Swimming pool and spa leaks can develop in just about anything, whether water runs through it, in and out of it, or just plain sits in it. Cracks, holes, rips, etc., can develop in equipment with age, or excessive stress beyond a product manufacturer’s original design specifications.

There’s a big difference between a leak that’s obvious and one that’s not, especially when you think you’re losing water slowly, but can’t see the loss. Depending on how the weather is, it’s not uncommon for your pool water level to vary from day to day. Environmental factors such as humidity, wind, and air as well as water temperature can have an effect, causing you to lose up to ¼ inch of water a day, or about two inches per week. 

Still, you may have a leak if:

• The pool has air in the system (e.g., bubbles under pump basket glass, or coming out of a return jet
• Pump equipment loses prime
• You see cracks in your pool below the surface of the water
• Pool deck is sinking or lifting
• There are soggy spots around the pool
• You add water more than once a week

The most common indication of a leak is that the water loss is far greater than normally attributable to evaporation or splash-out. Often leaks are big enough that excess water loss is obvious. If you wake up to find that your pool has dropped several inches overnight, you know you’ve got a problem. The bigger challenges are the smaller, yet just as serious leaks that develop slowly. In these cases, it is important to determine what is “normal water loss” and thus avoid wasting time looking for and worrying about a leak that really isn’t there.

At The Chaikin Ultimate Group, we’ve been troubleshooting and repairing swimming pool and spa leaks for almost 40 years and are renowned in the industry for our expertise and quality of work finding and fixing leaks. In addition to our skills, we use industry-tested, specialized equipment manufactured by Anderson Products for our leak detection and repair work.

Our leak detection capabilities include, among others, leaks in:

• Underground pool plumbing and plumbing slabs
• Gunite, Vinyl-Lined, Fiberglass and PVC Lined Pools
• Spas, both freestanding and pool/spa systems
• Landscape ponds and water features
• Underground line location

Common repairs include:

• Vinyl-liner patching and liner replacement
• Above ground plumbing repairs
• Underground plumbing repairs
• Gunite/plaster repairs
• Crack injection
• Renovations

Preparing for Professional Leak Detection

Please be prepared to provide the following information about your pool and/or spa to us over the phone when you first call:

• When did you first notice the leak problems?
• Is it only a pool or do you also have a spa?
• What type of pool do you have? Typical pools are Gunite, fiberglass or vinyl lined (with either steel or concrete walls). If it’s a Gunite, what type of finish do you have? 
• How old is the pool?
• How much water is the pool losing (based on the results of the bucket test)?
• Does the water in your pool “level off” at some point?
• Is the pool equipment above or below grade?
• How many pumps do you run?
• How many skimmers does the pool have?
• Does it seem to leak more with the filter on or with it off?
• Have you ever experienced leaks before and repaired them? If so, how?

The more information you can provide about the suspected pool leak the better we can prepare to assist you.

Please have the pool water clean and clear for proper inspection, and warm for us to dive if needed. Once we arrive at your pool, unless the leak is obvious, our first step usually involves a pressure test of your plumbing lines to confirm whether the leak is in the plumbing or the structure of the pool itself. Testing is performed by a highly trained technician using specialized test plugs and pressure induction systems that are designed to give quick results. Based on the results of the pressure test, if required, we will then use a variety of tests involving sophisticated electronics or diving equipment to pinpoint the pool leak. The overall process can include (depending on pool type):

• Gather information (best accomplished prior to our arrival)
• Perform a detailed visual inspection of the pool, its surroundings, and all associated equipment
• Pressure test plumbing lines
• Pinpoint underground plumbing leaks
• Check niches, fittings, and cracks in pool structures
• Pinpoint leaks in vinyl liner

Once we find the source of the leak, having already discussed options with the homeowner, we will then proceed to make repairs.

Our commitment to quality, our customers, and the industry, ensures any leaks you may have will be promptly and repaired, in an industry-leading manner. Contact us today at 631-242-2667 for these and all your Long Island Pool and spa maintenance needs.