How will a pool leak professional find my swimming pool leak?

A good swimming pool leak detection expert with follow a systematic approach when locating you pool leak. The process involves collecting and analyzing a great deal of information. Knowledge of swimming pool operation and construction, use of specialized equipment, and on the job experience will all come into play as they locate leaks in your pool.

The first step for any pool leak detection job happens before the pool leak professional ever gets to your pool. You should be prepared to provide information about your pool or spa to the technician over the phone when you first call. When did you first notice the leak problems? How much water is losing, (based on the results of a bucket test)? How old is the pool? What type of pool is it? The more information you can provide about the suspected pool leak the better.

Based on this information, your technician should be able to give you an idea of what type of detection or repair will be required and schedule the job. Keep in mind that due to the nature of leak detection work this scheduled time may be somewhat flexible. Pool leaks are a seasonal problem in most parts of the country and those who are good at finding leaks are usually very busy.

Leak detection experts generally charge by the job or buy the hour. Because of the specialized equipment and expertise required for leak work you should be prepared to pay a little bit more per hour for leak detection services than you would for most regular pool service activities.

Once a technician is at your pool, the first step usually involves a pressure test of your plumbing lines to confirm whether the leak is in the plumbing or the shell of the pool. This testing will be done with specialized test plugs and pressure induction systems that are designed to give quick results. Based on the results of the pressure test, the technician will then use a variety of tests involving sophisticated electronics or diving equipment to pinpoint the pool leak.

• Listening Devices may be used to pinpoint the sound of pressurized underground plumbing leaks.
• Helium detectors may be used to find underground plumbing leaks if the soil conditions are such that noises can’t be made at the leak location.
• LeakTrac Vinyl Liner Leak Detectors use patented electronics to track vinyl liner leaks with a small electric current that is induced into the pool water.
• Hydrophones (underwater microphones), special dyes, and SCUBA diving equipment are used to find leaks in the shell of plaster and concrete pools.

Once the leaks are found most simple repairs (such as one or two vinyl patches), can be made immediately. Further repairs to cracks, underground plumbing, or pool equipment however, will usually involve additional work and tools and will be quoted separately. Some pool leak experts will be prepared to do these repairs themselves, others will refer you to repair or renovation specialists depending on the type of leak problem found.

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