Pools are part of the lifestyle for many Florida homeowners, but with the year-round heat and frequent use, leaks are an inevitable concern. When your pool begins losing water faster than normal evaporation, the question becomes whether to handle the leak detection yourself or call a professional company. Both approaches have their advantages and limitations, and the right choice depends on how severe the leak is, your comfort with basic pool maintenance, and how quickly you want the problem resolved.
Understanding What Counts as a Leak
Before deciding between a DIY approach or professional help from a company like Florida Leak Locators in South Florida, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Some water loss is completely normal in Florida’s climate due to heat and wind. However, if you’re adding more than an inch or two of water per week, it’s time to investigate. Other signs of a leak can include soggy spots in your yard, air bubbles in the pump basket, cracks in the deck, or fluctuating chemical levels that never seem to balance.
A small leak might only waste a few gallons of water each day, but if left unchecked, it can lead to much bigger problems such as structural damage, equipment strain, and even sinkholes in extreme cases. That’s why it’s worth understanding what your options are when you first notice the symptoms.
When a DIY Approach Makes Sense
Florida homeowners who are comfortable working around their pools and have a bit of patience can start with simple DIY methods to check for a leak. The most common starting point is the bucket test. You fill a bucket with pool water, set it on a step, and mark the water levels inside the bucket and in the pool itself. After 24 hours, if the pool’s water level has dropped more than the bucket’s, it’s likely that you have a leak rather than evaporation.
Another DIY tactic is visually inspecting for cracks or damage around tiles, return jets, or the skimmer. Sometimes, leaks are easy to spot if you know where to look. Food coloring can help trace where water may be escaping — by releasing a small amount near suspected leak points, you can watch whether it gets drawn out of the pool.
These techniques can be effective for small, surface-level issues, especially if you’re dealing with minor leaks that come from loose fittings or small cracks in the plaster. Many homeowners take this route first simply to save money, especially since professional leak detection can cost a few hundred dollars.
The Drawbacks of DIY Pool Leak Detection
While DIY testing can be a good start, it has its limits. The first challenge is accuracy. Water loss can result from multiple sources at once — a small crack in the shell, a faulty pipe underground, or a problem with the filtration system. Without specialized equipment, it can be almost impossible to pinpoint the exact cause.
DIY methods also take time and often involve guesswork. You might think you’ve found the problem, patch it, and then notice the water level dropping again a week later. That delay not only wastes water but can also make the problem worse if the leak expands or affects surrounding soil.
In Florida’s sandy soil, an unnoticed leak can lead to erosion under the pool deck, creating uneven surfaces or even structural instability. What started as a minor leak can quickly turn into a major repair. Many homeowners start DIY and end up hiring a professional later — at which point the total cost may be higher than if they had made the call sooner.
Why Many Florida Homeowners Choose Professional Leak Detection
Professional pool leak detection companies use specialized tools that go far beyond what’s available to the average homeowner. These include electronic listening devices that can detect escaping water underground, pressure testing equipment to isolate plumbing leaks, and dye testing done by trained technicians who understand where leaks are most likely to occur.
In addition to accuracy, professionals bring experience. Florida’s unique combination of humidity, heat, and sandy soil makes pool maintenance a little different than in other parts of the country. Experienced technicians know the patterns of wear that happen over time and can often diagnose issues more quickly than a homeowner working alone.
Professionals can also handle repairs immediately once they locate the problem, saving time and reducing the risk of further damage. Whether it’s resealing the skimmer, patching the vinyl liner, or replacing broken pipes, having everything handled in one visit provides peace of mind that the problem is fully resolved.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Cost is often the deciding factor for homeowners weighing the two options. A bucket test or food coloring test costs virtually nothing, while DIY patch kits can range from $10 to $50. In contrast, hiring a professional leak detection company in Florida typically costs between $200 and $500 depending on the size of your pool and the complexity of the system.
At first glance, that might make DIY sound like the better deal, but it’s important to consider what you’re actually paying for. Professional testing covers both the detection and often a portion of the repair. More importantly, it saves you from paying for water loss, chemical imbalances, and potential resurfacing if the leak goes unnoticed for too long.
If you’re confident that the leak is small and easy to reach, DIY might be worth attempting first. But if the problem persists or if your pool’s water loss accelerates, professional detection is almost always the more cost-effective option in the long run.
Timing Matters in Florida’s Climate
Florida’s warm weather allows pools to be used nearly year-round, which means leaks can go unnoticed for longer stretches. During summer months, high evaporation rates can disguise a leak, while during cooler months, falling water levels might be more obvious. For that reason, many local pool service companies recommend scheduling a professional inspection once a year — especially for older pools or those with resurfacing that’s more than a decade old.
Because Florida’s climate also encourages rapid algae growth and high water table movement, even a small leak can throw off your pool’s balance. Professional inspections ensure you’re not losing water or chemicals unnecessarily, which helps keep maintenance predictable throughout the year.
Finding the Right Leak Detection Company
When it’s time to hire a professional, it’s worth finding a company that specializes in pool leak detection rather than just general pool maintenance. Look for businesses that are licensed and insured in Florida, with clear pricing and experience handling the type of pool you own — whether it’s concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. Reading local reviews and asking for references can help ensure you’re working with a reputable company.
It’s also helpful to ask whether the company offers both detection and repair. Some only locate the problem but require a second appointment or another contractor to fix it. A full-service provider can often handle both in the same visit, saving you time and money.
The Smart Choice for Florida Homeowners
Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional comes down to how much time, skill, and confidence you have. If you’re comfortable performing basic tests and just want to rule out minor issues, starting with a DIY method is reasonable. But when leaks persist, or you notice consistent water loss without a clear source, calling a professional is the smarter move.
In a state like Florida, where pools are both a luxury and a lifestyle staple, maintaining your investment matters. A small leak can become a big expense if ignored, and swimming pool leak detection ensures you catch problems early before they turn into costly repairs. Whether you’re a weekend tinkerer or prefer to leave maintenance to the experts, understanding both options helps you make the best choice for your home, your budget, and your pool’s long-term health.
Getting the Right Help
If you’ve attempted DIY methods to repair your pool leaks and it’s still leaking, it’s time to call in professional help. Florida Leak Locators covers all of the South Florida area, spanning Boca Raton to Miami. Give them a call if you are up against a tough leak.
128 SW 15th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(954) 781-4219
www.floridaleak.com
