When your pool is losing water faster than normal evaporation, it’s time to ask: who detects pool leaks and how do you find the right expert? Pool leaks can lead to high water bills, structural damage, and costly repairs if not addressed quickly. In Arizona, Optimal Pool Leak Detection is the trusted name for finding and fixing leaks using the latest technology, including Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment. This article explains who detects pool leaks, how the process works, and why professional leak detection is essential for pool owners who want to save water, money, and peace of mind.
What Are the Signs That Your Pool Is Leaking?
The most obvious sign of a pool leak is a sudden drop in your pool’s water level. Other common symptoms include:
Needing to add more than two inches of water per week
Wet spots or soggy ground around the pool deck
Cracks in the pool shell, tile, or pool deck
Air bubbles in the pool pump or return lines
Increased chemical usage or fluctuating pool chemistry
Higher water bills than usual
If you notice any of these, your pool may be losing water due to a leak instead of normal evaporation.
How Can You Tell If It’s a Leak or Just Evaporation?
The bucket test is a simple way to distinguish between water loss from evaporation and a swimming pool leak:
Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step.
Mark the water level inside and outside the bucket.
Wait 24 hours and compare the levels.
If the pool water drops more than the bucket’s, you likely have a leak.
This test is easy for any pool owner to perform and is the first step in leak detection.
Where Do Most Pool Leaks Happen?
Pool leaks commonly occur in:
Cracks in the pool shell, plaster, or tile
Around fittings, such as the skimmer, return lines, and pool lights
Pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and valves
Underground pool plumbing lines
Vinyl liner seams or tears
Careful inspection of these areas can help narrow down the source of the leak.
What DIY Methods Can Help Detect a Pool Leak?
In addition to the bucket test, pool owners can use:
Dye tests: Squeeze pool dye or food coloring near suspected leak areas (like cracks or fittings). If the dye is drawn into the crack, there’s a leak.
Visual inspection: Look for cracks, loose tiles, or wet spots around the pool and equipment.
Equipment check: Inspect the pool pump, filter, and plumbing for drips or corrosion.
While these methods can help find obvious leaks, hidden leaks often require professional tools and expertise.
Why Is Professional Pool Leak Detection Important?
Professional pool leak detection services use advanced technology and years of experience to:
Pinpoint the exact location of the leak, even if it’s underground or behind pool walls
Avoid unnecessary digging or damage to your pool and yard
Accurately diagnose leaks in pool plumbing, structure, or equipment
Save water and prevent further damage by repairing leaks quickly
DIY methods may miss small or hidden leaks, leading to ongoing water loss and more expensive repairs later.
How Does the Pool Leak Detection Process Work?
A professional pool leak detection process typically includes:
Initial inspection: Visual check for obvious signs of leaks or damage
Pressure testing: Checks pool plumbing lines for leaks by monitoring pressure drops
Dye testing: Pinpoints smaller leaks in cracks, fittings, or seams
Electronic detection: Uses sensitive microphones and sonar to listen for leaks in pool shells or underground pipes
This thorough process ensures that all leaks are found and addressed, not just the obvious ones.
What Tools Do Professionals Use to Find Pool Leaks?
Experts like Optimal Pool Leak Detection use specialized equipment, including:
LeakTronics electronic listening devices and hydrophones for pinpoint accuracy
Pressure testing kits for plumbing lines
Dye and sonar tests for hidden leaks
Moisture meters and thermal cameras for hard-to-find water loss
These tools allow for non-invasive, accurate leak detection, saving you time, money, and hassle.
What Should You Expect From a Leak Inspection?
When you schedule a leak inspection with Optimal Pool Leak Detection, you can expect:
A thorough examination of your pool, equipment, and plumbing