Pool Equipment Theft Is Becoming a Bigger Problem Than Most Homeowners Realize

Pool equipment theft isn’t something most homeowners bother to think about until it happens to them.

That was the case recently in Bakersfield, California, where police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of stealing pool equipment from a residential property and causing thousands of dollars in repair damage. According to investigators, the theft took place over a two-day period, and surveillance images of the suspect have been released in hopes that someone will recognize him. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.

While the incident may seem like an isolated theft, it shines a light on a growing concern for homeowners, pool service companies, and builders alike. As the cost of pool equipment continues to rise, so does the financial impact when it ends up in the wrong hands.

Thousands of Dollars Sitting in Plain Sight

Modern pool equipment pads often contain thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars worth of equipment.

Variable-speed pumps, gas heaters, automation systems, salt chlorinators, filters, and control panels are typically installed outdoors, often behind a side gate with little more than a fence separating them from the street.

For homeowners, that equipment represents a significant investment. For thieves, it’s an easy opportunity.

But according to Cole Daasnes, owner of Poseidon Pool Service in Loomis, California, many thieves don’t actually know what they’re stealing.

“It’s not like these thieves have pool knowledge,” Daasnes said. “They don’t know whether they’re looking at a heater, a pump, or a filter. Most of the time, they’re simply after the copper inside the equipment. They’ll destroy a piece of equipment worth several thousand dollars, hoping to recover a relatively small amount of scrap metal.”

While some electronic components and automation systems can be resold, heaters are often targeted simply because thieves assume they’re filled with valuable copper. The damage they leave behind can far exceed whatever they ultimately receive at a scrapyard.

The Real Cost Isn’t What the Thief Walks Away With

The financial consequences don’t end with the theft itself.

Without a functioning circulation system, pools can quickly begin to develop water quality issues, particularly during the summer months. Pumps stop circulating water, sanitizers can’t do their job, and algae can begin taking hold in a matter of days.

Then comes the expense of replacing the stolen equipment.

“It’s really a double whammy for the homeowner,” Daasnes explained. “First, someone destroys or steals equipment they’ve already invested thousands of dollars into. Then they have to hire someone like us to come out, remove what’s left, source replacement equipment, and install everything again. It’s an expense nobody plans for.”

Depending on what was taken, replacing equipment can cost several thousand dollars before labor is even factored into the equation.

Property Crime Carries a Heavy Price Tag

While pool equipment theft represents only a small slice of overall property crime, the financial impact of residential burglaries of this nature remains substantial across the United States.

According to national crime and insurance data, over half a million burglaries occur each year. In recent years, the average financial loss per burglary has ranged from roughly $2,700 to $2,800, with victims collectively losing $5.6 billion annually, according to recent statistics.

Those figures don’t always tell the whole story. Insurance may cover part of the loss, but homeowners are often still responsible for deductibles, depreciation, uncovered property, or upgrades required to replace older equipment with current models. Even when an insurance claim is approved, the inconvenience of replacing damaged equipment, restoring the pool, and waiting for repairs can far exceed the dollar amount on the claim.

For pool owners, the costs can escalate quickly. A thief who strips copper from a heater or damages a pump in the process may only walk away with scrap worth a few hundred dollars, while leaving behind thousands of dollars in replacement costs and labor.

Vacant Homes Are More Vulnerable

Most pool equipment theft happens when homeowners are out of town and the property is visibly unattended. An overflowing mailbox, dark backyard, empty driveway, or a side gate left unlocked can signal that no one is home.

For thieves targeting pool equipment, that window of time works to their advantage. A pool pad is usually located along the side of the home or in the backyard, away from the street and out of direct view. If a homeowner is gone for several days, a thief may have more time to access the property, remove equipment, and leave before anyone notices.

That is why cameras, alarms, motion lighting, and trusted neighbors can make a meaningful difference, especially during vacations or extended trips.

Protecting Your Equipment

No security measure can guarantee that equipment won’t be stolen, but there are practical steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk.

Installing motion-activated lighting around equipment pads can make side yards less attractive to thieves. Locking side gates and maintaining clear sightlines from the home also add layers of protection.

Daasnes believes one of the smartest investments homeowners can make today is electronic surveillance.

“If you’re seeing these kinds of thefts happening in your area, a backyard camera and an alarm system make a lot of sense,” he said. “Most people already have cameras covering their front door, but the equipment pad is usually tucked away on the side of the house where nobody’s watching. A camera back there can be a strong deterrent and may provide law enforcement with valuable evidence if something does happen.”

Recording serial numbers, photographing installed equipment, and registering eligible products with manufacturers can also simplify insurance claims and improve the chances of recovering stolen property.

A Growing Reminder for Pool Owners

This recent case in Bakersfield serves as a reminder that a pool’s equipment pad can represent one of the most valuable collections of mechanical equipment on a residential property.

While most homeowners focus on protecting what’s inside their homes, thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment often sits just outside, largely out of sight and, unfortunately, vulnerable to opportunistic thieves.

As equipment becomes more sophisticated and more expensive, protecting it is becoming an increasingly important part of responsible pool ownership. For homeowners in areas experiencing pool equipment theft, a few proactive security measures today could help prevent a much more expensive problem tomorrow.