14-year hiatus from pool
The longest break was 14 years -- 1992 to 2006. Reason: to focus on my career. At that time, the thing that consumed my personal time (away from work) was as a professional musician (6-string electric bass player, playing jazz and progressive rock). So the cues were stored away in the closet all that time -- never touched once in all those 14 years.
Finally, back in 2006, after things've settled (career solid, purchased house, etc.), I pulled them back out once again, and haven't looked back since. Now my 6-string bass is the item receiving the neglect. :-(
Ah, but the issue of balance -- we're all trying to achieve it...
-Sean