Pool, Spa, and Fountain Leak Detection in Central Florida

Do I need to do anything special to my pool before the leak detection?
Yes. On the day of your leak detection, the pool should be filled to its normal operating level, typically about halfway up the tile line or skimmer opening, and the water should be clean and clear. This allows us to safely enter the pool, complete the structural inspection, and perform accurate testing.

How do I know if it’s a leak or normal evaporation?
Evaporation varies with weather conditions like heat, wind, and direct sun, so small day-to-day changes can be normal. Leaks, on the other hand, tend to show consistent patterns, such as the water dropping to the same level repeatedly, frequent top-offs, soggy areas around the pool, or changes in equipment performance.

To establish a baseline, bring the pool up to its normal operating level, typically about halfway up the tile line. Mark the water level inside the skimmer, then check it again after 48 hours. In an unheated pool with no water features, normal evaporation averages about ¼ inch per day. If the water loss exceeds that, it may indicate a leak. If you’re heating your pool, or running water features, we recommend turning them off during the 48 hour testing window to ensure an accurate measurement.

If you’re still unsure, we can perform controlled testing to accurately determine whether water loss is due to evaporation or a leak, and pinpoint the source without guesswork.

How can I tell if it’s a leak or water transfer?
Water transfer occurs when water moves from the spa back into the pool after the pump shuts off, usually through a check valve. The total water volume stays the same, but because the spa is smaller, the drop can look dramatic.

A true leak causes a loss of total water volume and requires frequent refilling. To avoid confusion, always measure water loss from the pool, not the spa. Normal evaporation averages about ¼ inch per day.

During leak detection, we evaluate both water transfer and true leaks to determine the real cause of water loss.

Is a small leak really a big deal?
Small leaks can become expensive over time; water costs, chemical imbalance, equipment strain, and soil washout under decks.

On top of that, small leaks will almost certainly turn into big ones if left completely unchecked.

Will you have to break my deck to find the leak?
Not as a first step. Our process is designed to pinpoint exactly where the leak is located before any invasive work is recommended. If a repair requires access, we’ll explain why and what the least disruptive option looks like.

When you locate the leak, do you also repair it?
Yes. Once we locate the leak, we’ll walk you through the findings and the repair options.

Many structural leaks can be repaired the same day using underwater epoxy at no additional charge. If the leak requires a larger construction repair, we’ll provide a clear written estimate and review next steps with you before any work is performed.

Are epoxy repairs permanent?
Underwater epoxy repairs are considered a temporary or semi-permanent solution, depending on the location of the leak and the condition of the surrounding structure. When properly applied, epoxy can effectively stop active leaks and provide a reliable short- to medium-term repair.

However, epoxy does not address underlying structural issues, plumbing failures, or ongoing movement. In those cases, a permanent repair requires a construction-based solution, such as cutting and replacing plumbing or performing structural repairs.

During our leak detection, we evaluate whether an epoxy repair is appropriate or if a construction repair is the correct long-term solution. Our goal is to fix the problem the right way, not just mask the symptoms.