There are about 10.4 million residential pools in the US.
A pool is a great addition to any home. It provides a place to relax and have fun during the summer and also helps increase the value of a property. There can, however, be certain issues that arise with them.
One of the most common problems is pool leaks. Before you go online and start searching for “Pool leak detection near me”, you may want to get an idea of what goes into pool leak detection and how much it will cost.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Keep reading for more.
Pool Leak Detection Cost Factors
Like with many home services, there can be pool features that affect the exact cost of pool leak detection. This is because there are a range of factors that can have an impact on the price.
Pool Inspections
If you think you might have a pool leak, the first thing you need to do is have it inspected. This will often cost somewhere between $125 and $250.
A pool inspector will look at the lining, railings, gaskets, skimmers, and other accessories. These should all be properly intact. They’ll also make sure there are no issues with the mechanical elements, electrical hookups, and chemical levels.
The inspector will then provide you with information on how you can fix any leaks or prevent them in the future. They might recommend additional work if you have any extensive areas, such as underground pool plumbing.
Type of Pool
The type of pool is another important factor as it determines how difficult the inspection is. For above-ground pools, leak detection can cost between $200 and $500.
With inground pools, the inspection takes more work, and there’s likely to be more complex plumbing. Leak detection will typically cost somewhere between $350 and $600.
Type of Liner
There are three main materials used for pool liners: concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. These can have a huge impact on the cost of repairing a leak.
For concrete liners, the repair is usually about $75 per linear foot. Fiberglass liner repair and recoating typically costs about $300-$400. If you need to repair or replace a vinyl liner, it can cost anywhere from $350 to $3,600.
Leak Type and Location
After an inspection, you’ll have a better idea of where a leak is located and how severe it is. Naturally, some leaks require a lot more work to fix than others.
Tile repairs, for example, are fairly inexpensive, costing about $20-$30 per linear foot. Main drain repair is one of the more expensive fixes and is often about $400-$700.
Leak Size
In almost all cases, the smaller a leak is, the less it will cost to fix. In some situations, a waterproof patch may be enough (at least as a temporary solution). These typically cost about $20-$30.
In extreme cases, however, you might have to excavate a part of your lawn so that the leak is accessible. This could easily cost from $50-$200 per cubic yard.
Labor
This is often the most expensive part of pool leak detection. It’s also arguably the most important.
You want to ensure your pool is inspected by a qualified professional to be sure they can find the leak and determine the best solution. Bear in mind that they’ll also have all of the equipment required, which the average person won’t have access to.
Additional Costs
Water often causes damage beyond the original issues. A leak in a home can lead to mold, for example.
If you have a leak in your pool and it takes you a while to notice it, there could be damage to the pool structure and the surrounding lawn area. There may be other costs if there’s any other work you need to do as a result of a pool leak.
Pool Coping
Coping that sits behind your pool wall can sometimes be damaged. Repairing this typically costs from $30-$50 per linear foot.
Beam Repair
An inground pool will have structural beams to keep it stable. If you need to replace these, it will usually cost about $75 per linear foot.
Erosion Repair
A significant pool leak can cause erosion, so you may need land leveling, regrading, and landscaping services to deal with this. Soil removal should cost around $8-$25 per cubic yard, and then you’ll likely pay $1-$12 per cubic yard of grading.
Chemical Refresh
A leak can cause an imbalance of pool chemicals, so you should check this before you start using your pool again. You can get a home test kit for about $15. If you want to hire a professional to rebalance your pool chemicals, you can expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $100 an hour.
Can You Detect a Leak Yourself?
DIY pool leak detection is possible, though it’s not always the best idea. You may be able to find it simply by using a pair of goggles and inspecting your pool yourself. Repairing a leak, however, is usually a lot more challenging.
If the leak is very small, waterproof tape or other patching supplies should only cost you about $30-$45. Bear in mind that there’s a good chance your repair won’t be sufficient, and it will continue to get worse with time. For the best results, you should always hire a professional to do such work.
Pool Leak Detection Near Me
Before you go online and search for “Pool leak detection near me”, it’s best to consider your exact needs. You want to make sure you hire a local company that’s reliable and experienced so you can be confident things will be done right.
CFBI is the leading residential and commercial building inspection company in Florida. We can perform pool inspections and pool leak detection services along with a range of other services too. Take a look at our swimming pool inspection page to find out more about how we can help you.
