Top 10 Pool Leak Scams in New Jersey — And How to Avoid Them
When your pool is leaking, you are vulnerable. You want answers fast, and some companies take advantage of that. Across Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer County, homeowners report the same patterns of misleading promises, rushed guesses, and unnecessary repairs.
Here are ten common pool leak scams in New Jersey — and how to protect yourself from each one.
1. The “Flat Fee, No Matter What” Dive
A diver charges a flat fee to “find any leak,” but only swims around the pool and checks obvious spots. No pressure testing, no underground locating, and no refund if they miss the problem.
2. Declaring “No Leak” Without Testing
After a quick visit, you are told there is no leak or that the water loss is “normal evaporation,” even though you are adding inches of water every week in Freehold, Toms River, Old Bridge, or Hamilton.
3. Blaming the Liner Every Time
Some companies automatically recommend a new liner, even when there is no proof of structural damage. If the real leak is underground, a new liner will not fix it.
4. Patching Random Spots
Divers may patch tiny pinholes and call it a day, without proving those spots were actually leaking. You pay for patches, but the water loss continues.
5. No Written Report
Scam-prone operators give only verbal “opinions” with no written findings, test results, or photos. This makes it impossible to hold them accountable later.
6. Unlicensed and Uninsured Work
Unlicensed divers working around Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer County may perform leak checks or even repairs without proper insurance or state registration, leaving you unprotected if damage occurs.
7. Forcing Full Renovations
Some companies use a leak as an excuse to push a full renovation — new liner, new coping, new deck — without ever proving the source of the leak.
8. Charging for “Electronic Leak Detection” Without Equipment
Watch out for companies that advertise electronic leak detection but show up with nothing more than a mask and fins. Real electronic locating requires real gear.
9. Multiple Service Fees for the Same Problem
You are charged separate service calls each time someone guesses at a different cause, but no one performs full pressure testing or provides a clear diagnosis.
10. Refusing to Share Test Results
Any legitimate company that actually tests your lines will be proud to share the results. If someone refuses to explain what they did or how they know where the leak is, that is a major red flag.
How to Protect Yourself
If your pool is in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, or Mercer County, you can avoid most of these scams by asking a few key questions before you hire anyone:
- Do you perform full plumbing pressure tests?
- What electronic or acoustic equipment do you use?
- Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?
- Will I receive a written report of your findings?
Ditch The Diver exists to help homeowners say no to guesswork and yes to real leak detection. When you know the scams, you can sidestep them — and protect both your wallet and your pool.
