Back in 2024, we published a blog post — “Busting Nine Common Pool Myths” — debunking some of the most common misconceptions about swimming pools and pool leaks. Since then, we’ve discovered that, unfortunately, many more pool myths continue to circulate — often leading to delayed repairs, wasted money and unnecessary frustration. Whether you’re a new pool owner or have been enjoying your Central Florida oasis for some time, separating fact from fiction can help you better protect your investment. Here’s a look at some of the most common pool myths still circulating.
Myth #1: If My Pool Is Losing Water, It Must Have a Leak
Not necessarily. All pools lose some water through evaporation — especially during hot, sunny, or windy weather. Splashing, frequent pool use, and backwashing the filter can also contribute to water loss. However, if you’re adding water frequently or notice a significant drop in water level, it’s worth investigating. Water loss alone doesn’t mean there’s a leak, but unusual or excessive water loss shouldn’t be ignored.
Myth #2: All Pool Water Loss Is Caused by Evaporation
While evaporation is normal, some homeowners assume that every drop in water level is simply due to Florida’s heat and sunshine. This can allow a hidden leak to continue for months before it’s discovered.
A leak may be present if:
- Water loss exceeds normal evaporation rates
- Wet spots appear around the pool
- Water bills increase unexpectedly
- The pool requires constant refilling
Bottom line — don’t automatically blame evaporation for water loss. Sometimes, it really is a leak!
Myth #3: If the Pool Is Full, It Can’t Have a Leak
Many newer pools are equipped with automatic water-fill systems. These systems continuously add water as levels drop, making it difficult to notice ongoing leaks. In some cases, homeowners don’t suspect a leak until they start receiving higher-than-normal water bills. If your pool has such a system, a full pool doesn’t necessarily mean a leak isn’t present.
Myth #4: Pool Leaks Are Always Easy to See
In reality, most leaks are hidden. Although leaks can occur in visible areas, the most damaging leaks are often the hardest to see. Common locations including the following:
- Underground plumbing
- Skimmer assemblies
- Return lines
- Main drains
- Equipment connections
Because the source of a leak typically isn’t evident, be on the lookout for such telltale signs as:
- Unexplained water loss
- Wet patches near the pool that don’t dry up
- Air or dirt being blown into the pool
- A creeping chemical imbalance
- Cracks or sinking areas around the pool deck
- Higher than usual water bills
Myth #5: The Bucket Test Can Find Any Pool Leak
The DIY bucket test can be a useful first step in determining whether your pool has a leak, but can’t identify the following:
- Leak location
- Leak severity
- Multiple leak sources
- Underground plumbing problems
Our blog post — “Why DIY Pool Leak Detection Often Misses the Real Problem” — covers this topic in detail.
Myth #6: Small Leaks Aren’t Worth Worrying About
Unfortunately, small leaks usually become big problems. Even a slow leak works 24 hours a day, wasting thousands of gallons of water over time. More importantly, leaking water can cause:
- Soil erosion
- Deck settlement
- Landscape damage
- Foundation issues
- Increased equipment wear
What starts as a minor issue can eventually lead to expensive repairs.
Myth #7: Pool Leaks Fix Themselves
We don’t know whether to call this myth wishful thinking or magical thinking. But since we’re talking about myths, let’s go with magical. Realistically, there is no element within pool water, pool chemicals, pool building materials, or pool plumbing materials that enable self-sealing.
Leaks are typically caused by:
- Cracks
- Plumbing failures
- Damaged fittings
- Worn seals
- Vinyl liner punctures
These issues generally worsen over time, not improve. Waiting usually increases damage and subsequent repair costs.
Myth #8: Pool Leaks Only Affect Water Levels
In reality, a pool leak can cause a chain reaction that ultimately affects your entire property. Many homeowners tend to focus solely on the water loss, overlooking the damage occurring underground.
Hidden leaks can contribute to:
- Cracked decking
- Sinking pavers
- Dying landscaping
- Soil erosion
- Foundation movement
If left undetected and unrepaired, the leak itself is often the least expensive part of the problem.
Myth #9: Air Bubbles in the Return Jets Are Normal
Definitely no! While occasional bubbles can occur, persistent air bubbles often signal that air is entering the circulation system through a suction-side leak.
This can place additional strain on:
- Pool pumps
- Filters
- Heaters
- Other equipment
Our blog post — “How Pool Leaks Strain the Pump and Filtration System” — covers this topic in detail.
Myth #10: New Pools Don’t Leak
If you’re the proud owner of a new pool, you might assume that you won’t have to worry about leaks for many years to come. Unfortunately, leaks can occur due to faulty concrete pool construction, fiberglass or vinyl pool manufacturing flaws, and other causes, including:
- Improper installation
- Faulty fittings or seals
- Ground movement
It still pays to be observant for signs of a leak! In addition to addressing problems early, your warranty may cover necessary repairs.
Myth #11: A Pool Leak Is Just an Inconvenience
This may be the most insidious myth of all. As noted in Myth #7, they don’t just fix themselves! A pool leak can ultimately damage pool equipment and the pool structure itself. As Myth #8 notes, underground pipe leaks can damage pool decking, kill landscaping plants, cause soil erosion, and undermine your home’s foundation. And that’s not even mentioning higher water bills, energy costs, and pool chemical expenses.
The longer a leak goes undetected, the more expensive the consequences can become. Early detection is always less expensive than delayed repairs.
Myth #12: Leak Detection Always Requires Digging
Many homeowners dread calling a professional leak detection company because they’re afraid the pool deck will be excavated in the process. Fortunately, this is no longer true — at least, when Certified Leak Detection does the job! We use advanced non-invasive technology and techniques that we have developed over 20 years in business, such as:
- Electronic listening devices
- Pressure testing systems
- Dye testing techniques
- Underwater inspection tools
When necessary, we will also suit up in scuba gear to detect vinyl liner leaks.
The Take-Home Message
You’re an adult — believing in myths prevents you from being observant and taking timely, appropriate action when needed. If you suspect a leak in your pool, call us! In addition to accurate detection of leaks in residential and commercial pools, we provide industry-leading leak detection for spas and hot tubs, as well as slabs and foundations. Serving areas throughout Central Florida — including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Springs — our team is ready to answer your call. Contact us for quick, reliable service!