Swimming Pool Leak Detection

At AquaCraft Pools, we provide advanced diagnostic services for residential and commercial pools and throughout the UK.

Our focus is on identifying hidden leaks, locating system failures, analysing water loss patterns, and preventing long-term structural or mechanical damage. Using specialised technology and detailed inspection methods, we pinpoint issues accurately so repairs can be carried out with minimal disruption.

Can Swimming Pool Leaks Be Located Without Excavation?

Many swimming pool leak detection procedures can be carried out without excavation, thanks to modern diagnostic equipment.

Technicians use acoustic listening devices, tracer dyes, pressure testing rigs, micro-cameras, and ultrasonic tools to locate leaks beneath concrete, decking, or landscaped areas. Excavation is typically reserved only for cases where the leak is confirmed within an inaccessible pipe or deeply embedded section of the structure.

How Much Does Professional Swimming Pool Leak Detection Cost?

The cost of swimming pool leak detection ranges from £500 to over £5,000, depending on the type of leak, testing methods required, and the complexity of the pool system.

Costs are primarily influenced by the number of diagnostic tests needed, whether pipe pressure testing or electronic listening equipment is required, the accessibility of underground lines, the time involved in isolating multiple potential leak points, and any follow-up verification tests.

Contact AquaCraft Pools to get customised prices for swimming pool leak detection at your property.

[button cta=‘Get a Price’]

What Techniques Are Commonly Used for Swimming Pool Leak Detection?

Swimming pool leak detection relies on a combination of non-invasive and targeted diagnostic methods, including:

• Pressure testing – Identifying leaks within underground pipework by isolating and pressurising lines.

• Electronic listening devices – Detecting underground water movement or escaping air.

• Dye testing – Pinpointing small cracks, gaps around fittings, or structural weak points.

• Ultrasonic inspection – Tracking subtle sound variations to locate leaks in shells and plumbing.

• Surface inspection – Checking tile lines, skimmers, light fittings, and expansion joints for leakage points.

What Types of Leaks Are Most Common in Pools Across ?

Swimming pool leak detection frequently identifies issues such as:

• Suction-side leaks – Air entering pipes before the pump, often through cracked fittings or loose valves.

• Return-side leaks – Pressurised water escaping from faulty joints or damaged pipework.

• Shell cracks – Occurring from movement, aging, or structural stress.

• Skimmer leaks – Caused by separation between the skimmer body and pool wall.

• Light niche leaks – Resulting from deteriorated gaskets or conduit breakdown.

• Tile line and expansion joint leaks – Common in older concrete pools.

Are Emergency Leak Detection Services Available for Pools?

Emergency swimming pool leak detection is available for urgent situations involving rapid water loss, equipment failure, soil erosion, or safety risks.

Technicians can respond quickly, stabilise the pool system, shut off affected lines, and perform immediate assessments to prevent additional structural or mechanical damage, especially important for commercial, public, or heavily used pools.

What Signs Suggest the Need for Swimming Pool Leak Detection?

Swimming pool leak detection is often required when property owners notice early indicators such as:

• Unexplained water loss – More than typical evaporation, visible drops in water level.

• Air in the system – Bubbling in returns or pump cavitation due to suction-side leaks.

• Wet spots or sinkholes – Saturated soil or erosion around the pool area.

• Algae growth – Caused by water chemistry imbalance from frequent top-ups.

• Increased chemical or heating costs – Resulting from constantly replacing lost water.

• Consistent pressure loss – Indicating leaks within plumbing lines.

How Long Does the Swimming Pool Leak Detection Process Take?

Swimming pool leak detection times of small pools with clear symptoms may take one to two hours, while larger or older systems with multiple lines can take several hours or a full day.

Complex underground leaks or multi-point failures may require staged testing over multiple visits to ensure accuracy. The timeline may vary depending on the size of the pool, the complexity of the plumbing, and the number of suspected leak points.

Can Older Pool Systems Be Assessed With Modern Leak Detection Tools?

Swimming pool leak detection can be carried out on older pools using updated diagnostic tools that work with ageing plumbing and outdated construction methods.

Pressure isolation, acoustic listening devices, and dye testing remain effective even on older materials, allowing technicians to locate leaks without dismantling large sections of the pool structure.

Contact AquaCraft Pools for a consultation on swimming pool leak detection for your property.

[button cta=‘Get in Touch’]