How can I tell if my pool has a leak or if it's just evaporation?

The most common way to test for a pool leak is the bucket test. Place a bucket filled with pool water on the top step, mark both water levels, wait 24 hours, and compare. If the pool lost more water than the bucket, you have a leak. In Dallas, Texas, even with extreme heat, pools shouldn't lose more than normal evaporation. If you're refilling your pool daily or several times a week, it's time to call a pool leak detection professional.

What are the most common signs of a pool leak?

Common signs include: refilling your pool 1-3 times per week, high water bills, constantly unbalanced chemical levels, recurring algae problems, your pump sucking air, and water running into your neighbor's yard or down the alley. If you notice any of these red flags, schedule an inspection with a professional leak detection service.

Where do pool leaks usually happen?

After 13 years of locating leaks, we've found that most leaks occur at penetration points in the pool shell, such as pool light niches, return fittings, main drain buckets, skimmer throats, and any area where the pool shell has been penetrated. Builders typically seal these points with glue, grout, or rubber, but those materials deteriorate over time.

How much does pool leak detection and repair cost?

Leak detection typically costs between $275 and $500 for residential pools. This is just the diagnosis and does not fix the leak. Repairs can range from $250 to $10,000 depending on severity. Our average repair cost is around $2,500. We recommend working with companies that both detect and repair leaks, backed by a solid warranty.

Can a pool leak cause structural damage to my property?

Yes, absolutely. Unrepaired leaks can wash away soil, weaken your pool structure, crack concrete and foundations, and cause underground plumbing damage. In North Texas, water from a leaking pool can saturate the expansive clay soil, causing foundation movement and cracks. Early detection prevents expensive repairs.

Do you offer a warranty on pool leak repairs?

Yes. We offer some of the strongest warranties in Texas: Lifetime warranty on structural crack repairs, 5-year warranty on pipe repairs, and 6-year warranty on seal repairs. If our repair fails within the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no additional cost.

Is it worth repairing an older pool or should I replace it?

It's absolutely worth repairing. A new pool in Texas costs upwards of $85,000, plus loan interest and a 7-9 month build timeline. Older pools are often built stronger than many of today's builds. Preserving and repairing your existing pool is usually a smarter and more cost-effective choice.

Pool Dye Testing in Fort Worth, TX

Dye testing is one of the most effective tools for locating pool leaks—when done correctly. The concept is simple: release specialized dye near a suspected leak point and watch whether it gets pulled into the crack or fitting. The execution requires patience, technique, and experience interpreting what you see.

We use dye testing throughout our Fort Worth leak detection work, combining it with other methods for comprehensive diagnosis. Here is how it works and what it can—and cannot—tell us about your pool.

How Dye Testing Works

Leak detection dye is formulated to be visible in small quantities and denser than pool water. When released near an active leak, the escaping water pulls dye toward and into the leak path. You can literally see where water is leaving the pool.

We test with the pump off and water completely still. Even minor current from circulation or wind can create false readings. Fort Worth pools—especially those with attached spas or water features—need careful isolation of different zones for accurate results.

What We Test in Fort Worth Pools

Every shell penetration is a potential leak point: skimmer throats, return fittings, main drain, light niches, and any decorative features that breach the pool wall. We also test visible cracks, tile joints, and areas where different materials meet.

Fort Worth’s hard water often leaves calcium deposits that can mask or mimic leak symptoms. We clean test areas when needed to ensure accurate results. What looks like a leak might be calcium buildup; what looks like nothing might be a leak hidden under scale.

How It Works

Perparation

Our technicians assess your pool’s water levels and clean the area around potential leaks for accurate testing.

Dye Application

Non-toxic dye is gently applied to suspected areas to trace and reveal hidden leaks.

Observation

The dye naturally flows toward the leak, allowing us to identify its exact location.

Accurate Reporting

We provide clear, precise results to guide targeted repairs and eliminate unnecessary guesswork.

DIY Dye Testing Tips

Fort Worth pool owners can try basic dye testing themselves. Use proper leak detection dye—not food coloring. Test with pump off and water still. Get close to suspected areas and release only a small amount of dye. Watch carefully for movement toward cracks or fittings.

If DIY testing identifies a clear leak, you have actionable information. If results are inconclusive, professional testing with better technique and additional methods usually clarifies the situation.

Contact Us Today for Expert Pool Leak Detection Services

Over time, your pool deck can crack, chip, or become uneven due to weather, wear and tear, or settling foundations.

At Mr. Pool Leak Repair, we specialize in high-quality pool repairs that restores both safety and style to your outdoor space.

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