7 Signs Your Pool Leak Is Not in the Pool — But in the Pipes
When your pool starts losing water, it is easy to assume the liner or shell is to blame. However, in many New Jersey pools — especially in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer County — the real culprit is underground: cracked pipes, failing fittings, or leaking valves. Divers rarely catch these issues because they are focused on what they can see inside the pool.
Here are seven warning signs your leak is more likely in the plumbing than in the pool itself.
1. The Water Level Drops More When the Pump Is On
If you notice that the pool loses water faster while the circulation system is running, it often points to a pressure-side leak in the return lines. Water is being pushed through a damaged pipe and escaping into the ground instead of returning to the pool.
2. Air Bubbles in the Returns
Constant air bubbles coming out of the return jets can be a sign of a suction-side leak. Somewhere in the suction plumbing, air is being pulled into the system. This does not always mean a water leak, but it is a strong clue that the plumbing needs attention beyond what a diver can see.
3. Wet Areas in the Yard or Around the Deck
Soft spots in the lawn, recurring puddles, or sinking pavers around the pool often suggest underground leaks. In towns like Freehold, Brick, Old Bridge, and Hamilton, where many pools sit near patios and landscaping, underground line leaks can slowly wash away soil and destabilize hardscapes.
4. The Water Stops Dropping at a Certain Level
If the water level always seems to settle at the bottom of the skimmer mouth, a return fitting, or another specific height, it may indicate a leak related to that line or fitting. A diver may not see anything obvious, but a pressure test can reveal whether the associated plumbing is leaking.
5. No Visible Liner Damage
If your vinyl liner looks clean, with no obvious tears, pits, or worn spots, yet the pool continues to lose water, the odds shift toward plumbing issues. In these situations, replacing or patching the liner will not solve the problem.
6. Sudden Spikes in Your Water Bill
When you are constantly topping off the pool in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, or Mercer County, your water usage can skyrocket. A slow but steady underground leak may be the cause. Diver-only inspections will not detect a buried pipe slowly draining your budget.
7. Previous Diver Visit Didn’t Fix the Issue
If a diver has already “checked everything” but the water loss continues, it is time to move beyond fins and goggles. At that point, the leak is likely in the plumbing or hidden structure, and only real leak detection with pressure testing and electronic locating will find it.
Stop Guessing and Test the Plumbing
If you recognize one or more of these signs in your pool, especially if you live in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, or Mercer County, ask for a full plumbing pressure test instead of another dive. That is the Ditch The Diver way — less guessing, more testing, and better protection for your pool.
