Why January Is the Easiest Time to Spot Pool Leaks
When Hannah in Granite Bay walked past her pool after a week of cold nights and light rain, she noticed the waterline looked just a bit lower than usual. Not dramatic. Not alarming. But it hadn’t been windy, and no one had used the pool. That small change was the first clue something wasn’t right.
January is one of the best months to catch pool leaks early. With less evaporation, lower temperatures, and fewer disturbances, water loss becomes easier to notice. What looks minor now can turn into a major repair by spring if it goes unchecked.
Why Leaks Show Up More Clearly in January
During summer, evaporation and splashing make water loss hard to track. In January, those factors drop way down. When water levels fall in winter, it’s often because water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t.
Cold temperatures also cause materials to contract. That tightening can expose weak seals, aging fittings, or small cracks that stayed hidden during warmer months.
Common Places Winter Pool Leaks Start
Most January leaks begin quietly in predictable spots.
Leaks often come from:
Pump seals
Valve connections
Return fittings
Skimmer throats
Light housings
Plumbing joints near the equipment pad
These leaks rarely spray. They drip, seep, or slowly pull water out of the system.
Signs Your Pool May Be Losing Water
You don’t need special tools to notice winter leaks. Watch for:
A steady drop in water level
Damp soil near equipment
Air bubbles in the pump basket
White residue on fittings
A pump that struggles to prime
Skimmers pulling in air
If water drops faster than normal winter evaporation, it’s time to look closer.
How to Check for a Leak in January
The bucket test works especially well in winter. Place a bucket of pool water on the step and mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket. After 24 hours, compare the drops. If the pool drops more than the bucket, a leak is likely.
Because winter conditions are stable, results are clearer and more reliable.
Why Fixing Leaks Early Matters
Small leaks pull air into the system, strain the pump, and waste water. Over time, they damage seals and motors. Catching leaks in January prevents equipment stress and keeps spring startup smooth.
Hannah found a slow leak at a valve connection. Fixing it early saved her from a much larger repair later in the year.
American Dream Pool & Spa Service helps homeowners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn find and fix pool leaks before they turn into expensive problems. January is the perfect time to check—and we’re here to help.
