Totally get your point about water levels being messy... had a similar spill myself once, not fun. But have you considered a simple string line as an extra backup? Cheap, reliable, and no batteries needed—saved me more than once on uneven pours.
String lines are definitely underrated—simple and reliable. I've used them plenty, especially when the laser level decides to act up (usually at the worst possible moment...). But one thing I've noticed is that wind or accidental bumps can throw them off pretty easily. Ever had issues with that? I usually anchor mine tight and double-check frequently, but curious if you've found any clever tricks to keep them stable during pours.
Totally agree with you on the string lines—simple, reliable, and they don't run out of batteries halfway through a job. I've had my share of headaches with lasers too, especially when sunlight decides to make the beam vanish completely. As for keeping strings stable, wind and accidental bumps are definitely a pain. One trick I've found helpful is using heavier stakes or even rebar driven deep into the ground instead of lighter wooden stakes. Also, if you're dealing with particularly gusty days, try tying small sandbags or weights midway along longer spans to cut down on vibration. It sounds like extra work, but it really helps keep things steady during pours. And yeah, frequent checks are still key—nothing beats a quick eyeball every now and then to catch any drift early...
Good call on the heavier stakes. I've had my share of battles with flimsy wooden stakes—one good bump from a wheelbarrow and you're back to square one. I remember one project where the wind was relentless; ended up using old bricks tied onto the strings at intervals. Looked ridiculous, but hey, it worked. Lasers have their place indoors, but outdoors... give me a good old-fashioned string line any day.
Couldn't agree more on the string lines—I still swear by them myself. Lasers are handy indoors or for quick checks, but outdoors they're often more hassle than they're worth, especially with uneven terrain or bright sunlight. I've had a few projects where I ended up using rebar stakes instead of wood; they're a bit pricier but worth every penny when you're dealing with tough ground or gusty conditions. Nothing worse than resetting lines halfway through pouring concrete... learned that lesson the hard way!
