Posted on May 31, 2024 1:43 PM EDT
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Using pool leak detection, a professional can find the location and source of an often-frustrating leak in a swimming pool. Leaks can waste a significant amount of water, inflate the water bill, and even cause structural damage to the pool if left unaddressed. According to Angi, the national average for pool leak detection cost falls around $300, but the price can range from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on a few factors.
Finding a pool leak can be tricky, especially if the pool has complicated electrical and plumbing elements. Paying for professional swimming pool leak detection is worth it for many homeowners to make sure the problem can be identified and fixed at the source to prevent further damage. Understanding the cost factors for pool leaks can help homeowners make an informed decision when it comes to budgeting for pool leak detection services.
Calculating the price for pool leak detection isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Factors like the type of pool and pool liner, the size of the leak and its location, and even the kind of leak can also play a role in pool leak repair cost. The distance the pool repair company travels and its hourly rate can also affect the overall price.
Diagnosing leaks in above-ground pools is generally more affordable than diagnosing leaks in inground pools. Above-ground pools allow for a complete visual inspection from the outside of the pool walls, eliminating the need to access the hidden and hard-to-reach areas on an inground pool. And unlike inground pools, above-ground pools don’t have complex plumbing and buried components like drains and pumps that can complicate the detection of pool leaks. Inground pools can be more expensive to repair, especially if the process requires draining the pool or finding the leak in a maze of underground pipes that have to be unburied.
The type of material the pool is made of plays a role in how much it costs to replace a leaky liner. This is especially true if the pool needs to be resurfaced, which is a more intensive and expensive repair.
The price to diagnose and fix a pool leak depends on where the leak is and how severe it is. If the pool leak detection company charges by the hour, homeowners can expect to pay between $75 and $125 per hour. For an easy fix, such as a noticeable rip in the liner, the pro can find it quickly, keeping the cost lower. For leaks in underground pipes, the technician might need to do a pressure test or even drain the entire pool to get a good look. Knowing some of the typical types of leaks and what it might cost to find and fix them can help homeowners budget for this job.
The cost for a pool leak detector service is almost entirely made of labor fees, since a homeowner is paying for the expertise of the professional to find the leak. While basic materials such as excavation equipment, pool detection dye, or pool draining tools might be included, the main cost is for the technician’s time and skill. Additional fees may apply for service calls that are outside of the company’s usual service area or for emergency calls on weekends or holidays.
Finding the location of a pool leak is just the first step of the process. Fixing it can involve additional costs depending on the situation. Some additional costs can include repairing the leak, digging up the area around the leak, resurfacing the pool, and draining and refilling it.
Once the leak has been found, the cost of repairing it will vary depending on the location and severity of the leak. This can range from a simple patch job to more extensive repairs.
“A quick, simple way to deal with leaks is to attempt to patch them,” says Friedman. “This works especially well for leaky equipment, and even for small cracks in the pool, provided you have a patch that can go on wet or [you have] the time to drain and refill your pool.”
While the cost to repair a swimming pool can get expensive if excavation is needed, this is usually a last resort. Most repair professionals will start with a pressure test, which is a much simpler way to locate leaks. Digging becomes necessary only when other methods fail to pinpoint the problem of an underground leak. The cost of excavation can vary widely, ranging from $500 for smaller areas to $5,000 for difficult-to-reach spots.
Age and normal wear can take a toll on any type of pool, leading to leaks in the walls or floor. For fiberglass pools, a recoating project can address leaks at a cost of $300 to $400. Above-ground vinyl pool liner replacements cost around $350, while inground vinyl liner replacements can range upward to $5,000. In some cases, extensive leaks might necessitate paying for full pool resurfacing costs, which is a pricer option at approximately $11,000. This is recommended only if there are multiple leaks and a complete resurfacing is the most cost-effective solution for lasting repairs.
Depending on the location and severity of the pool leak, more extensive measures may be needed. Draining the pool allows access to leaks and damaged parts, but it can add $180 to $230 to the bill. Refilling it typically costs around $55 per 5,000 gallons, and rebalancing the water chemistry can run about $450.
If a homeowner suspects their pool may have a leak, it’s important that they address the issue quickly in order to prevent further damage to the pool. There are different detection techniques that a pro could use depending on the type and location of the leak, and each detection method comes with its own price range and level of effectiveness.
“Once we’re sure that there is a leak, we’ll use different methods depending on where we suspect the leak to be,” says Friedman. “The pool equipment, like heaters and filters, is always the first thing we’ll check, since these are easy to spot and easy to fix. Any dripping pipes or standing water around pumps is a clear sign of a leak. For older in-ground pools, it’s also essential to check for cracks.”
A dye test is a cost-effective way to check for leaks in a pool. A small amount of colored dye is released into the water near suspected leak areas, such as cracks, crevices, skimmers, lights, and fittings. If a leak is present, the dye is pulled toward the leak. If the dye slowly disperses into the water, then that area is not the source of the leak.
A common way to find leaks in pool plumbing is with a pressure test, which costs between $200 and $500. A pool technician will perform this test to check for cracks or breaks in the pipes. This test is most often recommended if a pool is losing more than 2 inches of water over a 24-hour period. By pressurizing the plumbing system, technicians can pinpoint the location of any leaks.
A technician may conduct a single line test to isolate each plumbing line to determine where the leak is located when other pool detection methods can’t solve the mystery. This method is more precise but can be more time-consuming and expensive.
