Welcome to the official FAQ page for Precision Leak Detection, your local swimming pool leak detection experts throughout Palm Beach County, Florida.
Pool leaks can be frustrating, confusing, and expensive if mishandled. Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned homeowner experiencing sudden water loss, this guide will answer the most common—and most important—questions about swimming pool leak detection.
1. How do I know if my pool is leaking?
If your pool water level is consistently dropping more than 1/4 inch per day, there’s a good chance your swimming pool has a leak. Other signs include:
Needing to refill your pool every few days
Air bubbles in your pump basket or jets
Wet spots in your yard or near your equipment pad
Pool equipment struggling to stay primed
Visible cracks around the tile line or skimmer
Leak symptoms can be subtle or dramatic. If you’re unsure, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection.
2. Is my pool just evaporating?
Evaporation is normal, especially in sunny, windy climates like Palm Beach County. On average:
Expect 1/8″ to 1/4″ of evaporation per day in summer
If you’re losing more than 2 inches per week, it’s likely a leak
Factors like temperature, humidity, and wind will impact evaporation. But if you add water multiple times per week, that’s a red flag.
3. What is the bucket test, and how do I do it?
The bucket test is a simple DIY method to determine if you’re losing water to evaporation or a leak.
Step-by-step:
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water.
Place the bucket on the second step of your pool, with the top exposed.
Mark the water level inside the bucket and on the pool’s waterline.
Turn off auto-fill systems.
Wait 24 hours.
Compare the drop inside the bucket vs. the pool.
If the pool water drops more than the bucket water, you’re likely dealing with a leak.
4. What are the most common causes of pool leaks?
Common causes include:
Cracked skimmer throats
Broken light conduits
Failing return jet fittings
Underground plumbing line breaks
Structural cracks in pool shell or spa wall
Vinyl liner tears, especially at seams or corners
Leaks at the tile line or pool equipment pad
Each of these areas requires specific tools and techniques to diagnose.
5. Where do pool leaks usually occur?
Pool leaks typically occur in one or more of the following:
Skimmer throat or housing: Deterioration or separation from the pool wall
Pool lights: Especially the conduit running from the light niche to the junction box
Tile line: Cracks at the waterline or where the tile meets the plaster
Main drains or returns: Worn gaskets or fittings
Underground pipes: Broken return or suction lines under the deck
Vinyl liners: Tears, seam separation, or punctures
Professionals test each of these systematically.
6. How do professionals detect pool leaks?
At Precision Leak Detection, we use a multi-step process:
Pressure Testing: Confirms whether plumbing lines hold pressure
Dye Testing: Identifies structural damage around skimmers, lights, returns lines, and structural cracks
Electronic Listening (Hydrophones): Listens for leak sounds through water and soil
Visual Inspection: Trained technicians spot things most pool owners miss
Reporting: We provide detailed findings with photos or videos
Our process is fast, non-invasive, and highly accurate.
7. Can I find a pool leak myself?
You can try—but most leaks are subtle and hidden. You may spot:
Cracks near the tile line
Air bubbles at startup
Soft soil or soggy spots
However, isolating the source of the leak is difficult without proper tools like hydrophones and pressure testing plugs. That’s where we come in.
8. How much water loss is considered "normal"?
In South Florida:
1/8″ to 1/4″ per day is typical due to evaporation
More than 2 inches per week is considered excessive
If water loss increases when the pump is running, it may be a return-side leak
If it leaks more when the system is off, it could be suction-side or structural
9. What equipment is used during leak detection?
We use:
Pressure testing plugs and gauges
Dye testers
Electronic hydrophones
Inspection mirrors and lights
Underwater cameras (in some cases)
These allow us to test every aspect of your swimming pool without causing any damage.
10. Can you detect leaks in the underground plumbing?
Yes. We use pressure testing and professional-level microphones to isolate leaks in suction or return lines buried beneath your deck, landscaping, or concrete.
Once located, we mark the exact area for repair—often within inches
11. Do you fix the leak as well or only find it?
We specialize in leak detection only. After detection, we give you:
A full written report
Photo or video documentation
Honest, professional referrals for permanent repair
This ensures the repair is precise, efficient, and not based on guesswork.
12. How long does leak detection take?
Most residential pools take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on:
Size of the pool
Attached features such as spas, fountains, and waterfalls
Number of plumbing lines to test
Complexity of pool equipment systems
We don’t rush—we take our time to find the exact issue.
13. How much does a pool leak detection cost?
Depending on the complexity, leak detection typically ranges between $350 and $550. Pricing includes:
Full inspection
Pressure testing
Dye testing
Professional Audio Inspection
Visual Inspection
A detailed written report along with photos & videos
We provide upfront pricing before we begin.
14. Is leak detection invasive? Will you need to dig?
In most cases, no digging is required. We use non-invasive techniques to pinpoint leaks. If an underground leak is confirmed, we may mark the deck or yard for a future repair, but we never begin excavation during the detection visit.
15. What happens after the leak is found?
You’ll receive:
A written leak report
Photo & Video Documentation
Clear identification of the problem area
Repair recommendations
Referrals to trusted repair professionals (if needed)
Our documentation is great for homeowners, realtors, insurance claims, and contractors.
16. Do I need to drain my pool before an inspection?
No. Leak detection is performed when the pool is full. We require water in the pool to:
Perform dye testing
Listen with hydrophones
Perform a complete visual inspection with normal operating conditions
Please ensure the pool is filled before your appointment.
17. Can a pool leak cause damage to my property?
Yes. Prolonged leaks can:
Undermine your pool deck
Damage your foundation or yard
Cause soil erosion
Overwork your pump and lead to equipment failure
Catching leaks early can prevent thousands in repair costs.
18. What should I do while waiting for my appointment?
Continue to keep your swimming pool full and clean
Refrain from letting the pool drop significantly low
Learn exactly how much your swimming pool drops in 24 hours
This can help us gather more accurate data at the time of inspection.
19. Can a pool leak make my pump suck in air?
Yes. A suction-side leak (such as in the skimmer line or main drain) can allow air into the system, causing:
Loss of prime
Bubbles in the pump basket
Noisy operation
This is one of the most common symptoms of an underground suction leak.
20. What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve all of Palm Beach County, including:
West Palm Beach
Boca Raton
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Jupiter
Wellington
Palm Beach Gardens
Lake Worth
Royal Palm Beach
Greenacres
…and nearby communities.
Still Have Questions? Call Precision Leak Detection
If you suspect your swimming pool is leaking, don’t wait. Precision Leak Detection offers professional, non-invasive leak detections throughout Palm Beach County. We use the best tools and the most proven methods and back it up with clear reports and honest answers.