33 questions, answered plainly.

The bucket test is the only reliable test besides hiring a professional for a leak detection. Place a bucket of water on your pool step, mark the water level inside the bucket and outside the bucket, and compare them after 24 hours. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you have a leak.

Normal Florida evaporation ranges from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch per day for most pools. Screened pools evaporate less, open pools evaporate more. Heated pools evaporate significantly more than unheated pools.

Leaks that only appear when the pump is running usually point to an equipment-related issue or a pressure-side plumbing break. Common causes include a failed seal on the pump, a cracked union, a faulty backwash valve, or leaky solar panels. Less commonly, a return line plumbed higher than the water level underground will only leak while pressurized during operating hours.

This usually points to a suction-side pipe break (skimmer, main drain, or vacuum line). During operating hours, the pipe is under vacuum and pulls in air (you might see bubbles at the returns). Once the pump shuts off, it's no longer under vacuum and water can leak out. Another scenario is a failed check valve allowing water to siphon out of a raised spa.

Visible signs include wet spots on the deck that don't dry, settled deck pavers, a squishy spot in the yard near the pool equipment, white mineral staining (efflorescence) on retaining walls, air in the pump basket, bubbles from return jets, an auto-fill that runs constantly, and unexpectedly high water bills.

Expect 1.5 to 3 hours on site. Our 8-step workup includes a visual inspection, pressure testing of each plumbing circuit independently, dye testing at suspected structural sources, an underwater diver inspection, electronic listening where indicated, and a written findings report with photographs.

No — please don't. A full pool is essential for proper pressure testing and dye testing. We perform our underwater inspections with scuba gear.

Residential leak detection starts at $360. Commercial detection starts at $645. Real estate pool inspections start at $425. Pricing scales based on pool size and additional features (like attached spas or waterfalls). See our pricing page to use our instant estimate calculator.

Yes. Repair cannot be priced accurately before the leak is located, and some diagnoses conclude no leak exists. Separating the costs protects you from paying inflated flat-rate repair fees when the actual fix turns out to be minor.

Yes, if it's a minor repair. We perform minor repairs (like underwater epoxy or sealing a skimmer throat) during the same visit for just $5 to $65 more. If it's a major repair requiring underground plumbing work, we will provide a written quote for the repair work.

Yes. The diagnostic work (pressure testing, diving, dye testing) is identical whether a leak is confirmed or ruled out. Paying for the diagnostic buys a written finding from a licensed specialist and the peace of mind that your pool is watertight.

We accept major credit cards, checks, and cash. All fees are due upon completion of the work.

Deck Saver™ is our flagship, patented repair method. It allows us to fix broken underground plumbing from the inside of the pipe, completely eliminating the need to jackhammer your pool deck or dig up your yard.

Similar to medical arthroscopy, this minimally invasive technique uses specialized cameras and tools to repair pipe leaks through existing access points, avoiding destructive trenching.

Tile-Saver™ is our method for injecting structural sealants directly into beam cracks behind the waterline tile. It seals the leak permanently without requiring you to drain the pool or replace the tile line.

This is an advanced structural repair for larger cracks in the pool shell. Instead of just patching over the surface, we cut a keyed channel and install a flexible gasket system that remains watertight even if the pool shell shifts slightly in the future.

No. We are dedicated exclusively to leak detection and targeted leak repair. If your pool needs a full resurface or major renovation, we have a great network of trusted local contractors we can refer you to.

We offer two tiers of written warranty: 90 days on leak detection, and 5 years on all repairs. All warranties are provided in writing.

The basic principle when we design a repair method is that it must outlast the material it is attached to or that surrounds it. So our pipe repairs are designed to last forever, as the PVC is intended to last a very long time. Pool plaster, tile, and grout have a limited lifespan in a marine environment, so there is only so much effort and expense worth spending before it makes more sense to renovate the entire pool. To that end, our repairs there are designed to outlast those materials in a financially efficient manner and get the pool to its next renovation — where all those repairs get removed anyway.

As long as you're within the warranty's lifespan (5 years on all repairs), you're covered. We will return and redo the repair at no cost to you.

Yes. The warranty is tied to the repair location, not the owner. It remains in full effect for the remainder of the term under the new homeownership.

Generally, no. Standard homeowners insurance policies classify pool leak repair as routine maintenance or wear-and-tear, not a covered accidental event. However, if a leak causes secondary damage to your home's foundation, that secondary damage may be covered.

Yes. In Florida, sellers must disclose material defects that affect property value, and a known pool leak qualifies. Failure to disclose can result in post-sale lawsuits.

Generally, yes. Buyers tend to overestimate pool repair costs drastically. A repair that might cost you $800 to fix could become a $3,000 negotiated credit at closing if discovered by the buyer's inspector. Fixing it before listing, with our transferable warranty, is usually the least expensive path.

Yes. Our Real Estate Pool Inspection is a separate service that includes a full leak detection, plus a complete condition assessment of the pool equipment, decking, tile, and plaster. We provide a written report suitable for real estate purchase contingencies. We work for you, not the sale.

We serve the greater Tampa Bay and Sarasota regions. Our service area includes Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Tampa, Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, and New Port Richey.

Our office and dispatch hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

No. We do not offer same-day, after-hours, or emergency dispatch. Call or text our office and we will get you on the schedule for our next available appointment.

Three ways: Call us at (727) 467-0078, text a description of your issue to the same number, or book directly online through our contact page.

Yes. We regularly serve HOAs, country clubs, hotels, resorts, and property management companies. Commercial diagnostics are scheduled during normal business hours.

Yes. We are fully licensed (CPC 056992), bonded, and insured. We can issue Certificates of Insurance naming your property or management company as an additional insured upon request.

Absolutely. We are the leak specialists that pool pros call when they're stumped. We partner with maintenance routes to handle their leak diagnostics without stealing their weekly service accounts. See our Pool Professionals page for details.

Yes. Our written reports are known for being 2 to 3 times more detailed than our competitors'. We photograph what we can from the deck to highlight the leak area, providing a clear, professional record suitable for boards and managers.