The process of determining whether a pool is leaking is fairly direct. For most pools in a year with fairly typical weather for South Florida the water level in the pool will vary very little. The effect of evaporation of the pool water is generally offset by the amount of rain falling into the pool. A pool which is not leaking may require water to be added occasionally to offset evaporation but the amount of water needed should be small and water should not be needed more often than every other month. Pools can be expected to lose more water during the “dry season” Florida winter when air humidity is much lower and rains much less frequent than the “rainy season” summer.

Any pool that requires the frequent addition of water is almost certainly leaking. If water is needed weekly or more often the pool is definitely leaking. A “bucket test” can be employed but generally is not needed. The need for frequent addition of water to the pool is generally proof enough of a leak.

Leaking pools create several problems. The first problem is the need and cost of frequently adding water to the pool. The new water added also causes problems because it dilutes the pool chemical balances and can cause green pools and surface staining. Leaking pools also require more chemicals in order to replace the chemicals that are leaking away with the pool water. Leaking pools can be expensive and unattractive.

Once it is determined that a pool is leaking the next task is to determine just where it is leaking. For a detailed discussion of pool leaks and why and where they occur click HERE. Most pool leaks occur in one of several pool features including skimmers, grout, time, lights, returns, and drains or in the grout, caulk, or sealant surrounding these features. Leaks also occur in pool operating equipment such as filters and in PVC lines. More rarely, leaks can occur in underground plumbing lines.

The process of leak detection examines each of these pool features and components. Dye is typically used to examine each of the above features. The leak detection technician will enter the pool to leak check the entire tile waterline and grout. The technician will also leak check the light, all returns, main drain, and any other pool features present. If a spa is attached to the pool the same leak check will be performed on the spa features. In addition, the technician will leak evaluate each piece of the pool’s operating equipment and PVC.

It is common to detect more than one area where a pool is leaking. Grout, for example, which has become brittle and cracked can cause a leak in the waterline tile. Since all the waterline tile grout is the same material and age where one grout leak exists it is very common to find several more. PVC cracking and leaking and sealant cracking and leaking are similar. It is important to examine the pool for all common areas of leaks. Over 90% of all leaks are caused by one of these common leaks. Only rarely does a leak develop underground or as a result of a component failure. Once all leaks are detected the repair process can begin.

The methods used to repair pool leaks vary with the type and location of the leak. Leaks in the waterline tile, pool light sealant, skimmer, and returns can generally be repaired with pool putty. This is a very cost effective repair that can be effective for years. Leaks in pool equipment and PVC lines or sealant are generally repaired by re-plumbing the defective PVC lines and re-sealing the joints and fittings.

When, in rare cases, an underground leak is determined to exist the repair will involve excavating a part of the pool, pool deck, or yard. Since it is not possible to dig up all the underground plumbing to determine where the leak is occurring, a method must be used to find the leak before any digging begins. The tool for this is the “Ultrasonic” leak detector. These expensive and complicated to operate machines listen through the soil surrounding the underground pool plumbing for the sounds made by water leaking. The area indicated by the leak sounds is then excavated and repaired. Ultrasonic leak detection requires extensive training.

In over 90% of pool leaks the source of the leak is in one of the common areas. The detection and repair of these leaks requires training and patience to find all leaks and repair each leak. It does not require expensive equipment or excavation.

Our approach to leak detection and repair is simple and takes all these factors into consideration. Our leak detection and repair offer is:

Low Cost – Our prices are generally ½ or less of the prices charged by other leak detection companies.

No Risk           –     If we determine that your pool is not leaking there is no charge.

      • 60 Day warranty against further leaking after repair
      • No charge if we can not repair the leak

Give us a call if you suspect your pool may be leaking. If it is leaking we will repair it very cost effectively. If it is not leaking then there is no charge for our inspection.

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