When Pool Leaks Meet Rainy Florida Soil: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Scheduling Leak Detection

When Rain and Pool Leaks Mix: A Real-World Homeowner Concern

After several weeks of heavy Florida rain, a homeowner noticed water escaping from their pool area and pooling under a nearby concrete wall—eventually seeping toward the garage and even the yard. The situation became confusing: the leak seemed worse during rainstorms, but disappeared when the pool was at normal water levels.

When they reached out to our team, their main concern was clear:
“Can you detect a leak that’s coming from my pool and going under my concrete wall?”

This question is more common than you might think—especially during Florida’s wet season, when high groundwater and fluctuating pool levels can create confusing symptoms that mimic a leak.

The Homeowner’s Key Questions (and What They Really Mean)

During the call, the customer asked questions that reflect what many Florida pool owners wonder when faced with similar problems:

1. Can a pool leak under my pool deck or near my garage be detected?
   
   
2. If water only appears when it rains, does that mean I have a leak or just drainage issues?
   
   
3. Can pool putty or epoxy permanently fix small cracks?
   
   
4. Should I be worried about my pool structure shifting or cracking if the soil underneath is unstable?
   
   
5. Who can I call for help if the problem is under the concrete or in the foundation?
   
   

These questions highlight the difference between a true pool leak and a water intrusion issue caused by drainage or soil movement — both of which can appear similar on the surface.

Our Professional Assessment and Recommendation

When we encounter cases like this, we take a careful and educational approach before recommending any paid service. Here’s how we guided this homeowner:

1. Understanding What Pool Leak Detection Can (and Can’t) Do

Our advanced leak detection process pinpoints where water is leaving the pool system, not where it ends up underground. We can locate structural or plumbing leaks in the shell, tile line, and plumbing, but we can’t trace where water travels once it escapes into surrounding soil or drainage systems.

2. Considering Water Level and Pool Design

In this homeowner’s case, the water only leaked when the pool was filled above the tile line, such as through the heavy summer rains in Central Florida. That’s an important clue — pools aren’t designed to hold water above the top of the tile line or coping. If water sits that high, it can escape through grout joints, tile cracks, or coping gaps, even in pools that are otherwise watertight.

3. Using the 48-Hour Water Loss Test

We advised a simple 48-hour water loss test, where the homeowner marks their water level, takes photos before and after, and compares the difference. This easy, no-cost test can confirm whether the water loss is from evaporation, overflow, or a true leak below the surface. For a detailed breakdown of this process and how you can test your pool’s water loss yourself, visit our blog post https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/is-your-pool-level-dropping-discover-the-expert-method-to-test-for-a-leak-or-normal-evaporation

4. Referring to the Right Specialists

Because part of the issue involved voids beneath the deck and concerns about soil settlement near a riverbank, we recommended the homeowner contact a deck stabilization company specializing in pressure grouting and foam injection. These specialists can safely fill voids, lift settled concrete, and stabilize the soil without adding excess weight.

Common Homeowner Questions About Pool Leaks After Heavy Rain

1. Why does my pool lose water only after it rains?

Rain can temporarily raise groundwater levels or overfill your pool. If the water level rises above the tile line or coping, it may escape through non-water-tight joints. If it holds at the middle of the skimmer, that’s not a leak — it’s overflow from being overfilled.

2. How can I tell the difference between a drainage issue and a real pool leak?

If water loss continues for days after the rain stops or if the water level drops below the skimmer midpoint faster than evaporation, it’s likely a leak. Otherwise, surface drainage may be the culprit.  We wrote an entire blog explaining the factors for evaporation here - https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/central-floridas-pool-leak-expert-explains-how-evaporation-affects-your-pool-understanding-your-pools-evaporation. We also explain how to take great measurements so you can tell if your pool is simply evaporating or actually leaking here - https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/is-your-pool-level-dropping-discover-the-expert-method-to-test-for-a-leak-or-normal-evaporation

3. Is pool putty a permanent fix for leaks?

Pool putty and underwater epoxy are great temporary solutions for small cracks. However, deeper structural or plumbing leaks often require construction-grade repairs.  A few things to note - our technicians are never paid a commission so you can trust any construction repair recommendations are for the sake of your pool leak, not to pad our wallet. Click here to learn what else sets Aaron’s Leak Detection apart from our competition.

‍https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/us-vs-them-discover-why-aarons-is-central-floridas-top-pool-leak-detection-expert

Further, to be as transparent as possible, we’ve written a post showing you exactly when an epoxy repair is reliable and appropriate versus when a leak needs a construction repair.

‍https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/when-is-epoxy-not-the-right-choice-for-a-pool-leak-repair

4. Can unstable soil or a void under my pool cause cracking?

Yes. Over time, shifting soil or erosion under the pool shell can stress concrete and tile lines. Foam injection or pressure grouting helps stabilize the area before structural damage occurs. If you suspect your pool is leaking, a pool leak detection BEFORE restabilizing the area is highly recommended to identify the source of the leak and stop the problem.

5. When should I schedule a full leak detection?

If your water level consistently drops more than ¼ inch per day (outside of heavy rain or evaporation), schedule a professional leak detection. Early detection saves water, money, and potential structural repairs.  Our blog post “When is it time to call a professional?” can give you a comprehensive understanding of when it’s time to hire a pool leak pro. 

‍https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/pool-leak-detection-in-central-florida-when-is-it-time-to-call-a-professional

What to Expect from a Professional Leak Detection Appointment

When you call us for a full inspection, here’s what happens:

• Comprehensive Pool Evaluation: Every component of your pool — from plumbing lines to tile grout — is tested and inspected.
  
  
• Real-Time Repairs: Since most pool leaks can be resolved with underwater epoxy at no additional charge, they’re repaired on the spot, without draining the pool.
  
  
• Transparent Pricing: Our flat-rate model includes all standard testing and repairs with no surprise fees.  For the sake of transparency, we’ve explained our entire pricing structure here https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/pool-leak-repair-cost
  
  
• Clear Documentation: You’ll receive a detailed report with photos, videos, and explanations of our findings.
  
  
• Extended Warranty: All leak detections are backed by an industry-first six-month warranty for peace of mind.

To learn much more about our process, watch our video or read “Our Pool Leak Detection Process” here https://www.aaronsleakdetection.com/learn/pool-leak-detection-process

Example: The Homeowner’s Situation Simplified

A Central Florida homeowner noticed water escaping near their pool deck after storms. Using the 48-hour test, they confirmed no consistent water loss when it wasn’t raining. The issue turned out to be overflow through non-watertight tile joints — not a true pool leak. After stabilizing the soil under their deck, they avoided unnecessary excavation and potential damage.

Why Choose Aaron’s Leak Detection in Orlando, FL

At Aaron’s Leak Detection, we believe in honesty, transparency, and expertise. We never charge for unnecessary work — and we take pride in educating homeowners before recommending any service. Whether it’s a quick epoxy fix or identifying a complex underground issue, we’re here to help Central Florida pool owners protect their investments year-round.

Think you might have a leak? Contact us today to schedule your professional inspection.

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