From the moment we arrive to the moment we explain the findings, here is exactly how a pool leak detection visit works with Leak and Subsurface Locators.
Call (954) 290-5177 to Schedule →A pool leak detection appointment starts with a brief customer interview about the water loss, how fast it drops, when it drops, and what you have already noticed. Then we inspect the equipment, assess the pool shell and fittings visually, go underwater for a full dive inspection, dye test around fittings and fixtures, and pipe test the pool plumbing lines lines when needed. We mark and photograph the leak when we find it, and explain everything in plain language before we leave. Standard pools take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Pools with spas take 2.5 to 3 hours.
We ask how much water the pool is losing, how fast it drops, whether it is worse when the pump is on or off, when you first noticed it, and what has already been tried or replaced. This history tells us where to start and what to rule out before we test anything.
We inspect the pump, filter, heater, salt system, valves, and plumbing connections at the equipment pad for visible leaks, weeping fittings, corrosion, or signs of moisture. Equipment pad leaks are common and easy to miss if the area is not checked systematically.
We walk the pool deck and look at the waterline, tile, coping, skimmers, light housings, return fittings, and any visible cracks or staining that suggests water movement. This gives us a picture of the pool before we go in the water.
We go into the pool and inspect the full shell, floor, walls, steps, benches, corners, along with the main drain, light niche and conduit, all return fittings, vacuum ports, and skimmer throats from underwater. This is where dye testing is performed to confirm active leak sources.
We use leak detection dye to test suspected areas, cracks, fittings, light niches, skimmer connections, and drain canister edges. Dye drawn toward a crack or opening confirms an active leak at that point. It is a visual confirmation tool, used alongside pipe testing rather than instead of it.
When symptoms point to underground plumbing, or when the shell and fittings check out clean, we isolate individual plumbing circuits and pipe test them. A line that holds pressure is intact. A line that loses pressure is leaking. We test each circuit until we identify the failing one.
If a plumbing circuit fails pipe testing, we use acoustic equipment, a pipe locator, and trace gas to narrow the location of the underground failure before any concrete is cut or any soil is disturbed. The goal is to confirm the location precisely before repair begins.
We photograph the leak, mark underground locations, and document what we tested and what we found. A written report is available and is standard for real estate, HOA, and commercial accounts. For residential jobs, we explain the findings in plain language before we leave.
Standard residential pool: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Pool with attached spa: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Large or complex pools, commercial pools, or underground leaks: may take longer depending on the scope of testing required
The water should be at the middle of the skimmer opening. If the pool is too low, turn on the fill and let it run before the appointment.
We need to see the floor, walls, drain, lights, and fittings. Green, cloudy, or debris-heavy water limits what we can safely inspect.
We need access to the backyard and pool from the moment we arrive.
Move anything stored in front of or on top of the pump, filter, heater, or valves so we have unobstructed access.
We work in and around the pool. Pets should be secured inside or in a separate area during the visit.
The autofill should be off before we arrive so we can observe the actual water level without it being masked.
How fast is the pool dropping? When did you first notice it? Does it drop faster overnight or when the pump runs? Have anything been replaced already? This information helps us start in the right place.
The customer interview at the start of the job is not a formality. It is part of the diagnostic process. When a homeowner tells me the pool drops a half inch overnight but stabilizes during the day when the pump is running, that pattern eliminates half the possible causes before I touch anything. I know to look at the shell first, not the pressure side plumbing.
Before I leave, I explain what I found, where it is, what the repair options are, and what happens next. If you are not home, I call you from the job site. Nobody should find out what was wrong with their pool from a vague invoice. That is not how we work.
Free tools from Leak Business Academy
Use the Leak Analyzer to score your symptoms, the Evaporation Calculator to check if your loss is normal, and download the free beginner guide to understand what a professional detection visit looks like.
Evaporation Calculator → Leak Analyzer → Free Beginner Guide →Call Leak and Subsurface Locators for a free estimate. We serve Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties from our base in West Palm Beach.
Broward (954) 290-5177 (561) 325-2678 (561) 325-2678It is helpful to be home at the beginning to answer questions about the water loss history, and at the end to hear the findings explained. But it is not always required. We need safe access to the backyard and equipment. If you cannot be home, we can call you with findings and send photos or a report when the job is done.
Yes. An underwater dive inspection is part of the standard process. It is the only way to properly inspect the drain, lights, return fittings, and pool shell for active leaks using dye testing. We come prepared to go in the water on every visit.
Some leaks require more observation, a different testing condition, or a follow-up visit. When that happens, we explain clearly what we tested, what we ruled out, and what the next step should be. We do not guess and we do not claim to have found something we cannot confirm.
Yes, when the leak can be photographed or visually documented. We photograph cracks, skimmer conditions, light areas, dye pull evidence, pipe test setups, and marked underground areas. Photos are especially important for real estate, HOA, and commercial accounts that need documentation for boards or contractors.