind, and pool activity affect evaporation. But if you're losing more than a quarter inch of water daily, don't assume it's just evaporation. Use an evaporation calculator to see what's normal for your area, then act quickly if the numbers don't match.

What Are the Risks of Ignoring a Pool Leak?

Ignoring a leak costs you more than just water. Here's what happens when pool owners in Wall Township wait too long:

Financial Damage:

  • Higher water bills (some homeowners see bills jump by $100+ monthly)
  • Expensive structural damage that could cost thousands to repair
  • Wasted pool chemicals (you're treating water that's leaking away)
  • Increased cost of pool maintenance
  • Lower property value

Physical Damage:

  • The pool settles and cracks
  • Leaks can erode soil under your pool and deck
  • Structural issues with your pool foundation
  • Damage to pool equipment from running dry
  • Problems with pool liners in vinyl pools

Safety Concerns:

  • Slippery areas around your pool
  • Unstable ground that can collapse
  • Pool shell integrity problems
  • Risk of larger leaks forming
"We had a customer in Wall Township who ignored a small leak for six months. What started as a minor repair turned into a $15,000 problem. The leak caused the ground under their inground pool to wash away. Don't wait like they did."

Can a Small Leak Cause Big Problems?

Absolutely. Many pool owners think a small leak isn't worth worrying about. They're wrong.

Even a leak that only loses you a quarter inch of water a day (beyond normal evaporation) wastes over 15,000 gallons per year. That's enough to:

  • Fill a typical hot tub 30 times
  • Raise your water bill by hundreds of dollars
  • Keep adding water back to the pool constantly
  • Gradually damage your pool's foundation

Where Leaks Hide:

Pool leaks can occur in several places:

  • Skimmer leaks - The most common spot
  • Return line problems - Plumbing leak in pipes that bring water back
  • Liner leaks - Tears or holes in vinyl pool liners
  • Underground leaks - The hardest to find without professional help
  • Pool pump connections - Where equipment meets plumbing

Some leaks can often be spotted easily. Others need professional pool leak detection equipment to locate.

How Does Leak Detection Work?

Finding a leak isn't always easy. At Caliber Pool Pro, we use advanced techniques to find a leak fast:

Our Process:

  1. Visual Inspection - We check obvious spots like the skimmer, plumbing connections, and pool liner
  2. Pressure Test - We test your plumbing lines to find underground leaks
  3. Dye Testing - We use special dye to trace water leaking from cracks
  4. Electronic Detection - High-tech equipment pinpoints leak locations
  5. Camera Inspection - For hard-to-reach plumbing leak spots

Why Professional Leak Detection Matters:

  • We find hidden leaks you'd miss
  • We avoid unnecessary digging and damage
  • We confirm that your pool has a real leak (not just evaporation)
  • We provide accurate repair estimates
  • We can detect multiple leak sources

Many pool owners try to find a leak themselves. Sometimes they get lucky. Often, they waste time and money treating the wrong problem. A professional leak detection company like Caliber Pool Pro gets it right the first time.

What Does Pool Leak Repair Cost in Wall Township?

The cost of pool repairs varies based on the leak location and severity:

Typical Repair Costs:

  • Skimmer repair: $500-$1,500
  • Plumbing leak repair: $400-$2,000
  • Liner patch: $200-$800
  • Structural repair: $2,000-$10,000+
  • Complete liner replacement: $3,000-$7,000

What Affects Price:

  • Where the leak is located
  • Whether it's accessible or underground
  • Inground pools vs. above-ground pools
  • Age and condition of pool equipment
  • Extent of structural damage
"The best time to fix a leak is now. Wait, and you'll pay more later."

The good news? Early leak repair costs much less than fixing damage from ignoring a leak. That skimmer repair today prevents a $5,000 foundation problem tomorrow.

When Should You Call for Professional Leak Detection?

