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Pool leak detection · Since 2015

Pool Leak Detection in Pretoria

Non-invasive detection on residential and estate pools across Pretoria and Gauteng. R2,150 flat, single-pump session.

17+ years of leak detection experience. NSPI & IPA members.

Non-return valve on pool return line

Non-return valve on the return line — the classic overnight-drop culprit.

Pool leak detection using a combination of specialised testing methods, depending on the circumstances of the pool and suspected leak.

Pool leak detection is a process of elimination. We assess the pool and its plumbing system using appropriate testing methods to establish whether a leak is present and, where possible, identify the most likely source.

We SOURCE the problem, quote the repair and complete the job.

Our process

Our Process

Five steps. No surprises. Here's exactly what happens from your first click to a leak-free property.

  1. 1

    You book

    Five minutes online. Instant R2,150 quote for pool leak detection — no call-out fee to quote.

  2. 2

    We arrive

    Same-day where the schedule allows, in the branded Rhino-cab bakkie with the full detection kit on board.

  3. 3

    We test

    Five non-invasive methods run methodically until the leak is confirmed — acoustic, tracer gas, pressure, dye and photographic methods.

  4. 4

    You get your report

    Photographic report emailed within two business days. Insurance-approved format. GPS pinpoint on any underground component.

  5. 5

    We repair (optional)

    You approve the repair scope. We book the fix. Same team, same accountability — 2-year workmanship warranty.

No Find, No Fee — on confirmed leaks.

If we confirm a leak with our detection kit but cannot locate its source, you receive a full refund. No time limit.

Read the full terms →

Detection methods

How we find your pool leak

Five non-invasive methods, run in sequence on every session.

  • Acoustic listening

    Geophone traverse across pool coping and plant chamber to isolate audible weep patterns.

  • Tracer gas

    H₂/N₂ mix released into the isolated circuit; a handheld sniffer identifies the escape point on the deck within centimetres.

  • Fluorescent dye

    Concentrated dye at the pool waterline and around suspect fittings traces water flow into cavities and cracks.

  • Pressure testing

    Return, suction, skimmer and light circuits each pressure-held individually. Loss rate tells us which zone is bleeding.

  • Photographic report

    Numbered findings, GPS pinpoints on underground components, insurance-approved format. Emailed within two business days.

Scope of work

What's included in the R2,150

The flat rate covers a single-pump pool. Multi-pump properties are quoted on inspection.

  • Single-pump pool circuit — return, suction, skimmer and light.
  • Three-circuit pressure workup with individual holds and drop-rate measurement.
  • Acoustic sweep of plant chamber plumbing and pool coping.
  • Fluorescent dye at waterline, coping mortar and suspect fittings.
  • Full-shell hydrostatic assessment (deep-end valve check).
  • Photographic report — numbered findings, insurance-approved format.
  • Repair quote emailed within two business days.
  • No Find, No Fee guarantee on confirmed leaks.

All bookings are subject to our short-form Service Terms and full Terms & Conditions.

Get an instant quote

R2,150 flat. 60 seconds. No obligation.

Get a quote in 60 seconds

No obligation. No call-out fee to quote.

What service do you need?

Pick one — you can add details on the next steps.

Your details are used only to arrange this service. See our privacy policy.

What our clients say

4.8 / 5across verified Google reviewsSee all reviews on Google

4.8★ across verified Google reviews. We keep the full stream of reviews live on our Google Business Profile rather than cherry-pick them here — read every one before you book.

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Real Pretoria pool leak repairs

Before, during, after — three case studies

Every pool leak follows a story. Here are the three most common ones we see across Pretoria and Centurion — with real photographs from the actual jobs.

Case 1 · Marbelite shell

Bond-beam mastic failure on a 1970s pool

Slow, steady loss with a visible wet stripe below the tile line — the tell-tale symptom of a compromised mastic joint on an ageing Marbelite shell.

  1. Concrete pool coping with visible hairline cracks in the mastic joint at the tile line
    Before

    Symptom on arrival: hairline cracking along the bond-beam mastic and a wet stripe on the shell wall.

  2. Technician performing a dye test on the deep-end wall, tracking the seepage line
    During

    Diagnosis: dye stream at the tile line confirms wicking through the mastic seam, not the shell itself.

