The Hidden Risk of Trees Near Your Pool: How Roots Cause Leaks and Structural Damage

South Florida homeowners love lush backyards — Coconut Palms, Oak trees, Ficus, Mahogany, Gumbo Limbo, and tropical ornamentals.
But when trees grow too close to a man-made pool shell, their roots can quietly create expensive leak and structural problems.

If your pool is losing water, especially during dry season or near large trees, there’s a high chance root pressure is involved.

🌳 Why Tree Roots Damage Pools

Tree roots follow one rule: move toward moisture.
A swimming pool is a giant underground water source — even a tiny leak can attract roots aggressively.

Here’s what happens:

1. Roots Push and Shift PVC Plumbing

Return lines, skimmer lines, spa jets, and main drain pipes are often buried near the pool shell.
As roots expand, they:

• Shift PVC plumbing

• Create stress points

• Crack elbows, tees, unions, and couplings

• Collapse older flexible PVC (“flex pipe”)

This leads to hidden leaks underground, often detected only through pressure testing + hydrophone.

2. Roots Press Against the Pool Structure

A standard concrete pool shell is about 6 inches thick.
Large, aggressive roots can apply constant pressure, causing:

• Hairline cracks in the wall or floor

• Structural cracks that expand over time

• Tile-line separation

• Damage around the skimmer throat

Once roots find a hairline crack, they widen it as they grow.

3. Roots Compromise the Skimmer Area

Skimmers are one of the weakest structural points of a pool.
Roots can push the skimmer box outward, causing:

• Skimmer throat cracks

• Tile separation

• Skimmer-to-pool wall shifting

• Leaks that only show when water reaches the skimmer level

This is one of the most common root-related leaks.

4. Roots Make Return-Line Repairs Difficult

If a return line breaks near a root mass:

• Access is difficult

• Digging requires cutting roots

• Repairs take longer

• Costs increase due to root interference

This was the exact case in Tamiami, FL, where a tree next to the deep end caused a return line to crack — the repair will be difficult because of the root system pushing against the plumbing.

🛑 Warning Signs Your Pool Leak Is Root-Related

Homeowners should look for:

• Water loss only when pump runs (return line break)

• Air in the returns

• Dirt blowing into the pool

• Sinking pavers around the pool

• Cracks growing near the skimmer or deep end

• A wet area in the yard near plumbing lines

• Trees located within 3–8 feet of the pool shell

If you notice these, schedule a Leakalyzer® test + pressure test immediately.

🧪 How Carlito’s Way Confirms Root-Related Leaks

To protect homeowners from misdiagnosis, we use:

• Leakalyzer® to measure real-time water loss

• Dye tests around skimmers, returns, cracks, lights

• Pressure testing for all plumbing lines

• Hydrophone listening to pinpoint exact break locations

• Isolated static testing for main drains and spa lines

• Video documentation for homeowner proof

If a leak is near a root system, we carefully identify the exact point so future repairs can be completed correctly.

✔️ Temporary Fixes Included in Your Leak Detection Price

To stop water loss immediately, every service includes:

• 5-Minute Hardener (instant seal at high-pressure cracks)

• Epoxy overlays for added durability

• Butyl tape for skimmer and light niches

• Threaded plugs for broken suction or drain lines

These patches hold strong even near root-affected areas — giving homeowners time to plan permanent repairs.

🌲 Should You Remove Trees Near Your Pool?

Not always — it depends on:

• Tree species

• Distance to pool

• Root direction

• Age of pool

• Location of plumbing

But if a tree is within 6 feet of the pool shell or plumbing trench, it’s a future risk.

We recommend:

• Consulting an arborist

• Root barrier installation (in some cases)

• Relocating high-risk trees

• Routine Leakalyzer® monitoring

🏡 Final Advice for Homeowners

Trees are beautiful — but when planted too close to a pool, they create hidden, expensive problems.

If you suspect a leak:

1. Check your water level daily

2. Turn off pump if leak is aggressive

3. Schedule a leak detection before doing repairs

4. Document any yard wet spots or tree root activity

Carlito’s Way Pool Leak Detection provides:

• Full inspection

• Verified Leakalyzer® results

• Documentation for future repairs

• 90-day warranty on all patches

• Honest, local expertise

📞 Need Professional Leak Detection?

Text a photo of:

• Your pool

• Pool equipment

• ZIP code

to (786) 382-3367 for a guaranteed, no-surprise price.