Leak Detection

Outdoor Endeavors has created a NEW division of our company! Leak Detection of Iowa (LDI) uses state of the art subsurface acoustic listening devices and testing dyes to discover hard-to-find leaks. We are the ONLY company in IOWA that has this equipment!
For several decades water lines have been distributed under concrete slabs without the protection of a plastic sleeve or insulative cover. Every time water is turned on or off the entire water line moves or shocks the system. If the water lines are buried adjacent to shells, rocks, or rebar or anything hard, this constant rubbing can wear a hole in the water line causing a leak.
“Deck Leaks” are very common with pools that have concrete decking, sidewalks, or equipment rooms. Deck leaks can cost a lot of excess money over time and cause damage to structures by unbalancing the foundation and causing fractures throughout the structure. Most deck leaks can be detected with proper experience and utilizing the most advanced equipment available. Pinpointing a location should be left to a true professional with the proper background and equipment. Not pinpointing leaks can lead to excessive damage to expensive decking and guesswork that causes aggravation and concern on behalf of the homeowner and insurance company.

We Go Above and Beyond for You!

When you notice tell-tale signs of a leak, including sudden increases in your water bill or unexplained cracks in concrete, LDI can help you assess the situation. We proudly provide top-rate swimming pool leak detection in Eastern Iowa. Assisting our customers with everything from accurately locating a leak to a comprehensive inspection. When you turn to us for leak detection, you can count on:

Fast, reliable, and accurate service
Fully trained and qualified technicians
Non-invasive, damage-free methods
Respectful and courteous interactions

We utilize the latest breakthrough technology and advanced equipment when searching your property for leaks. We also understand that you’re home and pool is a huge investment – that’s why we go above and beyond to respect your property and leave it clean once a job is completed.

Almost always the pool owner knows if the pool is losing water. Waiting to get it fixed just costs more money in water and chemicals. Finding a pool leak can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Is it a problem with the pipes, the equipment, or is the pool’s shell leaking?

The swimming pool is viewed in basically three aspects:

POOL LEAK LOCATIONS

1. Underground Plumbing
We will inspect all underground plumbing utilizing specialized equipment to detect any problems.

2. Structure or Shell
The shell, or structure of the pool, is investigated with ultrasound listening equipment and by using pinpoint dye testing methods. Areas like the skimmer, main drain, light, and return fittings are inspected.

3. Above Ground Plumbing and Equipment
The above-ground plumbing and equipment (pumps, filters, etc.), are also a very important aspect of a comprehensive leak test. Certain plumbing configurations can allow water loss without the homeowners knowledge.

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At-Home Bucket Test

Is your pool leaking? Or is it just evaporation?
The Bucket Test is a simple, yet conclusive water loss test that you can do at home overnight – using only a 5-gallon bucket and some tape or other marker. Evaporation of the water in your pool, due to wind and weather conditions, can account for up to ¼” of water loss per day (depending on air temperature, humidity and pool water temperature). By following our step-by-step directions for The Bucket Test described below, you will know within 24 hours just how much water your pool is losing, or whether it is just evaporation.

The Bucket Test Step-by-Step Guide

You will need: One 5-Gallon bucket, and something to mark with (strong tape, pencil, or marker)

1. Bring the pool water to its normal operating level

2. Fill an empty 5-gallon bucket with pool or spa water to about 1-2 inches from the top of bucket. (By filling the bucket close to the top you are ensuring that air movement over the surface of the bucket will be similar to that of the pool.)

3. Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool without immersing it. To keep it from floating away it may be necessary to place a few bricks or rocks into the bucket. (By placing the bucket in the pool water you are ensuring that the water temperature of each will be similar).

4. Mark the water level on the inside of the bucket with strong tape, pencil, or marker.

5. Shut off your pump and mark the pool or spa level on the outside of the bucket, or on the pool wall.

6. Resume normal pump operation of your pool. Make sure that the pool’s auto-fill valve is off during the test.

7. After 24 hours, shut off the pump again and compare the two levels. If the pool water (outer mark) goes down more than the inside water level (inner mark), there is probably a leak.

If you have any questions regarding set-up of The Bucket Test, please give us a call and let us assist you

Other Steps You Can Take

If you have a combination pool/spa, isolate the pool and spa by closing the valves between the two and see which one leaks.
Warning: Never let your pool drain to empty. As little as two pounds of ground water pressure can lift a gunite pool out of the ground. Thorough testing requires that the pool and/or spa are filled to normal operating level.

Note: We do not test portable spas. We do not resurface pools, and we do not perform major structural repairs. We are happy to refer you to a reputable, fully licensed contractor for such service.

Leak Detections

LDI tests all types of systems, from standard single-pump pools to the most elaborate multi-pump backyard water wonderlands. Testing a basic residential pool, including both the structure and the plumbing, costs $150 an hour for testing and $60 per hour of drive time.
By pressure testing each line, we can isolate the specific leak. We inspect the structure both from the surface and underwater using scuba type equipment as long as the pool water is at an appropriate temperature.

Salt or Chlorine

All pool and spa systems must be treated to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Typically, treatment means adding liquid or tablet chlorine. Bromine systems work similarly. Salt-water systems provide chlorine treatment, but use an entirely different delivery method. Electrolysis separates the salt into its elementary parts: chlorine and sodium. Many homeowners enjoy the feel of water treated with salt and conditioner.
When a salt-water pool or spa leaks, it loses salt and conditioner, too. With the addition of new water, the system becomes diluted, necessitating the addition of more and more salt throughout the year. With bromine and chlorine systems, chemicals must be added continually to keep up with water leakage. Heavy use of salt or chemicals is a strong indication that you have a leak.

Pool Structures

Pool surfaces can be Pebble Tec®, gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl liner. Each ages and shows signs of wear differently. A leaking crack in a Pebble Tec® pool might camouflage itself for months whereas a glaring crack in a gunite pool might be only cosmetic and not leak at all.
Our technicians thoroughly test the entire structure, including pool walls and floor, steps, benches, lights, tiles, ports, and skimmers. If the structure leaks, our next step is to patch it with two-part marine-grade epoxy. Temporary patches help us narrow our leak search and stop immediate water loss. They are not a permanent or guaranteed solution.

Equipment

Whether your pool has a single-pump or a multi-pump system, we always begin by inspecting the equipment for wear and leakage.