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Small Pool Issues That Turn Into Big Repairs If You Ignore Them

  • Feb 10
  • 3 min read

Owning a pool is a joy - until a small, easily fixable problem turns into a major repair bill. In Arizona, where pools run almost year-round, minor issues can escalate quickly if they’re overlooked.


The good news? Many of the most expensive pool repairs start with small warning signs that are easy to catch early - especially with regular inspections. Here’s what pool owners should watch for, and why preventative care can save thousands over time.


Why Preventative Pool Care Matters


Pools are complex systems made up of plumbing, electrical components, structural elements, and water chemistry - all working together. When one piece starts to fail, it often puts stress on the others.


A professional pool inspection can spot problems early, before they damage your equipment, decking, or pool structure. In addition, if you have a professional pool company that cleans your pool weekly, they can spot these issues and keep you informed well in advance.


1. Minor Leaks That Slowly Drain Your Wallet


One of the most common (and costly) issues we see is undetected pool leaks. A small leak might not seem urgent, but over time it can cause:


  • Rising water bills

  • Soil erosion under the pool

  • Cracks in decking or pool walls

  • Damage to plumbing and equipment


Pool leak warning signs include:


  • Needing to add water more often than usual

  • Pool autofill running non-stop

  • Wet or soft spots around the pool or equipment pad

  • Air blowing into the pool or visible in the pump basket

  • Cracks forming near the pool or deck


Early leak detection prevents structural damage and saves significant repair costs.


2. Plumbing Problems That Start Small


A slow drip, loose fitting, or small plumbing crack can easily go unnoticed - until it becomes a full pipe failure. When plumbing issues are ignored, they can lead to:


  • Loss of circulation

  • Equipment burnout

  • Underground leaks that require excavation


Catching plumbing issues early allows for simple plumbing repair instead of major system replacement.


3. Equipment Strain from Poor Circulation


If your pool pump, filter, or plumbing isn’t operating efficiently, it puts strain on the entire system. Small circulation issues can cause:


  • Overworked pool pumps

  • Premature equipment failure

  • Cloudy water and algae growth

  • Increased energy costs


During a routine pool inspection, technicians check pressure levels, flow rates, and equipment performance - identifying problems long before a pump fails.


4. Surface Damage That Gets Worse Over Time


Small cracks, rough patches, or discoloration on your pool’s interior may seem cosmetic, but they often signal deeper issues. Over time, surface damage can lead to:


  • Exposed rebar and gunite

  • Increased algae growth

  • Water penetration into the pool shell

  • More frequent chemical imbalances


Addressing surface wear early helps delay full resurfacing and keeps maintenance costs lower.


5. Skipped Inspections That Allow Problems to Snowball


Many homeowners wait until something breaks to call a professional. Unfortunately, by that point, the damage is already done.


Routine inspections help:


  • Identify leaks early

  • Catch plumbing wear before failure

  • Protect expensive equipment

  • Extend the life of your pool


Preventative care is always more affordable than emergency repairs.


FAQs


How often should I have my pool inspected?


At least once a year is the baseline recommendation - or anytime you notice changes in water level, pressure, or equipment performance.


Are small pool leaks really a big deal?


Yes. Even minor leaks can cause soil erosion, structural damage to the pool shell and decking, and unnecessarily high water bills if neglected.


What’s included in a professional pool inspection?


Inspections typically include equipment checks (pump, filter, heater), plumbing evaluations, pressure testing, visual surface inspections, and focused leak detection, as needed.


Can plumbing leaks exist without visible water?


Absolutely. Many leaks are underground or within hidden plumbing lines and only manifest as pressure loss, air in the pump basket, or steadily increased water usage.


Your Proactive Pool Action Plan


Most major pool repairs are not sudden emergencies - they are the result of small, easy-to-miss issues that have been ignored. Adopting a proactive mindset is the single most effective way to protect your investment.


Action items that save you money:


  • Establish an annual professional inspection schedule.

  • Monitor your water bill and manually check the water level weekly.

  • Address any pressure fluctuations or odd equipment noises immediately.


Fixing a loose fitting or patching a small crack today is always less expensive than replacing an entire system or repairing major structural damage tomorrow. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts - and have it checked before it truly becomes a problem.



 
 
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