Rain can add water to the pool temporarily, but it does not fix a leak. If the pool is leaking, the leak is still there after the rain stops. A heavy storm may raise the water level for a day or two, but if the pool keeps dropping again, the water is still going somewhere.
In South Florida, rain, evaporation, splash-out, autofill, and backwashing can all confuse the picture at the same time. Rain can also make the problem harder to see because the deck, grass, and soil are already wet, masking the signs of a leak.
What to Watch
- How much water is the pool losing, and how quickly does it drop after rain stops?
- Does it lose more with the pump on or off?
- Does the water stop at a certain level -- near the light, skimmer, or a fitting?
- Is the autofill running after the rain?
- Is the spa draining down?
If the pool keeps losing water after rain, do not assume the rain solved it. Watch the pattern and call a leak specialist if the loss continues.
Who Can Legally Evaluate a Pool Leak in Florida
In Florida, any repair to a swimming pool or spa, and the repair, installation, or replacement of pool and spa equipment and plumbing, requires a licensed pool contractor under Chapter 489 of Florida Statutes. This is regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
There are two main license types relevant to pool leak detection and repair. A Registered contractor holds a county or local license that may limit where they can legally work. A Certified Pool/Spa Contractor (CPC) holds a statewide license issued by DBPR that allows work in any Florida county within the scope of the license.
Leak and Subsurface Locators, LLC
Leak and Subsurface Locators holds Florida Certified Pool/Spa Contractor license CPC1457277. Because LSL serves Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, that statewide certified license matters. You can verify this license at myfloridalicense.com.
This is not legal advice. Customers should verify license requirements with DBPR or the local authority having jurisdiction for their specific location and type of work. To report an unlicensed contractor in Florida, contact DBPR at 866-532-1440.
Free tools from Leak and Subsurface Locators:
Free Guide: Stop Guessing Pool Leaks → Free Evaporation Calculator → Free Leak Analyzer →