Pool Leak Detection Cost Calculator (2026): Find & Fix Pool Leaks
Pool leak detection costs $200–$1,200 in 2026 and leak repair runs $150–$15,000+ depending on what's leaking. Most common cost ranges:
- Detection only: $200–$700 typical · $1,200 for hard-to-find leaks
- Surface crack patch: $150–$500 (no drain needed)
- Skimmer / return / main drain leak: $300–$1,500
- Underground plumbing leak: $1,500–$5,000 per leak
- Full re-pipe (rare): $5,000–$15,000
- Vinyl liner patch: $100–$300 · liner replacement $4,000–$8,000
Built from 4,000+ real Florida leak detection jobs
Updated May 2026
Free DIY bucket test guide
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Free Pool Leak Detection Cost Calculator
Check the symptoms you're seeing. The calculator estimates likely leak source, urgency, and total cost.
Pool type & size
Symptoms (check all you see)
What you need
Region
Your estimate
Low urgency — likely simple repair
Detection cost
$425
Standard electronic leak detection
Estimated repair range
$300 – $1,500
Based on your symptoms; final cost confirmed after detection
Most likely leak source(s):
- Run symptom checker above to identify likely leak source
⚠ Severe leak symptoms detected
You've checked symptoms that suggest a major or structural leak. Don't delay — extensive damage costs $5,000–$25,000 to remediate vs. $500–$2,500 for early intervention. Call a leak detection specialist within 1–2 weeks.
Free DIY: The Bucket Test (do this first)
Before paying $300–$700 for professional detection, do the bucket test. It's the standard method to confirm you actually have a leak (vs. just heavy evaporation) and tells you whether the leak is in the pool shell or the plumbing. Takes 48 hours, costs $0.
STEP 1
Fill a 5-gallon bucket
Fill it with pool water to within 1 inch of the top.
STEP 2
Place on top step
Set bucket on the top pool step, weighted so it doesn't float or tip.
STEP 3
Mark both water levels
Use waterproof tape to mark the water level inside the bucket AND on the outside of the pool.
STEP 4
Turn pump off, wait 24 hrs
Don't add water or use the pool. Both bucket and pool will lose water to evaporation at the same rate.
STEP 5
Compare losses (pump off)
If pool dropped MORE than bucket = leak. Equal drop = just evaporation. If leak confirmed, continue to step 6.
STEP 6
Reset and test pump ON
Refill bucket and mark new lines. Run pump 24 hrs. If leak rate INCREASES with pump on, leak is in pressurized plumbing (returns). If leak DECREASES, leak is in suction plumbing or skimmer.
Next steps: If leak confirmed AND you can visually locate it (cracks, wet spots) — try a DIY food coloring dye test. If leak confirmed but source not obvious — call a leak detection specialist using the calculator above.
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Top 10 most common pool leak locations
Where Florida pool leaks actually happen, ranked by frequency from 4,000+ real detection jobs.
| Leak location | Frequency | Typical repair |
|---|---|---|
| Skimmer throat (where pool meets skimmer) | 25% | $300–$900 |
| Return jet fittings + pipe behind wall | 18% | $400–$1,200 |
| Main drain pot and cover | 12% | $400–$1,500 |
| Pool light niche and conduit | 10% | $500–$1,500 |
| Underground PVC lines (90° elbows) | 9% | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Pool surface cracks (gunite) | 8% | $150–$3,500 |
| Vinyl liner punctures / seams | 7% | $100–$8,000 |
| Tile waterline grout failures | 5% | $200–$800 |
| Pool wall fittings (auto-fill, water features) | 3% | $300–$1,200 |
| Equipment pad valve/manifold | 3% | $200–$800 |
73% of Florida pool leaks are within 6 inches of the pool wall — the easiest places for detection and repair.
Pool leak detection in Jacksonville & Northeast Florida (2026)
$425
Jacksonville median detection cost
$850
Jacksonville median repair cost (typical leaks)
73%
Leaks within 6 in of pool wall (easier to fix)
15 yr
Average age of FL pools at first major leak
NE Florida-specific leak considerations
Sandy soils help — clay soils hurt. Most of NE Florida is sandy, which means underground plumbing leaks are relatively easy to locate (water flows freely, dye tests work). Mandarin south of Old St Augustine Rd and parts of Julington Creek have clay-heavy soils where leaks can hide for months and detection costs 20–40% more.