Some homeowners have pools that feature a spa area for hydromassage therapy. These are often found in swim spas. If a leak is only in the spa area, the technician will most likely skip the pool and focus on the plumbing for the spa or hot tub. They may use one or more of the same methods above, such as a dye test or pressure test.
An important part of pool maintenance costs is making sure the pool doesn’t have any leaks. “Pools will leak most often due to age or poor maintenance, though above-ground pools can also leak from things like storm damage,” explains Friedman. Homeowners will want to know the signs that indicate a need for pool leak detection services.
An unexpected increase in the water bill can be a red flag that there’s a hidden pool leak. Normally, a pool’s water level should remain fairly consistent, with minimal top-offs needed due to evaporation or excessive splashing. Some pools have an automatic feature that keeps the water at the preferred level, while others require manual refilling. Either way, homeowners will see a higher water bill if the pool is constantly being refilled without a clear reason.
“One of the most obvious signs [of a leak] is that the water level will go down more quickly,” says Friedman. If a homeowner notices a sudden and dramatic drop in the pool’s water level that can’t be explained away by evaporation or splashing, there’s likely a leak somewhere in the pool system.
The presence of standing water around the pool, especially in areas that typically stay dry, can be a sign of a water leak. According to Friedman, “[You] can also spot leaks by looking for dripping pipes or standing water by pumps and other equipment. Or you notice strangely soggy spots in your lawn or water trickling out of your lawn and into the gutter, especially when it hasn’t been raining much.” Rainwater or splashed water will drain properly away from the pool, but if there are frequent puddles around the perimeter, there could be a hidden leak underground or somewhere in the pool structure.
Constantly needing to add chemicals to maintain a proper pool water balance can be a clue that there’s a leak. Once the pool chemistry is balanced, the pool will need minimal adjustments unless it’s heavily used. If the homeowner finds they’re adding chlorine, balancing the pH, or adjusting other chemicals to maintain proper levels, it could be due to a leak.
Visible cracks in the pool’s surface can be signs of a leak and potential structural damage. Leaks can sometimes cause the ground beneath the pool to shift, which can lead to cracks in a pool. If they’re ignored, they can worsen and become larger leaks, causing more water loss and compromising the structural integrity of the pool.
An unexpected algae bloom or persistent algae growth, even when a homeowner knows how to maintain a pool, can be a sign of a leak. Pool chemicals normally help control algae growth, but if a leak is introducing fresh water or ground contaminants into the pool, the chlorine and other chemicals that keep algae from growing may get diluted. Then homeowners might wonder why their pool is green.
While the idea of tackling leak detection with a pool leak detection kit might be appealing to save money, there are pros and cons to consider before a homeowner tries this on their own. A DIY approach can be a cheaper option, but DIY methods can be time-consuming and ineffective, especially for hidden leaks. Some pool leaks can be tricky to pinpoint, and others require specialized tools and expertise to diagnose them accurately. There’s also the risk of misdiagnosing the problem, which can potentially lead to wasted time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Professional pool technicians know how to find a leak in a pool quickly and accurately, saving homeowners time and frustration. They can also recommend and carry out repairs. It’s best to call a professional when homeowners see signs of a leak but can’t locate the source, when they’ve tried DIY methods without success, or when the leak seems complex and requires advanced techniques to locate. Early detection and repair of pool leaks can save homeowners money by preventing higher water bills and potential structural damage, which will cost more to repair.
Having a pool installed by one of the best pool installation companies can be an excellent way to relax and cool off during the hot summer months, but inevitable pool leaks can lead to costly repairs if they’re not found and fixed quickly. Keeping pool leak detection costs under control is possible with some planning and proactive measures.
It’s helpful for homeowners to have all the information they can get regarding pool leak detection before hiring a professional. Asking the right questions can help save money and avoid miscommunication. Here are some questions for homeowners to ask about pool leak detection costs and the repair process.
Pool leaks can be a frustrating mystery that leads to wasted water, higher water bills, and potential pool or yard damage. These frequently asked questions address some common concerns so homeowners can understand the signs of a pool leak and how to address it.
The amount of water a pool loses through evaporation depends on air and water temperature, wind speed and consistency, sunlight exposure, and humidity levels. In general, a pool loses about ¼ inch of water per day through evaporation. This translates to over 2 inches each week. For an average-size 33-foot by 18-foot pool, the water loss can be approximately 600 gallons a week.
The time needed to detect a leak depends on the complexity of the situation. Simple visual inspections might take an hour or less, while complex leak detection methods using specialized equipment can take up to 24 hours.
Unfortunately, yes. Hidden leaks, especially underground ones, can be difficult to detect without professional help.
The ease of pool leak repair depends on the leak’s location and cause. Simple leaks might be solved with a quick patch, while extensive ones may require excavation or resurfacing. The complexity of the repair job will also depend on whether the pool is above ground or inground.
No, pools should not leak, but leaks are one of the most common issues of pools. Well-constructed and well-maintained pools can hold water for years, but parts will eventually fail. If a homeowner suspects a leak, it’s best to address it as soon as possible to avoid wasting water and incurring further damage.
Angi, Fixr, Katchakid, American Leak Detection
Katie Flannery is a writer and editor for BobVila.com. Since September 2020, she has been offering readers advice about general home improvement, kitchen renovation, service and product costs, and repairs. With over 20 years of professional writing experience, she’s successfully generated hundreds of news articles, blog posts, interviews, concert reviews, album reviews, press releases, proposals, essays, and academic papers.
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