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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Lee Salisbury, Shane Sneddon, and Nick discuss one of the most challenging and often frustrating aspects of pool service: leak detection. From simple dye tests and bucket tests to advanced acoustic listening devices, pressure testing, and underground leak locating equipment, the team shares real-world experiences, troubleshooting techniques, and lessons learned from years in the field. 

Topics Covered

Why Leak Detection Is a Specialized Skill

Leak detection often goes far beyond finding a wet spot in the yard. The hosts discuss how locating leaks requires patience, methodical troubleshooting, experience, and sometimes specialized equipment that represents a significant investment for a service company. 

Common Leak Sources Every Technician Should Check First

Before investing in advanced equipment, technicians can often identify many leaks through basic inspection and process-of-elimination techniques, including:

•  Multiport valve waste lines 
•  Hydrostatic relief valves 
•  Skimmer box cracks 
•  Skimmer faceplates and gaskets 
•  Return fittings 
•  Suction-side plumbing 
•  Equipment pad leaks 
•  Pump lid cracks and air leaks 

The hosts explain why many leaks can be found without expensive equipment when a systematic approach is used. 

Dye Testing: Every Technician's Best Friend

One of the most effective and affordable leak detection tools remains simple dye testing. The discussion covers:

•  How dye reveals water movement 
•  Why water table levels can affect results 
•  Choosing the right dye color for different pool finishes 
•  Common mistakes when performing dye tests 
•  Creative field solutions using syringes, plasticine, and simple tools 

The team also discusses fluorescent dyes and situations where standard dye colors become difficult to see. 

When the Water Table Changes Everything

Heavy rainfall and high groundwater can completely change leak detection results. Shane shares examples where visible holes in vinyl liners showed no water loss because surrounding groundwater pressure equalized the leak. Understanding groundwater conditions is critical when diagnosing suspected leaks. 

Vinyl Pool Leak Challenges

The hosts discuss:

•  Large vinyl liner tears 
•  Aging liner failures 
•  Temporary patching methods 
•  When repairs are no longer practical 
•  Recognizing when liner replacement is the only realistic solution 

Real-world examples illustrate why some repairs become recurring service calls if underlying liner deterioration is ignored. 

Fiberglass Pool Failures and Structural Issues

Several unusual fiberglass pool failures are discussed, including:

•  Pool walls collapsing due to improper backfill 
•  Hydrostatic valve failures 
•  Pools lifting out of the ground despite being full of water 
•  Drainage design failures around pool shells 

These stories highlight why understanding soil conditions and groundwater management is just as important as understanding plumbing. 

Advanced Leak Detection Equipment

Shane explains the equipment used by professional leak detection companies, including:

•  Acoustic microphones 
•  Pipe microphones 
•  Pressure testing systems 
•  Underground listening devices 
•  Sonar and sound-based locating systems 

The discussion includes how these systems work, their limitations, and why training is essential before offering leak detection as a professional service. 

Is Leak Detection Worth Adding to Your Business?

For service companies considering expanding into leak detection, the hosts discuss: