Pool Repair Myths Busted: The Truth About Pool Leaks Most Homeowners Miss

If you own a pool, chances are you’ve heard a lot of advice over the years. Some of it comes from friends. Some of it comes from Facebook groups. And some of it comes from that one neighbor who “knows pools.” But when it comes to pool repair myths, believing the wrong thing can cost you thousands.

At Aqua Res-Q, we see it all the time, homeowners who waited too long because they trusted one of these common misconceptions. Today, we’re breaking down the biggest myths, the most common pool leak issues, and the smartest pool leak repair tips to protect your pool (and your wallet).

“If I Can’t See Water, My Pool Isn’t Leaking”

This is hands-down the most common and most costly myth.

The truth is, many pool leaks happen where you can’t see them, underground plumbing, behind pool walls, under decking, or deep inside the structure. You might never see standing water, but the damage can still be happening beneath the surface.

Some quiet warning signs include:

• Refilling your pool more often than usual

• Soft or damp spots around the deck

• Small cracks in concrete or tile

• A sudden jump in your water bill

Pool leak repair tip: If your pool is losing more than ¼ inch of water per day (not counting hot weather evaporation), it’s time to investigate.

“It’s Probably Just Evaporation”

Yes, evaporation is real. But it’s also predictable. If your pool is losing multiple inches of water in a short amount of time, evaporation isn’t the explanation.

That kind of water loss usually points to real pool leak issues like:

• Cracked plumbing lines

• Skimmer leaks

• Equipment failures

• Structural shell separation

Water loss that feels “too fast” usually is.

“Leaks Only Happen in Old Pools”

This one surprises a lot of homeowners. While older pools can develop wear-and-tear leaks, newer pools aren’t immune at all.

In fact, many early leaks happen because of:

• Soil shifting

• Improper pipe installation

• Deck settling

• Poor initial construction

• 
  

A pool’s age doesn’t determine its risk, installation quality and maintenance do.

“I’ll Just Patch It with a DIY Kit”

We understand, sometimes DIY patch kits are tempting. And yes, they can help with tiny, visible liner punctures. We also understand homeowners wanting to do things on their own but understand that DIY kits cannot always be the solution. 

DIY patch kits can be great for tiny, visible surface issues, but they won’t fix the bigger, hidden problems like underground return line leaks, cracked skimmers, or deeper structural and pressure-side issues. When homeowners try to rely on quick DIY fixes for serious leaks, we often see the same patterns pop up over and over again: nonstop water loss, damaged pumps and equipment, frustrating chemical imbalances, and even hidden foundation erosion

Pool leak repair tip: If you can’t clearly see where the leak is coming from inside the pool, having a professional take a look is hands down the safest and most cost-effective option.

“It’s a Small Leak, I’ll Handle It Later”

Even a slow drip can create massive damage over time.

Small leaks can lead to:

• Washed-out soil under decks

• Sinking concrete

• Electrical hazards

• Structural damage to the pool shell

• Thousands in long-term repairs

What could have been a simple fix often turns into a major renovation when ignored.

The Most Common Pool Leak Issues We See

While every pool is different, these are the problems we see most often:

• Skimmer cracks

• Return line plumbing leaks

• Light niche failures

• Main drain issues

• Tile-to-shell separation

• Aging pump seals

Each one requires specialized detection tools and repair methods. There is no “one-size-fits-all” fix for leaks.

Smart Pool Leak Repair Tips Every Owner Should Know

• Check your pool water level weekly

• Watch for cracks, shifting tiles, and soft ground

• Don’t ignore sudden water bill increases

• Address chemical imbalances—they can signal leaks

• Schedule professional inspections for peace of mind

A little awareness now can save you a lot of money later.

When to Call in the Pros

If your pool is losing water with no clear explanation, showing new cracks, or struggling to keep balanced chemicals, it’s time for expert help.

Aqua Res-Q specializes in fast, accurate leak detection and long-term pool repair solutions so you don’t waste time or money guessing. Because when it comes to your pool, the real damage usually happens where you can’t see it.