Help Center
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Is my pool leaking?
A good rule of thumb is if you are losing more than 1/4" per day, you likely have a leak in your pool.
What about evaporation?
Evaporation rates can be between 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch per day. In the fall and early spring, evaporations rates can be even higher especially if you are heating your pool. A good way to rule out evaporation is to perform a simple test called “the bucket test".
What Should I Look for When hiring a Leak Detection Company?
You want to hire a company that will provide an unbiased inspection of your pool.
At Seacoast Water Services, we do not perform any other pool services so we will not try to upsell you on unnecessary services or upgrades. We zero in on the essential issues that are causing your pool to leak and in most cases we resolve the problem during the initial visit.
I think I have a leak in my plumbing lines. Can you just come to inspect my plumbing lines and pinpoint the location of the leak?
We typically discourage partial testing because in many cases pools can have multiple issues. We have inspected numerous pools over the years in which the owner has requested plumbing testing only to find plumbing was not the source of the leak. In this case, a second visit is then necessary to fully inspect the entire pool to find the source of the leak leading to longer wait times for repairs and higher leak inspection costs for the owner. For these reasons, we require all customers requesting pinpointing to plug all their pool lines (except the main drain) for 24 hours (Do not run your pump) and confirm the leakage has stopped before scheduling a leak pinpointing appointment.
What if I have a leak in the in-floor cleaning system?
These systems can be very complicated as they have intricate plumbing and a special valve that controls water flow to the zones. In most cases, we can diagnose a leak on the in-floor plumbing system but once diagnosed, you will have to call your pool company to come out and identify each zone, test to confirm which zone is leaking, and plug off the leaking zone.
My pool is empty. Can you still complete a patch repair?
Yes, we can attempt to patch your liner but cannot guarantee any patches on empty pools because once you add water to the pool, the weight of the water will stretch the liner and can cause the liner to pull away from the patch.
I only lose water with the pump running. I must have a return line leak.
There are several other reasons you may only lose water only with the pump running. A return leak is possible but we still recommend everyone start with a standard leak detection inspection to properly identify the source of the leak.
Why does the pool need to be filled to a normal level and be clean and clear?
To properly identify a leak, we must be able to visually inspect underwater and the water level needs to be above the leaking area or we will not be able to confirm and repair the leak properly.
Can you perform a full leak inspection on an empty pool?
No, we need the water level to be above the leak area to properly identify and confirm the leak.
Do you pressure test my plumbing during the course of the Standard Inspection?
No. In most cases, we can inspect your plumbing for leakage without the need for pressuring testing. Pressure testing all of your plumbing lines can be invasive to your plumbing and is not the most efficient way to find a leak. If you would like a full system pressure test you MUST request this before inspection. A full system pressure test can take an additional 1 to 3 hours depending on the number of plumbing lines and features.
I have bubbles coming out of the return jets. Do I have a leak? What Can I do?
This is very common and in most cases, if your pool is not losing water, the bubbles are not due to a leak. You may have air leaks (loose connections right before the pump or at the pump basket lid). Please call your pool company to troubleshoot air leaks.
I do not have any suction in my lines so I must have a leak.
In most cases, if your pool is not losing water, your suction issue is not due to a leak. You may have air leaks (loose connections right before the pump or at the pump lid) This is something a pool service company would troubleshoot. It is also possible you may have a collapsed pipe or blockage. If this is the case, we can pressure test your line and/or camera inspect for blockages. If a blockage is identified, we will attempt to clear the blockage but this may not possible in some cases.
Do you complete pipe repairs?
No. We will mark the location of the leak only and will refer you to a local pool company or contractor that can make the repair. Marking the location of the leak allows the pool company to make the repair with as little disruption to your existing structures and landscape.