How to find a pool leak in Brevard county Florida
We come out and get in the pool, with a scuba tank, mask and weight belt. First We will take a look around all the returns, skimmers, underneath the main drain, and behind the lights, scan the entire pool bottom and tile line for cracks and holes and dye test any imperfections. Then we will plug up all the pipes going to and from the equipment pad and introduce them each onto pressure with specialized pressure induction equipment and an air compressor. If we find one of those pipes loosing pressure then we will locate the leak underground with an ultrasonic listening device. At the end of it all we will give you an estimate for repair of the Leaks we have found.
How do I know my pool is Leaking?
I get this question alot. The reality is most pool only evaporate about 1/4" /day in the summer and a pool should only need to be filled 1-2" once a week or less. if you aren't sure you could perform a bucket test.
some pools are leaking 1-2" a day. you don't need a bucket test for this. you definitely have a leak.
what are signs my pool may be leaking
Leaking pools like to gurgle, water cant get into the skimmer fast enough to fill the demand of the pump, then the pump will surge, prime, and the process will take place again. You could see a lot of air coming out of the jets. some pools have automatic fills, when they have a leak it gets more difficult to spot. it starts with high water bills, low chlorine levels every test, high salt demand, high stabilizer demand. your pool guy might be complaining, or worse you fired him because the pool turned green, or yellow. this is very symptomatic of a pool leak causing the chemicals to dilute out of balance.
how do I do a bucket test?
get a clear or white bucket, put a rock or weight in it so it doesn't float away. fill the bucket with water to match the pool water level on the outside of the bucket. wait for 24 hrs and check it. if the water is lower outside the bucket than inside the bucket, you have a leak.
How professional leak detection works
Professional pool leak detection is a step-by-step process used to determine whether water loss is coming from the pool structure, equipment, fittings, or underground plumbing.
The inspection begins with a visual check of the pool, spa, equipment pad, plumbing connections, skimmers, drains, returns, lights, and other common leak points. Dye testing may then be used around cracks, fittings, and penetrations to see whether water is being pulled into a suspected opening.
If the source is not visible, the plumbing lines are isolated, plugged, and pressure-tested individually. A line that does not hold pressure may have a leak underground or beneath the pool deck.
When an underground plumbing leak is suspected, specialized acoustic equipment can be used to listen for the sound of escaping air or water. This helps narrow down the leak location and reduce unnecessary digging or deck removal.
Once the leak is confirmed, the homeowner is provided with the findings and recommended repair options. the pool does not need to be drained for the initial leak detection inspection.
Whats the difference between a structual leak, and a plumbing leak?
A structural leak, is a crack, a hole, a void in the pool shell and mating surfaces. We find these where plastic meets plaster, or in pool cracks, and the odd hole. just a hole. in the side of the pool for no real reason. Plumbing leaks happen from ground movement and pressure, sometimes a bad glue joint during installation. often we find broken fittings underground, or broken plumbing fixtures like skimmers, light niches, and main drain pots.
Do I need to drain my pool for the repair?
Skipper’s Pool Repair specializes in underwater epoxy and foam injection repairs, which means many structural pool leaks can be repaired without draining the pool.
In some cases, however, the water level must be lowered or the pool must be drained to complete the repair properly. This may be necessary when:
- The main drain bucket is cracked through and must be replaced
- The light niche is cracked through and cannot be stabilized underwater
- A return fitting or pipe must be replaced through the pool wall
- The skimmer must be removed and replaced
For return repairs, the pool may only need to be partially drained below the affected return. For skimmer replacement, the water level is typically lowered to just below the skimmer opening.
Whenever possible, we use underwater repair methods to reduce water loss, downtime, and disruption. After locating the leak, we explain whether an underwater repair is appropriate or whether the pool must be partially or fully drained.
Should I leave my pool off and just let it leak untill it stops?
Allowing a pool to leak until the water level stops can sometimes indicate the approximate height of the leak, but it is not always safe. If the water drops below the skimmer, the pump may run dry, and allowing the pool to drain too far can damage the pool surface or create problems from groundwater pressure.
Homeowners may briefly monitor the water level with the equipment off, but the pool should not be allowed to drain uncontrolled. If the water is dropping quickly or approaching the skimmer, returns, lights, or main drain, professional leak detection is recommended.
how long does leak detection take?
on average a leak detection takes around 2 hours.
What happens after the leak is found?
After the pool leak is found, you will be shown your pool leak if it is visible, or at least shown where it is at, along with an estimate for repair and the next available date for the repair to be completed.
Areas you serve
Skipper’s Pool Repair provides professional pool leak detection and repair services throughout Brevard County and surrounding areas, including Cocoa, Merritt Island, Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Palm Bay, and nearby communities.
We also serve select areas in Orange and Volusia counties, including Orlando, Daytona Beach, and surrounding locations. Service availability may vary based on the type of repair and travel distance.