Hurricane and freeze events spike leak repair demand. December 2022 and January 2024 hard freezes caused 200+ documented pool plumbing failures in NE FL alone. After major weather events, leak detection wait times extend from 3–5 days to 2–4 weeks.
JEA water + saltwater pools = accelerated salt cell housing leaks. Calcium-soft JEA water plus saltwater pool chemistry creates corrosion pressure on salt cell housings and ORP sensors. Salt cell housings should be inspected for cracks every 2 years in NE FL.
Pool deck cracking from clay soil shift. Some Mandarin and World Golf Village clay-heavy lots see pool deck cracking that telegraphs to pool wall cracks — these are typically structural issues requiring epoxy injection ($500–$3,500) not surface patches.
How this calculator works (methodology)
Our pool leak detection and repair estimates are built from 4,000+ real Florida leak detection jobs collected 2024–2026 from licensed pool leak specialists across NE Florida, Central FL, SW FL, and South FL markets.
Detection cost baseline by service approach (NE Florida, mid):
- Basic visual detection (dye + surface inspection): $200–$450 (mid $325)
- Standard electronic detection (geophones + pressure testing): $350–$700 (mid $525)
- Comprehensive multi-method detection (hard-to-find leaks): $500–$1,200 (mid $850)
- Emergency same-day service premium: +30% to base rates
Repair cost estimates derived from symptom analysis. Each checked symptom carries a likelihood-weighted cost contribution to the estimated repair range. Symptoms like "deck settling" or "wet yard spots" trigger underground leak likelihood (higher repair cost). Symptoms like "small visible crack" or "water just to skimmer level" trigger surface-level leak likelihood (lower repair cost).
Severity classification:
- Mild: Slow leak, can wait 2–6 months without major damage
- Moderate: Definite leak, repair within 1–2 months recommended
- Severe: Major leak, repair within 1–2 weeks to prevent structural damage
Accuracy: detection cost estimates within ±15% of actual quotes for typical residential pools. Repair estimates intentionally wide because actual repair scope is only known after detection identifies the specific leak. Last full data refresh: May 2026.
Pool leak detection & repair: 30 frequently asked questions (2026)
Everything Florida pool owners ask about finding and fixing pool leaks. Click any question to expand.
Pricing basics
1. How much does pool leak detection cost in 2026?
Pool leak detection costs $200–$1,200 in 2026, depending on detection method and complexity. Basic visual detection (dye testing, surface inspection) $200–$450. Standard electronic leak detection (geophones, listening devices, pressure testing) $350–$700. Comprehensive multi-method detection (when first methods don't locate the leak) $500–$1,200. Most simple leaks are found within the basic-to-standard tier ($200–$700). Detection is typically a separate fee from repair — confirm before scheduling. Repair costs run $150–$15,000+ depending on what's found.
2. How much does it cost to find a pool leak in Jacksonville, Florida?
Pool leak detection in Jacksonville costs $200–$1,000 in 2026, with $325–$575 typical for standard electronic detection on a 14×28 pool. Most NE Florida specialists charge a flat detection fee that covers visual + dye + listening device methods. Pressure testing of plumbing lines (if needed) adds $100–$250. If the leak isn't located on the first visit, reputable companies typically apply the initial fee toward a more comprehensive second visit. Jacksonville has 12+ specialized leak detection companies.
3. How much does pool leak repair cost?
Pool leak repair costs $150–$15,000+ in 2026 depending on what's leaking. By leak type: surface crack patch (Pool Putty, epoxy) $150–$500; skimmer or return jet leak repair $300–$900; main drain repair (often requires partial drain) $400–$1,500; underground plumbing leak repair (single line) $1,200–$5,000; full re-pipe (multiple leaks or aged plumbing) $5,000–$15,000+; vinyl liner patch $100–$300; vinyl liner full replacement $4,000–$8,000; gunite structural crack repair (epoxy injection) $500–$3,500. Average Jacksonville leak repair: $850.
4. What's included in a pool leak detection service?
A standard pool leak detection service includes: (1) Visual inspection of pool surface, tile, coping, and equipment pad; (2) Dye testing at suspected leak points; (3) Pool water-loss rate measurement; (4) Electronic listening with geophones for underground plumbing leaks; (5) Pressure testing of suction and return plumbing lines; (6) Written report identifying leak location(s); (7) Repair quote (separate from detection fee). Most reputable Jacksonville detection specialists guarantee finding the leak — if they can't locate it on first visit, they refund or apply the fee to a return visit. Typical detection visit: 1.5–3 hours on-site.
