Stop Losing Water — Professional Pool Leak Detection

The Hidden Cost of Pool Leaks in Perth

A leaking pool is more than an inconvenience — it is an ongoing drain on your water bill, your chemical budget, and potentially your property’s structural integrity. In Perth, where water is a precious resource and the Water Corporation enforces strict usage guidelines, a pool leak can add hundreds of dollars to your annual water costs.

Even a small leak that loses just 2 centimetres of water per day equates to roughly 1,000 litres per week for a standard-sized pool. Over a year, that is more than 50,000 litres of wasted water — along with all the chemicals dissolved in it. Larger leaks can undermine pool surrounds, damage retaining walls, and saturate soil in ways that affect foundations and landscaping.

How We Detect Pool Leaks

Our leak detection process is systematic and thorough. We do not guess — we use professional equipment and proven methods to pinpoint the exact location of every leak.

Step 1: Determine if You Actually Have a Leak

Not every pool that loses water has a leak. Perth’s dry easterly winds and high summer temperatures can cause significant evaporation — sometimes up to 7 millimetres per day during a heatwave. Before we begin testing, we assess your water loss rate against expected evaporation for the current conditions. This prevents unnecessary testing and saves you money if the issue turns out to be evaporation alone.

Step 2: Pressure Testing the Plumbing

If a leak is confirmed, we begin by testing the pool’s plumbing system. Each line — suction (from the skimmer and floor drains to the pump), return (from the filter back to the pool), and any auxiliary lines for heating, cleaning, or water features — is isolated and pressure tested individually.

A line that fails to hold pressure has a leak somewhere along its length. By testing each line separately, we can quickly narrow down which pipe is leaking. This is particularly important for Perth pools where underground plumbing can run for several metres between the pool shell and the equipment pad.

Step 3: Shell and Fitting Inspection

Many leaks occur not in the plumbing but at the pool shell itself. We conduct a thorough visual inspection of the pool interior, paying particular attention to high-risk areas:

• Skimmer box connections — the joint between the skimmer and the pool shell is one of the most common leak points
• Return jet fittings — these penetrate the pool wall and can develop leaks around the gasket or fitting
• Pool light housing — the conduit that connects the light niche to the junction box is a frequent leak source
• Steps and bench seats — structural joints at these features are prone to cracking
• Tile line and coping — movement between the pool shell and the surrounding paving can open gaps

Where we suspect a leak at a fitting or crack, we use dye testing to confirm. A small amount of coloured dye is released near the suspected point, and we watch to see if it is drawn into the crack or gap by the escaping water. This provides visual confirmation of the exact leak location.

Step 4: Report and Repair Options

After the inspection, you receive a detailed written report documenting all findings, including which lines passed and failed pressure testing, and the location of any shell or fitting leaks. The report includes photographs where relevant and clear repair recommendations.

Common Leak Repairs

Fitting and Fixture Leaks

Leaks at skimmer boxes, return jets, and light housings can often be repaired on the spot using specialised pool putty, silicone, or replacement gaskets. These are the most common leak types and typically the least expensive to fix.

Surface Cracks

Small cracks in fibreglass or concrete pool shells can be repaired with appropriate patching compounds. For fibreglass pools, we use gel coat repair products matched to your pool colour. For concrete pools, we use hydraulic cement or specialised pool render.

Underground Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks below ground are more involved. Depending on the location and depth of the pipe, repair may involve excavation to expose and replace the damaged section. In some cases, it is more practical to abandon the leaking line and run a new pipe along a different route.

Pricing

Our leak detection service starts from $250 per inspection. This includes the full diagnostic process — evaporation assessment, pressure testing, shell and fitting inspection, dye testing, and a written report. Repair costs are quoted separately based on the type and location of the leak.

Servicing All Perth Suburbs

We provide pool leak detection services throughout Perth, including Mount Claremont, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Claremont, Cottesloe, Subiaco, Scarborough, Joondalup, and all surrounding areas. With water prices rising and Perth’s climate demanding responsible water use, identifying and fixing pool leaks is one of the smartest investments you can make as a pool owner. Contact us today to book an inspection.