  3. Marbelite pool shell at the deep-end curve after mastic seam re-fill
    After

    Outcome: targeted mastic re-fill saves the shell. No resurfacing needed, water level holds.

Read the ten warning signs of a hidden pool leak

Case 2 · Underground return line

Clay-belt joint failure under the driveway

Steady 1-2 cm-per-week loss with no visible shell issues. On Centurion clay-belt stands, this pattern almost always points to a joint failure on a buried return line.

  1. Acoustic listening kit on a driveway seam during initial leak investigation
    Before

    Symptom on arrival: a slow steady loss, driveway crack over the suspected pipe run.

  2. Ground-microphone acoustic geophone placed on paving to pinpoint an under-slab water leak
    During

    Diagnosis: acoustic geophone traversal and tracer gas pinpoint the joint failure to a 30 cm zone under the paving.

  3. Technician marking the leak pinpoint with paint on the driveway paving
    After

    Outcome: one paving stone lifted, joint replaced with a flexible coupler, driveway relaid the same day.

How we detect underground pipe leaks

Case 3 · Fibreglass fitting interface

Return-jet penetration on a modern estate pool

Modern fibreglass pool losing 3-8 mm a week, shell intact — the classic fitting-interface pattern on an Equestria, Silver Lakes or Highveld estate pool.

  1. Fibreglass pool shell after ten years, pressure-testing the return line
    Before

    Symptom on arrival: fibreglass shell visually intact but pool loses 3-8 mm per week.

  2. Return-jet penetration inspection with the pool pump running at pressure
    During

    Diagnosis: fitting-by-fitting isolation and dye test locates the failed O-ring at a single return jet.

  3. Weir-plate and return-jet seal inspected and re-sealed after repair
    After

    Outcome: single fitting re-sealed. R450 in parts, half a morning of work. Pool holds level.

The four workhorse pool detection methods

Frequently asked questions

What does the R2,150 pool leak detection cover?
The flat rate covers testing of a single-pump system — pool shell, skimmer, main drain, return lines and pump / filter room. Extra pumps and feature-heavy setups (jacuzzis, water features) are quoted on top.
How do you actually detect a pool leak?
Three complementary methods: pressure testing of each isolated circuit, fluorescent dye at the shell and fittings, and acoustic listening on the pipework runs. We use whichever combination narrows the fault fastest.
The pool water level is below the skimmer — should I top it up first?
Yes if possible. Topping up to skimmer level lets us track loss overnight and isolate above-water vs. below-water leaks. If topping up is impossible, we can still test — flag it at booking.
Do I need clear water for the dye test?
Yes. If the pool is green or heavily suspended we may not get a usable dye read. Balance the chemistry a day or two before the visit for the best result.
How long does the pool inspection take?
A single-pump pool with clear water is a standard site visit. Multi-pump systems, water features and jacuzzis extend the scope — the quote will reflect that.
What does the photographic report contain?
Pin-drop findings, method notes, dye and pressure readings, close-up shots of every suspect fitting, and a plain-English summary that your insurer or repair contractor can act on.
Can you repair the leak on the same visit?
Sometimes yes for simple fittings, otherwise the repair is scoped and quoted from the detection report on our pool repair page. One team from detection through repair.

See our work

The process on camera

Watch how we test, isolate and pinpoint pool and water leaks non-invasively.

Behind the scenes with our team — the full non-invasive pool leak detection process: acoustic listening, tracer gas, pressure testing and the photographic report you receive within two business days.

Meet the Pretoria team behind Source Leak Detection — commercial-ad reel in under a minute.

Suburbs we service

Pool leak detection across Pretoria

Twelve suburbs with dedicated pages — plus every other Pretoria and Gauteng suburb inside our normal service ring.

See all suburbs →

In-depth reading

Pool Leak Detection Guides

Everything you need to know about finding and fixing pool leaks in Pretoria — signs, costs, methods, DIY steps and when to call in the specialists.

See every pool guide

Our guarantee

No Find, No Fee — on confirmed leaks.

We only charge when there is a confirmed leak to find. If we confirm a leak by meter test or pool pressure test, and our technicians cannot locate its source using our full range of detection equipment, you receive a full refund. No time limit.

Read the full terms →