5. How much does it cost to fix a leak in a gunite pool?
Gunite pool leak repair costs $150–$15,000+ depending on what's leaking. Most common gunite repairs: (1) Surface crack patch with Pool Putty (underwater, no drain) — $150–$500; (2) Structural crack epoxy injection — $500–$3,500; (3) Skimmer throat leak (most common gunite leak) — $300–$900; (4) Return jet body replacement — $400–$1,200; (5) Main drain pot or cover replacement — $500–$1,500; (6) Underground plumbing leak — $1,200–$5,000; (7) Full repipe (rare, for pools 30+ years old) — $5,000–$15,000. About 75% of Florida pool leaks are gunite pools and 70% are in skimmers, returns, or surface cracks.
6. Why is pool leak detection so expensive?
Pool leak detection is expensive because of three factors: (1) Specialized equipment — geophones, hydrophones, pressure testers cost $5,000–$25,000 for a complete kit; (2) Specialized training — most pool service companies subcontract leak detection to specialists who've trained 1–3 years; (3) Variable time investment — easy leaks found in 30 minutes, hard leaks can take 4+ hours. Compared to value: finding the leak before structural damage spreads saves $3,000–$15,000 in repair costs. Most Florida pool owners can recover the detection fee 10× over by fixing the leak before water damage spreads to deck, equipment, or yard.
Identification
7. How do I know if my pool has a leak?
Top 8 signs of a pool leak: (1) Water level drops more than 1/4 inch per week beyond normal evaporation; (2) Pool needs refilling more than once a week in summer; (3) Wet spots, soggy areas, or unusual lush plant growth around the pool perimeter; (4) Standing water near the equipment pad; (5) Algae growth that returns within days of shock treatment; (6) Cracks in the pool deck near the pool; (7) Pool deck settling or sloping toward the pool; (8) Loss of pressure on pool pump. If you see 2+ of these, do a bucket test first to confirm leak vs. evaporation, then call detection if confirmed.
8. What is the bucket test for pool leaks?
The bucket test is the standard DIY method to differentiate evaporation from a real pool leak. Method: (1) Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to within 1 inch of the top; (2) Place the bucket on the top step of your pool, weighted; (3) Mark the water level on the inside of the bucket AND outside the pool with waterproof tape; (4) Turn off the pool pump and don't add water; (5) Wait 24 hours; (6) Compare losses — if pool drops more than the bucket, you have a leak; (7) Repeat with pump ON for 24 hours — if leak rate increases dramatically, leak is in pressurized plumbing (returns); if leak rate decreases with pump off, leak is in suction plumbing or skimmer. Test takes 48 hours total. Costs $0 but provides almost as much diagnostic info as a $400 detection visit.
9. How much water loss is normal for a pool?
Normal pool water loss from evaporation: 1/8 to 1/4 inch per day in Florida summer, 1/16 to 1/8 inch per day in winter. For a typical 14×28 pool, that's 150–400 gallons per week summer or 60–200 gallons per week winter. Splash-out adds another 30–100 gallons/week. Total normal weekly loss: 200–500 gallons summer, 100–300 gallons winter. Suspect a leak if: (1) Losing more than 1 inch of water per week beyond bath/splash use; (2) Pool requires daily refill; (3) Loss continues at the same rate from summer to winter (evaporation should drop 50–70%); (4) Screen-enclosed pool losing fast.
10. Where are the most common pool leak locations?
Top 10 most common pool leak locations: (1) Skimmer throat — 25% of all leaks; (2) Return jet fittings — 18%; (3) Main drain pot and cover — 12%; (4) Pool light niche — 10%; (5) Underground PVC plumbing lines — 9%; (6) Pool surface cracks (gunite) — 8%; (7) Vinyl liner punctures — 7%; (8) Tile waterline grout failures — 5%; (9) Pool wall fittings — 3%; (10) Equipment pad valve/manifold leaks — 3%. About 73% of Florida pool leaks are within 6 inches of the pool wall (skimmer, return, main drain area) — the easiest places for detection and repair.
