Leak Detection

Homeowners often become very frustrated by a leak in their swimming pool. This issue can cause all kinds of damage to the building on and near the property. If excessive water leaks from the pool, it can disturb the soil below the pool deck, causing it to collapse.

At Brander’s Pool Service, we not only provide leak detection services but also provide leak repair services. We are the go-to professional in the Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga areas. If you think you may have a leaky pool, we guarantee full accuracy in detecting and repairing the leak.

It’s not exactly easy to detect and repair a leak in a swimming pool. Successful leak detection and repair consists of information gathering and progressive leak detection. This type of detection is a step-by-step process, which includes checking the pool’s filter, plumbing, and  interior  for leaks.

Based on our experience, we recommend hiring a contractor who has the right expertise and resources to find and fix a leak. Our team of professionals provides a number of pool leak detection and repair services. When you trust Brander’s Pool Service you can rest easy knowing the leak will be found and repaired quickly.

How to Detect a Pool Leak

The first step in successful leak detection is to gather information. Before calling Brander‘s Pool Service, you should perform the following test:

1. Bucket Test

The bucket test is a simple test to find out if the dropping water level is due to the leak or evaporation. Evaporation can cause a drop in water level of up to 1/4 of an inch in hot and windy areas. To perform this test, follow these instructions:

  • Fill the pool to normal level.
  • Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and place it on the steps into the pool.
  • Mark the water level on the pool wall with a piece of tape and mark the water level on the bucket with another piece of tape.
  • Wait 24 hours.
  • Measure the amount of water loss in the bucket and compare it to the amount of water loss in the pool.
    If the water loss in the pool is greater than the water loss in the bucket, this indicates a leak in the swimming pool.

2. Pump On / Pump Off Test

The pump on / pump off test is performed to help figure out which part of the plumbing has a leak and whether the leak is located on the filter piping or in the structure of the pool. To perform this test, follow these instructions:

  • Measure the amount of water loss when the pool pump is on.
  • Turn the pump off over night.
  • Compare the amount of water loss when the pump is off to the amount of water loss when the pump is on.
    If there is a greater amount of water loss with the pump on than with the pump off, the leak is most likely located on the pressure side of plumbing, more specifically, in the pool return line. If there is a lesser amount of water loss with the pump on than with the pump off, then the leak is most likely located on the suction side of plumbing, more specifically, in the skimmer and main drain. If there is an equal amount of water loss with the pump on and with the pump off, then the leak is most likely a liner leak, structural leak, located in the hydro-static valve, pool light niches, pool fitting, or cracks in the pool.

3. Pool Pressure Test

Brander’s Pool Service will perform a complete pressure test of all underground plumbing to confirm the leak is on the underground plumbing. Each line will be tested individually at 15 – 20 PSI. The price for a regular pressure test can be anywhere between $230 and $300 depending on the size of the pool. Brander’s Pool Service charges a flat fee for complete service regardless of the amount of time spent on the pressure testing. This enables you to budget accordingly and ensures you won’t be surprised by any additional charges. 

4. Pool Dye Test

Pool interior dye test is performed under water by our certified diver. Our diver will dye test liner, all fitting, main drains, hydrostatic valves, skimmers and pool light niches. The price for a dye test can be anywhere between $250 and $300 depending on time of the year.

5. Pool Underground Sonic Leak Test

If the pressure test confirms that the leak is located in the underground plumbing, our service technicians will pin-point the exact location of the leak with our high resolution underground sonic leak detection equipment. 

6. Pool Leak Repair

Brander’s Pool Service provides professional experience in all types of leak repairs. A leak located in the underground plumbing is usually the worst scenario for the pool owner and will require excavation of the pool deck or pool shell around the leak, along with replacement of part of the underground plumbing. The price range for these kinds of repairs can be anywhere between $500 and $1000.