Pool leak detection questions
Straight answers about pool and spa leaks. If your question is not here, call us at (442) 944-2017.
Is my pool leaking?
- How do I know if my pool is leaking or just evaporating?
- In Southern California, evaporation is usually around a quarter inch a day, more in hot, dry or windy weather. The bucket test compares your pool against a bucket of water sitting on the step: if the pool drops noticeably more than the bucket over 24 hours, you likely have a leak.
- What are the most common signs of a pool leak?
- Water loss of more than about a quarter inch a day, an auto-fill that runs constantly, a higher water bill, wet spots in the yard, cracks in the deck or tile line, air bubbles in the returns, and chemicals that will not stay balanced.
- Where do pools usually leak?
- The most common places are skimmers, return and main drain fittings, light niches, cracks in the shell or tile line, the underground plumbing, and the equipment pad. A pool can have more than one leak at once.
- Does it matter if the pool loses more water with the pump on or off?
- Yes, and it is a useful clue. Losing more with the pump running often points to the pressure side of the plumbing, such as the returns. Losing more with it off often points to the suction side or the shell. Mention it when you call.
How leak detection works
- Do you have to drain the pool?
- No. Pressure testing, electronic listening equipment and dye testing all work with the pool full. Draining a pool can damage it, so we avoid it.
- Will you dig up my yard or deck?
- Not to search. We pinpoint the leak first so that any digging is limited to the exact spot that needs repair, and often no digging is needed at all.
- What is the difference between electronic leak detection and dye testing?
- Electronic equipment listens for water escaping through the shell or underground and narrows down the location. Dye testing confirms the exact spot by showing water being drawn into a crack or fitting. We usually use both.
- How long does leak detection take?
- A typical residential pool takes a few hours. Pools with spas, water features or several leaks take longer, and commercial facilities are scheduled based on the size of the system.
- Can you find leaks in spas and hot tubs?
- Yes. We test in-ground spas and pool-and-spa combinations, including jets, air lines, spillways and the plumbing shared with the pool.
Residential and commercial
- What is the difference between residential and commercial leak detection?
- Residential work covers a backyard pool, often with a spa, and one equipment pad. Commercial systems are larger and more complex, with surge or balance tanks, gutters, pump rooms and long pipe runs. Commercial jobs are scheduled around the facility to keep downtime low, and come with written findings for managers, boards and insurers.
- Do you work with HOAs and property managers?
- Yes. We work with HOA boards, property managers and facility staff, and provide written findings with photos that can be shared before repairs are approved.
Repairs and service
- Can you fix the leak once you find it?
- Yes. We repair skimmers, fittings, light niches, shell cracks and underground plumbing. Many common repairs can be made on the same visit.
- What areas do you serve?
- All of San Diego County, from Oceanside and Escondido down to Chula Vista and out to East County; South Orange County, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel; and Southwest Riverside County, including Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee and Lake Elsinore.
- Is your work guaranteed?
- Yes. Satisfaction guaranteed. We have been finding and fixing pool leaks in San Diego County, South Orange County and Southwest Riverside County since 2021.
- How do I get a quote?
- Call (442) 944-2017 or fill out the quote request form. Tell us what you are seeing and we will get back to you.
Losing water? Let’s find out where.
Call us or request a quote. We will ask a few questions about what you are seeing and get you on the schedule.
Serving San Diego, South OC and Southwest Riverside since 2021 · Satisfaction guaranteed