1. How do I know if my pool has a leak? Most pools lose a little water from heat and splashing. But if your pool drops more than 1/4 inch per day, you may have a leak. Other signs: wet spots in the yard, air or bubbles in the pump, cracks in the pool, difficulty keeping chemicals balanced. This is one of the most common questions pool owners ask online, including in pool care communities on Reddit, and it almost always comes down to the same simple test: track how much water you're actually losing each day before assuming the worst. If you notice one or more of these signs, it's a good idea to schedule a leak check.

2. How fast can a leak waste water? A small leak can waste thousands of gallons each week. Leaks raise your water bill, throw off chemicals, and can damage your pool shell or underground pipes if ignored.

3. What causes pool leaks? Common causes include cracked pipes, loose fittings, broken skimmer lines, cracks in the pool surface, old or worn plaster, ground movement, and problems around the pool equipment. Most leaks can be found and repaired without draining the pool.

4. What happens during a leak detection visit? Our team uses professional equipment to find leaks fast: pressure testing to check underground pipes, acoustic listening to hear water escaping, dye testing around cracks, and camera or sonar equipment if needed. We explain everything in simple terms before we start.

5. Do I have to drain my pool for leak detection? No. Almost all tests are done with the pool full of water. Sometimes repairs may require a small drain-down, but this is rare.

6. How long does leak detection take? Most inspections take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the pool and the type of leak.

7. Can you fix the leak the same day? Yes, most leaks can be repaired during the same visit. If the problem is more complex (like a broken pipe deep underground), we schedule a return appointment.

8. Is leak detection guaranteed? Yes. If we find the leak, we show you the exact location and explain the repair options. We stand behind our work and offer guarantees on our repairs.

9. How much does leak detection cost? Leak detection is usually a flat rate, depending on the size of the pool and what testing is needed. Fixing the leak is a separate cost, but we give clear prices before doing any work.

10. What areas do you serve? Leak & Subsurface Locators proudly serves Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you're in South Florida, we can help.

11. Can a leak damage my home or yard? Yes. Underground leaks can wash out soil, crack decks or patios, damage underground pipes, and cause sinkholes in severe cases. Finding leaks early prevents expensive repairs.

12. How can I prevent leaks in the future? Keep water balanced, keep the pool clean, fix cracks early, inspect equipment for wear, and watch for fast water loss. Regular checkups can prevent major problems.

Dog & Pool Chemistry FAQ

13. Does my dog affect the pool water or chemicals? Yes. Dogs change pool water a lot more than people do. One dog brings in dirt, hair, oils, and germs, much more than a human swimmer. Pool experts say one dog can equal 3 to 50 people in terms of how much "stuff" they add to the water.

14. Does a dog make me use more chlorine? Yes. Dogs raise chlorine demand because they bring in hair and dander, dirt and soil, body oils, saliva and urine, and tiny bits of feces on the fur. All of this uses up chlorine faster and can make the water cloudy if the pool is not well balanced. You may need to keep chlorine at the higher end of the normal range, shock the pool after heavy dog use, and clean the filter more often.

15. Can my dog make the water smell like chlorine? Yes. When chlorine mixes with dog saliva, urine, and dirt, it creates chloramines. Chloramines are what cause the strong chlorine smell and eye or skin irritation. A quick shock treatment removes chloramines and clears the smell.

16. Can my dog make the pool cloudy? Yes. Dog hair, dirt, and oils can make pool water look cloudy, hazy, or dull. This usually means the filter is catching a lot more debris than normal. A backwash, filter clean, or skimmer sock usually helps.

17. Can a dog cause a pool leak? No. A dog cannot cause a real plumbing or structural leak. A dog can only cause splash-out (water thrown out of the pool), a little extra evaporation, and drinking a small amount of pool water. These things make the water drop slightly in the moment, but not day after day. If the water drops more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch every day, that is not the dog, that is evaporation or a real leak, and a professional inspection is needed.

18. Does my dog drinking pool water cause water loss? Only a tiny amount. Even a large dog might drink only a few cups to a few quarts per swim session, almost nothing in a 10,000 to 20,000 gallon pool. If the water drops every day, it's not from drinking.

19. Can dogs cause germs in the pool? Yes, dogs can bring germs into the water, such as bacteria, saliva, fecal germs, dirt and soil, and rarely parasites. A properly chlorinated pool kills most of these quickly. Just keep chlorine levels healthy and avoid letting the dog swim if it's sick.

20. How do I protect my pool if my dog swims? Rinse your dog before swimming (a quick hose-off removes dirt and loose hair). Use a skimmer sock (catches hair before it reaches the filter). Test chlorine more often (dogs use up chlorine faster). Shock the pool after long swim days (this keeps the water clear and safe). Clean the filter more often (hair and oils clog filters quicker). Remember: dogs cause splash-out, not leaks. If water loss continues daily, get a leak check.

Need help today?

If you think your pool is leaking, don't wait. Early detection saves water, money, and stress.

Call (954) 290-5177 Leak & Subsurface Locators, LLC