You might be paying for leads that will never convert. Facebook quietly introduced two ad settings that look helpful but often do more harm than good for local service contractors. If your leads are coming in from the wrong state or in the wrong language, here’s how to fix it, fast.
Why pool builders are seeing bad leads from Facebook ads
Even experienced builders can waste thousands if Facebook’s defaults aren’t adjusted. These settings prioritize reach over relevance, sending your ad far outside your service area or to people who can’t communicate with your team.
For custom pool and pond projects, every lead counts. You can’t afford to chase quote requests from someone five states away, or someone who doesn’t speak your language.
Setting 1: Auto-Translate Language Options
Facebook now auto-translates ads into multiple languages, unless you tell it not to. That means your captions and copy could appear in Spanish, German, or Chinese, even if you only serve English-speaking clients.
This creates friction. A homeowner clicks your ad, expecting to communicate in their language, only to be met by a team that can’t help them. It’s a frustrating experience, for both sides, and a waste of your ad spend.
What to do: In your ad settings, turn off the automatic language translation. If you can’t support leads in multiple languages, keep your message focused and clear.
Setting 2: Expanded Targeting by Interest
Facebook’s “reach more people” option overrides your geo-targeting without warning. If someone has shown interest in your city or visited it once, Facebook might assume they’re a good lead, even if they live across the country.
This shows your local ad to the wrong audience. A pool contractor in Arizona doesn’t need inquiries from Ohio.
What to do: Uncheck the setting that says “also show to people interested in this location.” You’ll tighten your radius and improve lead quality immediately.
Checklist: What to Change Today
If you want better lead quality from Facebook, fix these two issues now:
- Disable auto-translation if you only serve English-speaking clients.
- Uncheck “people interested in this location” to limit reach to real locals.
Also check your location exclusions. If out-of-state leads are slipping through, block those regions manually. The more specific your targeting, the better your results.
How top pool builders generate high-quality Facebook leads
The best contractors don’t just run ads, they build authority, brand trust, and nurture leads long before the first call. That’s the Aqua Leads system. We help premium pool and pond builders position themselves as local experts with the kind of marketing that actually converts.
From expert-led video content to 3D design visuals and professional ad management, we create a system that brings in leads who already want what you offer, no chasing, no discounting, no guesswork.
Want pre-sold prospects instead of tire-kickers? Our system is designed to give you consistency and control over your lead flow.
Let’s fix your ads and boost your lead quality
Stop wasting ad spend on the wrong audience. Get a Facebook strategy designed for local, high-ticket builders.
Visit aqualeads.ai to see how the Aqua Leads system can turn your Facebook ads into a premium lead machine built for pool and pond pros.