11. Can I detect a pool leak myself?
Yes — DIY methods catch 40–60% of simple leaks: (1) Bucket test confirms leak vs. evaporation; (2) Dye test — put food coloring at suspected leak points; if color flows toward a point, that's the leak; (3) Pressure test — observe pool with pump on vs. pump off; (4) Ear test — listen near the equipment pad for hissing; (5) Visual inspection of equipment pad for active drips. DIY detection works for skimmer/return/surface leaks. Call a pro if: bucket test confirms leak BUT dye tests don't locate the source, water loss exceeds 2 inches per week, or you suspect underground plumbing leaks.
12. What's the difference between a leak and evaporation?
Evaporation is normal water loss from surface area exposed to air, sun, wind, and heat — happens to every pool. Florida rates: 1/8 to 1/4 inch per day summer, 1/16 to 1/8 inch per day winter. Evaporation INCREASES with: higher water temp, lower humidity, wind, more surface area, longer sun exposure. DECREASES with: screen enclosure (30–50% reduction), solar cover (70%+ reduction), cooler weather. A leak is water escaping through a hole or crack — it's relatively constant regardless of weather. The bucket test is the simplest way to differentiate: evaporation losses are equal in pool and bucket; leak losses are MORE in the pool.
Causes
13. What causes pool leaks?
Common pool leak causes by frequency: (1) Ground settling under skimmer or pipe joints (30%) — Florida sandy soils shift over time; (2) PVC pipe joints failing from age and chemicals (20%); (3) Hairline cracks in gunite from temperature changes (15%); (4) Skimmer plastic failures from chemical exposure and UV (10%); (5) Vinyl liner punctures (8%); (6) Tree root intrusion (5%); (7) Earthquake/sinkhole settling (rare in NE FL); (8) Construction defects (5%); (9) Improper repair work (3%); (10) Freeze damage (rare in NE FL — December 2022 and January 2024 events). Most leaks are simple ground settling at skimmer/return connections.
14. Can a pool crack cause a major leak?
Yes — but the relationship between crack size and water loss is not linear. Hairline surface cracks under 1/16 inch wide typically leak less than 50 gallons per week (often less than evaporation). Cracks between 1/16 and 1/8 inch wide leak 100–500 gallons/week. Cracks over 1/8 inch wide can leak 1,000+ gallons/week. Structural cracks that extend through the pool shell can leak 5,000+ gallons/week. Most Florida pool cracks (95%+) are cosmetic surface cracks that don't leak significantly. Get any crack longer than 18 inches or wider than 1/16 inch professionally inspected.
15. Do all pools eventually leak?
Yes — virtually every inground pool develops at least one leak in its lifetime, usually starting at year 12–18 as plumbing and fittings age. Average Florida pool experiences first significant leak at year 15. Gunite/concrete pools: 2–4 significant leak events over 30 years. Fiberglass pools: 1–2 significant leak events over 30 years. Vinyl liner pools: 3–5 liner punctures over 30 years. Highest-risk leak events: (1) Year 1–2 (construction defects); (2) Year 12–18 (aging plumbing); (3) After major freeze events; (4) After hurricane debris damage. Annual pool inspection ($100–$300) catches small leaks before they become structural problems.
16. Why is my pool losing more water than usual?
Check these in order: (1) Weather change — hotter or windier = more evaporation; (2) Heavy use — kids cannonballing dumps 30–100 gallons per session; (3) Screen enclosure or cover removed — these reduce evaporation 30–70%; (4) Pump runtime changed — more hours = more pressure on system; (5) Recent chemistry changes can stress plumbing seals; (6) Recent freeze event — Dec 2022 and Jan 2024 freezes caused leaks in many NE FL pools; (7) Underground settling. If none explain it, you almost certainly have a leak. Do the bucket test immediately.
17. Can freeze damage cause pool leaks in Florida?
Yes — Florida pools occasionally see hard freezes that damage above-ground plumbing and equipment. Recent major events: December 24–26, 2022; January 16–18, 2024. Damage typically happens to: (1) Above-ground PVC pipes that weren't drained or insulated; (2) Skimmer baskets filled with ice; (3) Pump housings; (4) Salt cell housings; (5) Plumbing manifolds. Repair costs: pipe replacement $200–$2,000 per damaged section; pump replacement $1,500–$2,500; skimmer body replacement $400–$1,200. Prevention: run pumps continuously during freeze warnings (water can't freeze while moving), drain above-ground plumbing if leaving home. Most insurance policies cover freeze damage.
