Leak Detection and Repair

Pool leaks are one of the most frustrating problems that pool owners have to deal with. Unfortunately, they can occur anywhere around your pool and usually are very difficult to locate. The most common pool leaks are usually a result of a leaking liner, leaking plumbing, leaking filtration equipment, and even cracked circulation goods. Once a leak has been located, repairs can be as simple as a small vinyl patch, or as complex as a full pool re-plumb.

Pool leaks are very costly as a pool owner, both in the short and long term. Did you know that a pool losing 2-4" of water in 24 hours is equivalent to 3,000-6,000 liters of water? Not only does this result in constant topping up of the pool, but expensive pool chemicals are being diluted every time the pool is filled. Even over a short period of time, this ends up being very wasteful and expensive.


Ottawa's Pool Leak Detection and Repair Experts

GBI Pool Services Inc. specializes in finding and fixing all types of leaks in your pool by using pressure testing and acoustic diagnostic methods. If you think your pool is leaking, follow the bucket test steps below, or contact us so that we can help you determine if the leak is in the pool membrane or the plumbing. Once this has been determined, an appointment is booked to diagnose and find the leak. Once the pool leak has been located, we will repair it on the spot if possible, or else provide you with repair options to get you back into normal operation.


Is My Pool Leaking?

Determining IF your pool has a leak is actually quite simple! All you need is a bucket, some tape or a marker, a tape measure, and a camera (optional).

  1. Fill the bucket, mark the water level in it with some tape or a marker and place it by the pool. If you are able to place it in the pool on a step (this keeps the water temperature the same), this is ideal.
  2. Mark the pool level near the bucket with a piece of tape. Take a photo of the pool level and the bucket level with the tape markings clearly in view.
  3. Wait 24 hours. Do not use your pool!
  4. Using your tape measure, record how much the water has dropped from the mark in both the bucket and the pool.

If the pool water level has dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak! If it rains, or you couldn't resist jumping into your pool on a hot day, simply repeat the test.


My Pool is Leaking! What Do I Do Now?

Before you call a pool service company to diagnose where your leak is, once again, you can help narrow down where the pool is leaking (and save money!). Now that you have mastered the bucket test, it is time to do it one more time:

Step 1: Turn pool equipment OFF. Plug skimmer and all return jets.

Step 2: Bucket test (see above)

Step 3: Record and compare results to your first bucket test. 

If the pool did not leak with the equipment off and plugged, you have a plumbing leak. If the pool still leaks, you have a leak inside the pool (liner, steps, or skimmer).

Now that you have helped narrow down where your pool is leaking, it is time to contact us to locate and repair the leak.


Typical Pool Leak Detection Service Call:

Once we are on site, a service call will generally follow these steps:

  • Visually inspect pool, pool equipment and visible plumbing for leaks
  • Acoustically test pool, listening for leaks at common fault areas with a hydrophone
  • Pressure test plumbing lines to determine which pipe is at fault
  • Locate the leak to a 3ft radius with our acoustic leak detection listening device
  • Discuss options with customer regarding repairing leak. Every leak requires a unique solution!
  • Repair leak with minimal permanent alterations to property*
  • Re-test repaired area and pool to ensure no other leaks

* Note: Cutting the cement pad around your pool may be necessary. If possible, we will always avoid cutting the cement when repairing plumbing leaks.


Below Water Liner Repairs

If we determine that the leak is not plumbing related, we are pleased to offer an in-house scuba pool leak detection and repair service. Using scuba gear, and modern electronic leak locating equipment, we can find and repair holes or tears in the liner below the water level.

Scuba pool leak detection and repair is also a great way to locate and repair leaks in pool lights, steps, bottom drains, return fittings, and more. Scuba diving pool repair services will save you hundreds of dollars over conventional methods by completing these repairs without draining the pool.