FAQs

Q) Do I have a leak?
A) In South Florida, we have dry months and we have rainy months (we are a “sub-tropic” climate). What is considered “NORMAL” evaporation is 1/8” of loss per day. That is on a normal day. During our drier, cooler months, we can lose up to ¼” per day due to evaporation (depending on steady breeze and “openness” of the pool). The reason is that when the air is drier (less humidity), the air molecules can/will absorb more moisture. Especially, if the pool is open, unscreened, on a waterway, lake, or pond, that create a “breezeway” for air to travel more rapidly over the surface area of the swimming pool. In the warmer months, when our humidity is higher, the air molecules are less “thirsty” and less likely to take on more water. While many like to use the “bucket test”, I prefer just a basic measurement at the pool water level. Remember, up to ¼” can be just evaporation and the bucket greatly reduces the affects of wind. A flat, exposed surface will obviously evaporate more than water down in a bucket (or well). If you mark the pool and it loses a ½” or more in a 24 hour period (need a scientific, quantifiable time period), then you have a leak. If you have a pool/spa combination and the spa drops, but the pool does not drop, you probably do NOT have a leak, but most likely have a check valve or suction valve problem. Because the spa overflow gets its water supply from the pool, the pool is where the loss will show (regardless of whether the leak is actually in the pool or the spa).  A good rule of thumb is that if you are adding water during our rainy season, or if you are adding water more than once a week during our dry season, you probably have a leak and someone will need to detect it.

Q)  Why should I bother? (my leak is small or water is cheaper than fixing it)
A) Besides the obvious concerns about water conservation, extra chemical costs, and water costs, the water is going somewhere. Even a small, slow leak can cause huge damage over time, by the erosion it causes. Most especially, if the leak is on the house side of the pool and close enough to cause erosion by the foundation of the house. Bottom line, a leak is like a dental cavity. It’s not going to get better by itself and is only going to get bigger and cause worse problems.

Q) Won’t this be expensive?
A) About 80% of swimming pool leaks are around the skimmer or light(s). These are usually easily fixed by using underwater epoxy or hydraulic cement. Most leaks can be detected and repaired for under $300. Some leaks are more expensive to repair, depending on location and time consumed to repair. These are detected for under $300 and a proposal for the repair is given. But, most are quick and easy to detect and repair.

Q) Do you guys use electronic equipment?
A) Most definitely. We use the newest methods of leak detection (underground cameras, electronics, helium, etc), but we also use the time tested dye method. Nothing beats the visual verification of dye for leak detection. We have a set process used to more efficiently and accurately detect leaks.

Q) What is “detection without destruction”?
A) Thanks to electronics, cameras, and other newer technology, we are able to pinpoint a leak within a few inches. Thus eliminating the need to break open a patio deck based only on a hunch or suspicion. 82% of all leaks are not major and require just a “bandaid” (epoxy or underwater cement).

Q) What is your guarantee (warranty period)?
A) We guarantee our leak detection for 30 days and our repairs for 1 year. The reason that the leak detection guarantee is set for 30 days is so that the homeowner will keep a watchful eye on the pool for that 30-day period. However, we are not rigid. If you call us 35 or 40 days afterward, we will still honor our detection. The purpose of the limit is to prevent someome from calling up after 6 months and 2 hurricanes and claiming the pool still leaks. This way, the honus is on the homeowner to keep a watchful eye. We stand behind our work, and will gladly come back if there is any issue. We are used by over 15 different pool companies and pool stores for leak detections and repairs because we show up, do our work, and stand behind our work.