Back in Granite Bay, Michelle loved the shade from the massive oak tree that hovered over her backyard. It made her poolside afternoons cooler and picture-perfect. That is—until she noticed the tiles along the edge of her pool starting to crack. Then came the raised coping, the uneven deck, and a mysterious drop in water level. The culprit? Roots.

Trees might add beauty and shade, but they can cause serious damage to your pool if you're not paying attention. From clogging filters to cracking concrete, here’s what every Northern California homeowner should know.

Afraid the trees are impacting your pool?

How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Pool

Roots are relentless. As trees grow, their roots can extend dozens of feet underground—searching for moisture. Unfortunately, your pool is a giant source of it.

Deck Cracks and Lifting
Roots pushing upward can crack, tilt, or raise your pool deck, creating tripping hazards and aesthetic headaches.
Plumbing Line Invasion
Some roots make their way into tiny cracks in plumbing or skimmers—causing leaks and reduced water flow.
Structural Damage to the Pool Shell
In rare cases, roots can press against the pool shell itself, leading to structural problems that are expensive to fix.

Leaf and Debris Overload

Even if roots aren't the problem yet, overhead branches can be a maintenance nightmare.

Leaves, seeds, and flower pods clog filters and skimmer baskets
Organic debris lowers water quality and increases chemical demand
Staining from acorns, berries, or bark oils can permanently discolor surfaces

If you live in areas like Loomis, Rocklin, or Lincoln, you know how fast leaves can pile up—especially from mature trees like oaks, pines, and redwoods.

What You Can Do

Managing tree damage is all about being proactive. Here’s how to keep your pool from turning into a leaf-filled, cracked mess.

Assess Tree Placement

If you're installing a pool or redoing landscaping, choose trees with small, non-invasive root systems and plant them far from the pool perimeter. If large trees are already in place, consult an arborist for safe root barrier options.

Trim Branches Regularly

Cut back overhanging limbs to reduce leaf and pollen drop. Schedule seasonal trims—especially in spring and fall—to keep debris out of the water.

Install a Pool Cover

A mesh or solid pool cover can drastically reduce leaf and seed buildup. Great for short-term use during windy days or stormy weekends.

Monitor Deck Movement

If you see cracks, heaving, or uneven concrete, don’t ignore it. These early signs may point to root pressure underground.

Check Water Chemistry More Often

Leaves and debris impact water balance. If you’re dealing with heavy tree fallout, test and adjust your chemical levels more frequently to avoid cloudy water or algae blooms.

Trees Don’t Have to Ruin Your Pool

At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we’ve seen it all—from clogged filters caused by redwood needles in Rocklin to deck cracks from elm roots in Roseville. If you’re worried about tree damage or dealing with root-related issues, give us a call.

We help homeowners in Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin, Granite Bay, and nearby areas keep their pools clean, balanced, and protected—no matter what’s growing nearby.

Reach out today for help managing your pool’s relationship with the trees in your yard—before those roots run wild.

trees are ruining my pool!

American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.

When Trees Threaten Your Pool