Have you ever called a pool company to report a pool leak? Did they immediately suggest a pressure test? Well, a pressure test is not for all pool leaks. Actually, a pressure test is only useful to prove or disprove a leak in the underground plumbing. It will help determine if a pipe is cracked or if there is a bad connection fitting between pipes. But it will be a total waste of your money if your pool leak is not in the underground plumbing. For most pool leaks, a pressure test should not be the first option.

If the plumbing is the suspected leak source, it must first be established if the leak is in a plumbing fixture (such as a skimmer or return) or if the leak is in the plumbing pipe for any fixture. Most pool leaks – plumbing or otherwise – occur within 3′ of the pool all the way around the pool. Some pool companies (or leak detection companies) have microscopes to test the fixtures and the pipe near these fixtures. Many times the leak is either right where the fixture and pipe meet.

If the leak is believed to be in the underground plumbing and microscope testing cannot locate the leak source in the plumbing most proximal to the pool, then it’s time to schedule a pressure test.

A Pressure Test

It it is decided that a pressure test of an individual pipe is needed, it will determine if that pipe leaks or does not leak. But it will not pinpoint the location of the leak within that pipe.

A Follow-Up Listening Test

If a pressure test does confirm a plumbing leak (or multiple plumbing leaks) somewhere within the underground pipes, then a follow-up listening test should be performed next. This may not always be 100% conclusive. This is primarily the case if the pool has leaked for a while and the earth below the pool deck is compromised. But it will still help pinpoint the (at least proximal) location of the leak source within a pipe that was just proven by a pressure test to be a leak source.

A Camera Test

A camera test should not be used to check a pipe for cracks. It is too difficult to determine if something inside a pipe is a crack, a striation, or even dirt. Bypass the camera test as a main test. Additionally, most residential pools are plumbed with 1.5″ diameter plumbing pipes. This is too small to camera test. Even 2″ diameter plumbing pipes are often too small to camera test.

Leak Detection in the Underground Plumbing

Attempts at leak detection in the underground plumbing are difficult. They rely on sound and sensation. And both can be altered by voids, undermining, and erosion of the earth under and around the pool. This is primarily true if the pool has been allowed to leak for a while. Be patient with your pool company (or leak detection company) when your pool leaks.

We hope this helps.

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We pressure test the underground pool pipes.

If we mutually agree the leak (or at least a leak) is likely in the plumbing, then an initial microscope test should be done prior to pressure testing. Statistically, the leak in the plumbing is often proximal to where – if not right where – the fixture that is attached to the side of the pool walls is plumbed to its underground pipe. This should be the starting point. We have all of these microscopes. We charge $150.00 per hour for microscope testing…and this testing can typically be done within an hour. This is a set rate for the first hour then will be pro-rated based on 15-minute increments. You will only pay for the amount of microphone leak detection needed.

This testing should be done before a pressure test.

Pressure Testing

If microscope testing does not locate a leak in the plumbing proximal to the pool, then we will discuss a pressure test.

We typically charge $600.00 for most pressure tests. But the cost could be less or even more. The actual cost will depend on the number of pipes being tested, the diameter of these pipes, the way the pool is plumbed, and other variables that are unique to your pool and its plumbing.

NOTE: If we have to cut-out plumbing for the pressure test, then you will need to schedule and pay your pool service company or Thy Will Plumbing to re-plumb and replace what had to be cut-out during the pressure test. We will certainly try our best to pressure test with the equipment and piping as-is above the ground. But this is not always possible. If it is not, we will have to cut-out plumbing to set-up and perform the pressure test. And then you would have to schedule and pay to re-plumb where required. You can contact your pool service company or you can contact Thy Will Plumbing to schedule a service plumber, if needed.

During our initial free visit, we would tell you the actual cost for your pressure test.

Follow-Up Testing after a Pressure Test

After a pressure test, some additional testing may be required to help pinpoint the leak source(s) in the underground plumbing.

We charge $200.00 per hour for a follow-up listening test, if needed.

The pressure test will be a set rate for the entire pressure test. Any follow-up leak detection, if needed, will be a set rate for the first hour then will be pro-rated based on 15-minute increments. You will only pay for the amount of follow-up leak detection needed. When follow-up leak detection is needed, we move swiftly yet accurately.

If a camera test is desired to help confirm a suspected leak source within a pipe, then this will be done at a rate of just $40.00 per pipe. Please understand that pipe diameters and bends/turns of pipe can be, and often are, an obstacle to camera testing.

Free onsite consultation and leak analysis

Do not commit to pressure testing the underground pipes until some basic information has been processed. A pressure test will be a waste of your money if your pool leak is not in the underground plumbing. Let’s first determine if you likely have a static leak or a plumbing leak or both so that we can determine the best leak detection service.

If you have a leak, we will provide a free onsite visit. While onsite, we will discuss your unique leak scenario, provide some free initial leak inspections, and discuss potential costs involved for professional leak detection, if needed.

Call us at 402-341-8132 or send us an email to [email protected] or submit a short form to discuss your pool leak and schedule free onsite leak consultation.

Or for the quickest response, you can call or text 402-250-8100 (Mike Loftus, owner).