Pool leak FAQs

Your pool service usually notices first. A leaking pool will not hold chemicals, so they keep adding salt and stabilizer. Chemicals only drop when water is leaving the pool. If you are unsure, do a bucket test. In Florida, evaporation averages about 1/4 inch per day depending on area and weather.

Fill a 5-gallon bucket that does not leak a little over halfway to three-quarters full. Set it on the pool's first step so it matches the pool's temperature. Turn the pool off, let the water settle, and mark the water level inside the bucket and on the pool wall. Turn the pool back on for its normal cycle. After 24 hours, turn it off and compare. If the pool dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak.

Common causes are aging pool plaster, plumbing lines damaged by settling, structural cracks in the pool, and cracked skimmers, main drains, pool lights or return fittings.

Depending on the pool and the problem, a Pro Pool Team leak specialist can usually diagnose and find the leak in one to two hours.

Pro Pool Team leak detection starts at $295. Price depends on pool size, features such as spas and water features, and how complex the plumbing is. Larger or more complex pools can cost more. You get a written report, and if we do the repair, we take 5% off the repair quote, up to the cost of your leak detection.

We combine plumbing tests of each line, hydrophone (sonar) listening and dye testing of the pool shell, fittings, lights and skimmers.

The most common leak locations are plumbing lines under the deck, the skimmer, the main drain and the pool light.

Yes. In Florida, removing main drain covers and pool lights for testing requires a state pool contractor license, and the license number starts with CPC. A complete leak detection checks the drains and lights, so a licensed company can test everything and fix what it finds. Pro Pool Team's license is CPC1460553. You can check any contractor on the Florida DBPR license lookup.

A home inspection usually covers only the pool surface and equipment. A pre-sale pool inspection includes full pool and automation testing, electrical and bonding checks, a swim test and leak detection on the plumbing, surface and structure. You learn the pool's condition, likely repair costs and any safety or structural issues. As a Florida licensed contractor, we also give you a detailed repair quote.

Keep the water clean and clear, because our technicians dive in to inspect the main drains and lights. Fill the pool to its normal level, about halfway up the tile or at the middle of the skimmer opening.

Yes. Leak detection fees apply even if the water loss turns out to be evaporation, because the same testing is done.

The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Texts and messages sent after hours are answered the next business day.

Repair crews arrive between 8 and 9 AM. Leak techs visit several pools a day, starting with their first stop at 8 AM, so leak detections and inspections are booked in two-hour arrival windows: 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 2, and 2 to 4. Which windows are open depends on the size of the job. We text you when we are on the way.

Yes. Repairs are warrantied for up to 2 years, depending on the repair. Leak detection has a 60-day warranty that covers new leaks only. It does not cover epoxy patches.

Yes. If we do the repair, we take 5% off the repair quote, up to the cost of your leak detection.

Pro Pool Team has been in business for 4 years, and our team brings more than 24 years of combined experience in leak detection and repair.

No. Leave the gate open so the tech can reach the pool and the equipment pad, and make sure the pool is full and clear. If you live in a gated community, call your security gate to let us in. Before leaving, the tech calls you to go over the report. If you want to be there, you are welcome to watch and ask questions.

Leak detections are usually scheduled within about a week. If you need sooner, ask to go on our cancellation list and we will call you when an earlier opening comes up. Buying a home? Tell us your inspection deadline when you call.

Before leaving, the tech goes over what they found with you, in person or by phone. You also get a written report with marked-up photos showing where the leaks are, sent by email. If we can get a video of the leak, we share that too. A separate flat-rate repair quote follows, usually the same day. It lists each repair and its price, and we call to go over it with you.

Yes. Pro Pool Team has its own repair crews and does not subcontract. The same licensed company that finds the leak quotes it, fixes it and stands behind the repair.

Not permanently. Leak detection techs and repair crews are separate teams with different equipment. If it helps slow the water loss, the leak tech may put a temporary patch on the leak. The permanent repair is quoted and scheduled after the visit.

No. Epoxy and caulk are temporary. Chemicals, sun and ground movement break them down, and the leak comes back. A permanent repair cuts out the damaged area and rebuilds it.

Payment is due when the work is done, and nothing is due before. If you are home, you can pay the tech by card, debit, Apple Pay, check or cash. If no one will be home, we prefer to keep a credit card on file, and the tech can also take payment by phone when they call to go over the report. We do not take Venmo, Zelle or Cash App.

Yes. Email the report and photos to dispatch@propoolteam.com. If the report is clear we can quote from it. If it is vague, we may need to see the pool first.

Yes. Text them to (239) 533-5935 or email them to dispatch@propoolteam.com. Keep videos short so they come through. Photos help, but most leaks still need to be tested in person.

It usually points to the plumbing that carries water back to the pool, or to a water feature that only runs with the pump. Do a bucket test with the pump on, then another with it off, and tell us the results when you call.

The level where it stops is a clue. The water keeps leaking until it falls below the leak, then it has nowhere to go. Stopping at the middle of the skimmer often points to the skimmer. Stopping at the top of the light often points to the light.

Yes, before a bucket test or a leak detection. An auto-fill keeps topping up the pool, which hides how much water you are losing and waters down your chemicals.

No. Florida's high water table can push up on an empty pool and damage or lift the shell. Leave it full until the repair crew arrives. They will lower the water only as far as the repair needs.

No. We patch the areas we open up for a repair, but we do not resurface pools or remodel decks. If that is what you need, ask us and we will point you to someone who does.