Detection methods
18. How do professionals find pool leaks?
Professional pool leak detection uses 5 methods in sequence: (1) Visual inspection; (2) Dye testing; (3) Pressure testing — isolate plumbing lines, pressurize with air or water, watch for pressure drop; (4) Electronic listening — geophones (ground-contact microphones) and hydrophones (in-water microphones); (5) Helium tracer gas — pump pressurized helium into plumbing, use sniffer to detect escape points (used for hard-to-find underground leaks). Most leaks found within methods 1–4. Method 5 reserved for stubborn underground leaks at premium $500–$1,200 cost. Typical detection visit: 1.5–3 hours on-site, $325–$700 fee.
19. What is electronic leak detection?
Electronic leak detection uses sensitive acoustic equipment to 'listen' for the sound of water escaping under pressure. Two main tools: (1) Geophone — ground-contact microphone that picks up high-frequency vibrations of water leaking through cracks; (2) Hydrophone — underwater microphone that detects leaks inside the pool. Effective for finding leaks in underground plumbing under solid concrete decks. Limitations: doesn't work well in noisy environments (loud pump, traffic), requires pool quiet for 30+ minutes during testing. Most detection specialists use electronic methods as a primary tool — typically 60–80% of detection cost is equipment time, not labor.
20. How does dye testing work for pool leaks?
Dye testing identifies leaks in the pool shell (not underground plumbing). Method: (1) Turn off pool pump and wait 30 minutes; (2) Suit up with goggles and slowly approach a suspected leak point; (3) Release 1–3 drops of food-grade dye within 2 inches of the suspected leak; (4) Watch dye behavior — if it drifts AWAY from your release point and INTO a crack/joint/fitting, you've found the leak. Effective for: visible cracks, fitting leaks, skimmer/return leaks. NOT effective for: underground plumbing, main drain leaks. DIY-friendly with food coloring ($2 from grocery store) — costs $0 to try yourself before paying for professional detection.
21. Do I need to drain my pool to find a leak?
No — most leak detection is done with the pool FULL. Dye testing, electronic listening, and pressure testing all work with full pool. Exceptions where partial drain is needed: (1) Repairing a skimmer throat leak (pool drained to just below skimmer); (2) Replacing a main drain cover/pot; (3) Major structural crack repair; (4) Pool light niche leak repair. Full pool drain for leak detection only is almost never necessary — and draining creates risk: gunite plaster can develop micro-cracks; fiberglass pools can 'pop out' from hydrostatic pressure; refill water with JEA's low calcium can etch newly exposed plaster.
Repair
22. How long does pool leak repair take?
Pool leak repair timelines: surface crack patch — 30–90 minutes; skimmer or return leak repair — 2–4 hours; main drain repair — 4–8 hours (full drain often required); underground plumbing leak repair — 1–3 days (excavation, repair, backfill, restoration); structural crack repair — 4–8 hours, then 24-hour cure; vinyl liner patch — 30–60 minutes; full re-pipe — 3–7 days. Total project timeline from detection to swimming: simple repairs 1–2 days, complex repairs 1–3 weeks. Most Jacksonville detection companies can have someone on-site within 24–48 hours for urgent leaks; standard scheduling is 3–7 days.
23. Can a vinyl pool liner leak be patched?
Yes — small vinyl liner punctures and tears can be patched effectively. Cost: $100–$300 per patch by a pool service company; $20–$50 DIY with vinyl repair kit. Patch process: (1) Locate the puncture using dye test; (2) Clean the area; (3) Cut a patch 2 inches larger than the damage; (4) Apply vinyl liner adhesive; (5) Apply patch underwater with bubble-out tool. Lifespan of patch: 2–5 years. When to replace liner instead of patching: (1) Multiple leaks in same liner; (2) Liner is 10+ years old; (3) Vinyl is brittle or sun-faded; (4) Seam separation. Full vinyl liner replacement: $4,000–$8,000 installed.
24. How much does it cost to fix a pool plumbing leak?
Pool plumbing leak repair costs depend on location and access. Equipment pad plumbing: $200–$800 per repair. Skimmer or return line at the wall (partial drain needed): $400–$1,200 per repair. Underground plumbing single leak (excavation through grass): $1,500–$3,500 per repair. Underground leak under concrete deck (must cut and patch deck): $2,500–$6,500 per repair. Multiple underground leaks or aged plumbing requiring full re-pipe: $5,000–$15,000. Most Florida pool plumbing leaks are at the equipment pad or skimmer/return wall connections — typically the cheaper end of the range. About 15% of underground leaks require expensive deck cutting.