Don't wait if you notice these warning signs:

Call Caliber Pool Pro Immediately If:

  • Your pool loses more than an inch per day
  • You see cracks in your pool shell
  • The ground around your pool is always wet
  • Your water bill suddenly spikes
  • Pool chemicals don't last as long as they should
  • You hear running water when the pump is off
  • The pool water level drops below the skimmer opening
  • Your pump runs but you're losing water

Why Choose a Professional vs. DIY:

Leak detection and repair requires special skills. You need:

  • Pressure testing equipment
  • Electronic leak detectors
  • Knowledge of pool plumbing systems
  • Experience with inground pools and different pool types
  • The right tools to repair leaks properly

Trying to fix a leak yourself might work for a simple liner patch. But plumbing leaks, skimmer problems, and structural issues need expert help.

How Can You Prevent Pool Leaks?

Prevention beats repair every time. Keep your pool safe with these tips:

Regular Maintenance:

  • Check your pool water level weekly
  • Inspect the skimmer and plumbing connections monthly
  • Monitor your water bill for unexpected increases
  • Test pool chemistry regularly
  • Clean pool filters on schedule

Professional Care:

  • Schedule annual pool inspections
  • Have a leak detection company check your pool every 2-3 years
  • Maintain proper water chemistry (prevents liner damage)
  • Winterize properly to prevent freeze damage
  • Address small issues before they become big problems

Smart Practices:

  • Don't let the water level drop too low
  • Avoid draining your pool completely unless necessary
  • Keep pool equipment in good condition
  • Watch for signs of a pool leak early
  • Balance chemicals in your pool correctly

The New Jersey climate can be tough on pools. Winter freezing and summer heat stress pool materials. Regular pool service from experts like Caliber Pool Pro helps catch problems before they start.

Why Choose Caliber Pool Pro for Leak Detection and Repair in Wall Township?

When you need pool leak detection and repair in Wall Township, New Jersey, Caliber Pool Pro is your local expert. Here's why:

Our Advantages:

  • Local Experience - We know Wall Township pools and common leak causes in our area
  • Fast Response - We understand that leaks rarely wait for a convenient time
  • Advanced Equipment - Professional leak detection tools find problems others miss
  • Complete Services - From detection to leak repair to ongoing pool maintenance
  • Transparent Pricing - You'll know the cost before we start work
  • Quality Guarantee - We fix it right the first time

What Sets Us Apart:

We're not just a leak detection company. We're pool people who care about keeping your pool safe and beautiful. Whether you have inground pools, deal with liner leaks, or face complex plumbing problems, we handle it all.

We've helped countless pool owners across Wall Township and the Jersey Shore area. From simple skimmer repairs to complex underground leak detection, we've seen it all.

Don't Wait - Protect Your Pool Investment Today

So, is a pool leak serious? You already know the answer. Yes, it is.

Every day you wait costs you money. Water loss continues. Damage spreads. Your water bill climbs. The repair costs grow.

Take Action Now:

  1. Do the bucket test to confirm you have a leak
  2. Call Caliber Pool Pro at (833) 776-2205 for fast, professional help
  3. Schedule your leak detection appointment
  4. Get your pool fixed before small problems become disasters

Remember: leaks can erode foundations, damage pool shells, waste water, and turn your backyard oasis into a money pit. But the good news is that professional leak detection and repair fixes the problem fast.

At Caliber Pool Pro, we make the process easy. We find the leak, explain your options, provide fair pricing, and complete quality repairs. We help you keep your pool in perfect condition year-round.

Don't let a leak ruin your pool season. Contact Caliber Pool Pro today - Wall Township's trusted name in pool leak detection and repair services. Your swimming pool deserves the best care, and we deliver it.

About Caliber Pool Pro: Serving Wall Township, New Jersey, and the surrounding Jersey Shore area, Caliber Pool Pro specializes in professional pool leak detection and repair. We help residential pool owners protect their investment with expert service, modern technology, and honest pricing. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.

Written by

Caliber Pool Pro

Published date

October 22, 2025
Call (833) 776-2205