The Leak Detectives Process
Many swimming pools will leak water at some point, possibly from one or more locations. Swimming pools may leak above ground from the pool equipment, or it may be your underground pool plumbing that leaks. Skimmers and underwater lights are common pool leak sources. The Leak Detectives have been a trusted name in the industry for over 20 years. We have the technology and experience to handle all forms of pool leaks.
How to Know if my Pool is Leaking?
You have a leak if you have to add one inch or more of water each week. The first thing to do is carefully mark the pool water level, wait 24 hours, check it again and measure how much it dropped. Normal evaporation rate in Southern Ontario during the swimming season is 0.4 cm or 1/8″ daily. Read more
The Bucket Test
One of the easiest ways to find out if you have a leak in your swimming pool is fill a bucket with water from the pool and set it on the steps of your pool with the top of the bucket above water level. This will keep the water in the bucket the same temperature as the pool. Read more
Our Services
FAQ’s
Maybe. The bucket and dye tests are a good start, but some leaks can be tricky to detect. If you can’t locate it or the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to call in the professionals. We’ve got the tools and know-how to track it down fast.
Most pool leaks appear in key spots: the skimmer throat, return jets, around lights, steps, and vinyl liner seams. Even small cracks, ageing gaskets, or loose fittings in these areas can lead to big water loss if left unchecked.
Try plugging the lines and turning off the pump. If the water keeps dropping, it’s likely the pool itself, not the pipes. Still not sure? Give us a call, that’s what we’re here for.
Yes, you can. With the pump off and the water still, squeeze a bit of dye near areas you suspect, like the skimmer, lights, or steps If the dye gets pulled in, bingo! You’ve found your leak. Learn More
Both give clues! If there’s a leak on the pressure side (after the pump), it usually leaks when the pump is running. Suction-side leaks (before the pump) often pull in air when it’s running but don’t drip when it’s off. Our team can help pinpoint exactly where the problem is.
Keep an eye out for soggy spots around the pool, bubbling at the returns, low water levels, or your pool chemistry suddenly going haywire. Any of these could mean you’ve sprung a leak.
It’s simple: Fill a bucket with pool water, set it on a step, and mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket. If the pool level drops more than the bucket after 24–48 hours, chances are you’ve got a leak. Learn More
A little water loss is normal especially during the hot Ontario summer. But if you’re topping off your pool more than once a week, it’s time to test. Try the bucket test (we’ll explain that next), or give Leak Detectives a shout and we’ll help you figure it out.
Yes, absolutely. Inground pools can leak from underground plumbing lines, especially if the pipes shift, crack, or separate over time. These leaks are usually hidden but show up as sudden water loss, soggy spots in the yard, or air getting into your pool system. We use pressure testing and acoustic equipment to find and fix these kinds of leaks without tearing up the whole yard.
Leaks don’t fix themselves, they usually get worse. That means higher water bills, pump damage, and even structural problems. Leak Detectives can help you catch it early and save money long-term.
Some products, like Fix-A-Leak or underwater putty, can work for very minor leaks. But if you’re losing more than ¼″ a day, those quick fixes won’t hold long. Better to get a professional involved before it gets worse.
In many cases, yes. We can often isolate and repair leaks with minimal disruption. And when digging is necessary, we keep it tidy and localized.
Depends on the type. Vinyl liners get patched. Concrete or gunite cracks are sealed with epoxy or cement. Plumbing leaks might need a section of pipe replaced. We explain the fix and price before we do anything.
Nope, as long as we’ve got access. We’ll text or call with updates, and you’ll get a full report afterwards.
Just make sure the pool is full to its normal level, clear of debris, and that we can access the backyard. If you’ve got a pool cover, please have it off.
We use:
• Acoustic listening equipment (“audio detection”)
• Pressurising plumbing lines
• Dye tests
• Underwater cameras
• For vinyl pools, electric current methods