FAQ

Absolutely. Many pool leaks can be simple patched with a special epoxy sold at most pool stores. If a pipe is leaking and you are handy, a hardware store has all the supplies you need to repair the pipe. And always know that we are here to help.

The cost of a repair all depends of the type of repair, the complexity of the repair and the amount of time and materials needed. Simple epoxy repairs are normally included in the leak detection testing fee. For more difficult repairs the costs can range from $150 for a small concrete patch to over $900 for an underground pipe repair.

As a licensed professional we always stand by our work. There is a 1 year warranty on underground pipe repairs and skimmer replacements. For simple epoxy patches, we will gladly re-evaluate your pool within 90 days of the initial patch repair.

On most repairs you can swim in the pool immediately after the repair is completed.

On most repairs you can swim in the pool immediately after the repair is completed.

Water leaking out of your pool will normally travel down into the ground. This will cause openings and voids behind your pool and under the patio.

A pressure test is where the leak technician blocks all ends of a piping system. Using specialized equipment and adaptors, the technician induces water or air pressure in the pipe. With leak locating, the leak technician uses low pressure to assure no damage is done while performing the test. If the pipe holds the pressure, then there is no leak. If the pressure drops, then there is a break in the pipe.

Dye testing is one of the most reliable ways and sometimes the only way to locate hidden leaks inside of the pool. Dye testing is used on leaks that electronic devices can not locate.

Yes. Leaks are invisible and most pools have more than one leak. The best way to find them is to jump it and search them out.

The leak technician has methods and materials to patch a leak underwater thus saving the customer the cost of refilling the pool and adjusting the chemicals.

A sonic locator is a way to describe the type of electronic equipment used in leak locating. The equipment is a high-powered microphone that picks up the signal that running water or leaking air makes when it passes through a break in a pipe. There is a combination of high and low frequencies that the equipment is specifically designed to detect.

The industry says that an approximately water loss of 1/4th of an inch a day could be due to evaporation. Other factors that affect water loss are people using the pool, heating the pool water, and using special water fall features such as a fountain. There are evaporation indexes available on the internet to calculate what the evaporation rate for your pool would be.

YES. Water is leaking out of your pool for a reason. As water continues to travel through the surface it makes the opening larger thus compromising the integrity of the pool structure and the underlying soil support.

Water always wants to escape the pool. Also, water is always eating away at your pool. Once water finds a way out, no matter how small, it will continue to make the opening larger. At first you may not notice the water loss, but eventually you will.

An underground broken pipe is located using specialized equipment. A professional leak technician has an arsenal of tools to include electronic acoustic listening devices, infrared imaging, ground penetrating radar and trace gas sniffers. In the pool industry the acoustic locators are used the most. Only highly trained locators use trace gas sniffers to pinpoint very hard to find leaks. And yes, we have it!!!

Not in order, here are the most common:

1. The location where the skimmer meets the pool wall (sometimes called the skimmer seam)
2. Under the drain cover
3. The light conduit located behind the light fixture

At the pump equipment (easily seen when the pump is running)

The epoxy itself can last the many years, but there are many factors that affect how long a patch can last. If the area around the patch is decaying, the patch will no longer have anything to stick too causing the repair to eventually fail. If the leak is very large, the patch can collapse or shift. Water chemistry, water movement, wear, movement or exposure to dry air can all affect how long the patch will hold. Epoxy patches are only a temporary solution to a problem that needs to be permanently repaired.

Patches are temporary. They are used to confirm the leak or to stop the leak until it can be properly repaired or until the pool is renovated. A repair is permanent and is performed by a licensed contractor with experience in repairs and pool renovations. And yes, we hold a state pool contractors license.

The higher the water temperature, the more the pool will evaporate. Most of the evaporation happens during the nighttime when the air is cooler. At time, you can see a slight mist or fog at the tip of the pool during the early winter mornings. That’s your water evaporating into the air.

Yes, you can. The internet is filled with ways to fix your own leak. The materials are available at your local pool or hardware store. Simple epoxy patches can easily be applied to the skimmer opening area. If you are handy around the house, repairing a broken pool pipe is similar to fixing a broken sprinkler line.

The most important is their license. A state contractors license is the best. There usually start with the letters “CPC” for Certified Pool Contractor. This shows that they had a level of competency to pass the contractors exam, where subjected to finger printing and a background check by the Florida Department of Professional Regulations and where recommended by other contractors. Also, check online reviews, call and ask them questions about their process, look at their website, or ask others who have had a pool leak. Also, see if they belong to any professional organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. Don’t let price be the sole factor. You get what you pay for. We are part of the Coral Springs Chamber and our state license is CPC1457277.

A license does matter.  It shows that the person has past a test, been approved by others with the same license, past a background check, has knowledge and competence and has insurance to protect you.  Make sure you check.  Some say they are licensed but they are not.  Many only hold a pool cleaning certificate (CPO = Certified Pool Operator) which they received from attending a weekend class.  Check the county licensing department, the Florida Department of Professional Regulations (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/), or the state for company information (http://search.sunbiz.org/)

Yes and no. The pump can suck in air from many places. Most times the air enters around a pipe fitting or valve at the pump. Other causes are a bad pump seal, worn O-Ring gasket at the pump lid or a loose pump drain plugs (located at the bottom sides of the pump), just to name a few. A broken underground suction line from the drain, skimmer or vacuum port can also cause air in the pump.

Although leak locating and leak repairs are our main profession, we also look for structural problems along with any safety hazards that may exist in the pool such as electrical shock hazards.