25. What if my pool leak is in the main drain?
Main drain leaks are among the more expensive pool repairs because the main drain is the deepest part of the pool. Main drain leak types and repair costs: (1) Main drain cover seal failure — $200–$500; (2) Cracked main drain pot — $500–$1,500; (3) Main drain line leak — $1,500–$4,000 (excavation required); (4) Main drain hydrostatic relief valve failure — $300–$800. Don't ignore main drain leaks — they can affect pool water flow patterns and create suction-side air entrainment that damages the pump. Most Florida pool builders no longer install main drains on new pools — reducing this leak category significantly for newer installs.
26. Will my homeowners insurance cover a pool leak?
Homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover pool leak repairs because leaks are classified as 'wear and tear' or 'maintenance issues' — standard exclusions. Insurance MAY cover: (1) Sudden accidental damage (tree falls on pool, vehicle drives into pool); (2) Freeze damage with specific freeze rider; (3) Water damage to your HOME caused by undetected pool leak; (4) Hurricane damage to pool equipment; (5) Sinkhole-related damage. Document any sudden damage with photos before repair. For routine leak detection and repair: budget out-of-pocket. Annual pool insurance rider costs $150–$400/year and can be worth it for pools 10+ years old.
Decisions & prevention
27. Should I leave a leaking pool until I can afford repair?
Depends on leak severity. Small slow leak (under 1 inch per week): can wait 2–6 months, $50–$100/month extra cost. Moderate leak (1–3 inches per week): wait no more than 1–2 months; chemistry becomes hard to maintain. Major leak (3+ inches per week, visible wet areas, deck settling): repair within 2 weeks; structural deck damage spreading toward house ($5,000–$25,000 to fix). Catastrophic leak (visible pool emptying, sinkhole forming): emergency repair immediately; total pool failure, foundation damage possible.
28. How can I prevent pool leaks?
Top 8 ways to prevent pool leaks: (1) Maintain proper water chemistry (pH 7.4–7.6, alkalinity 80–120) — out-of-balance water ages PVC seals 30–50% faster; (2) Annual professional pool inspection ($100–$300); (3) Keep ground level around pool — fill in soil settling; (4) Don't drain the pool unnecessarily; (5) Use a pool cover or solar cover to reduce thermal expansion stress; (6) Replace aged plumbing proactively at year 25–30; (7) Trim large tree roots away from pool plumbing (8+ feet clearance); (8) After freeze events, inspect all above-ground plumbing. Annual prevention budget: $200–$500. Average cost of NOT preventing: $2,000–$5,000 in eventual repairs.
29. When should I call a leak detection specialist vs handle it myself?
Call a pro when: (1) Bucket test confirms leak BUT dye tests don't reveal the source; (2) Water loss exceeds 2 inches per week; (3) Visible wet spots in yard/deck or pool deck settling; (4) You hear water running when pump is off; (5) Algae returns within days of shock treatment; (6) Pool was built before 2000; (7) You can't easily access plumbing or equipment pad; (8) Leak is suspected near main drain or underground. Handle yourself when: (1) Surface crack is visible and small; (2) Skimmer throat leak is obvious (water level only drops to skimmer level then stops); (3) Vinyl liner has visible single puncture; (4) Equipment pad valve is dripping.
30. Can pool leak damage spread to my house foundation?
Yes — undetected pool leaks can damage your home foundation, especially in clay-heavy NE Florida areas (parts of Mandarin, Julington Creek, Avondale). Risk scenarios: (1) Pool 15–25 feet from house with leak below grade — water erodes soil over months; (2) Underground plumbing leak between pool and equipment pad next to house; (3) Pool with structural leak losing 500+ gallons/day for months — water table near foundation rises; (4) Leak near retaining wall — soil shift can topple wall, $5,000–$25,000 repair. Warning signs that pool leak is affecting house: (a) Floor cracks appearing near pool side; (b) Doors/windows sticking; (c) Visible foundation hairline cracks; (d) Soggy yard between pool and house. If you see these AND have an unrepaired leak, prioritize leak repair immediately.
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