Are you losing water and can’t figure out why? We find and fix pool leaks in Sterling, VA using proven tests and tools, so your pool stops wasting water and causing damage.
We locate leaks in liners, plumbing, and equipment fast, then fix them with repairs that last. Your pool stays safe and affordable to run.

You should trust a professional team when small leaks can turn into expensive repairs or even landscape damage. We walk you through the tests, show you how we confirm the leak, and explain the simple steps we take to repair it and rebalance your pool after.

We spot leaks by checking for water loss, testing equipment, and using precise tools. Our team focuses on quick, accurate detection so repairs cost less, and pools get back to safe use fast.
Watch for steady water loss that’s more than normal evaporation. If your pool drops over 1/4 inch a day or several inches overnight, that’s a warning sign.
Notice wet or sinking ground near the pool, soggy spots in the yard, or bright green grass next to the deck? These usually mean underground plumbing or return-line leaks.
Check your equipment: air in pumps, weak suction, or constant filter backwash can signal plumbing or valve leaks. If your water bill shoots up or you spot damp areas in the pool room, something’s up.
If you see cracked tile, loose coping, or a wrinkled vinyl liner, call us at Dolphin Pool Services as soon as possible.
We start with a visual inspection of the pool shell, equipment pad, and the area around your pool. This helps us spot cracks, loose fittings, or standing water near pipes.
Then, we run a water-level or bucket test to separate evaporation from real loss. We mark the level for 24 hours and compare it to a bucket at the same temperature.
We pressure-test skimmer lines, return lines, and main drains to find underground leaks. If pressure drops, we zero in and plan the repair.
We use dye-testing and targeted excavation only when necessary. We document what we find and give you a clear repair plan and cost estimate.
We use acoustic listening equipment to find leaks inside concrete and plumbing without digging. These sensors pick up the sound of escaping water and pinpoint the area within inches.
We turn to electronic leak detection for pressurized lines and vacuum-based tests for vinyl liner pools. This lets us find leaks in return lines, skimmer connectors, and main drains.
Dye testing confirms small cracks or tile gaps. We inject food-safe dye near suspect spots and watch for dye being pulled into a leak.
For tricky leaks, we use a camera inside pipes. The camera shows roots, corrosion, or joint problems. Our trained technicians use these tools to cut repair time and avoid wrecking your landscape.
Catching a leak early prevents major structural damage to gunite shells or liner failure. Small leaks can grow, causing tile loss or serious repairs if you ignore them.
Fixing leaks early saves water and cuts chemical costs. A leaking pool needs more fresh water, so chemicals and heating costs climb until you fix the problem.
Prompt detection protects landscaping and home foundations from erosion and water damage. It also keeps pool equipment from overworking and breaking down too soon.
We recommend regular pool maintenance and inspections from Dolphin Pool Services to catch issues early and help your pool last longer.

We focus on quick, accurate repairs and steady maintenance to protect your pool, equipment, and water use. Timely fixes, routine checks, and a reliable local team keep your pool safe and ready all season.
We start with a complete diagnosis using pressure tests, dye tests, and acoustic or thermal tools if needed.
For plumbing leaks, we isolate lines, pressure test, and replace or repair pipe sections. If we find cracks in skimmers or returns, we remove tile, apply epoxy or hydraulic cement, and reseal fittings.
Vinyl liner tears get a patch if they’re small, or a liner replacement during renovation if the damage is bad.
We document every repair with photos and a written estimate. We recommend repairs that fit your pool’s age and how long you plan to use it—simple sealants for quick fixes, full plumbing repipes for ongoing underground leaks.
We’re Dolphin Pool Services; our licensed technicians use manufacturer-approved materials to protect your warranty and your pool’s value.
We handle seasonal services—pool opening, weekly cleaning, chemical checks, and winterizing—to catch small leaks before they get worse.
Weekly water-level checks and chemical logs help us spot sudden drops or weird changes that hint at hidden leaks.
We inspect skimmers, returns, light niches, and visible plumbing lines every visit. Regular maintenance cuts water waste, lowers repair costs, and keeps equipment like pumps and heaters running longer.
In the DC–Maryland–Northern Virginia area, freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soils make leaks more likely, so steady care is extra important here.
We suggest hiring a local, reputable company with liability insurance, state licenses, and local references. You want a team with experience in pool renovation, opening, and long-term maintenance in Sterling, VA, Maryland, and DC.
Ask for examples of repairs like yours and make sure technicians use acoustic or thermal methods when needed.
We provide written estimates, clear timelines, and warranty details. Our team uses field service systems for scheduling and supply tracking—this helps us avoid delays and keeps parts like liners or plumbing on hand.
We’re Dolphin Pool Services; we stand behind our work and make pricing and repairs transparent.

We break down how to spot leaks, how to choose a trusted service, what you might pay, the methods we use, how long it all takes, and what to expect from repairs.
A steady drop in water level that’s more than normal evaporation is a big clue. Mark the water and check the loss over 24 hours to be sure.
Wet or sinking spots near the pool, soggy grass, or cracks in the pool deck point to underground leaks. Watch for algae blooms or changing water chemistry—fresh water may be escaping.
If your water bill jumps for no reason, you could have a major leak. Equipment issues, like pumps running dry or air in returns, also hint at plumbing leaks.
Pick a licensed, insured company with local experience. We at Dolphin Pool Services use trained technicians and back our work with clear guarantees.
Ask for references and recent jobs in Sterling, VA. Make sure we offer written estimates, use several detection methods, and explain repairs before we start.
We provide diving inspections if needed, and we test pumps, valves, and underground lines. We document findings and give you a repair timeline.
Leak detection often starts in the low hundreds for basic inspections. Full diagnostics, like pressure tests and acoustic scans, usually cost more depending on your pool.
Repair costs can vary: small patches cost a few hundred dollars, while big underground pipe repairs might run into the thousands.
We give you an on-site estimate before any work, so you know what to expect.
Ask about guarantees and if chemical balancing or refilling is included. We include post-repair checks to make sure the leak is gone.
We use a mix of visual, physical, and electronic tests. Visual checks cover the liner, tile joints, and pool fittings.
We perform an evaporation test by marking water levels for 24 hours, and dye testing to see if water pulls into cracks. For plumbing, we pressure-test lines and use acoustic sensors to hear leaks.
Underwater inspections by divers help us find small leaks in shells and fittings. We combine methods to zero in on the problem before we recommend repairs.
Basic tests and a visual inspection usually take 1–3 hours. More complex diagnostics, like line pressure tests or acoustic scans, might take half a day.
If we need to dive or excavate, the process could stretch to a full day or more. We explain the timeline during our first visit.
We can usually fix many leaks with just a targeted patch, some sealant, or a quick liner repair. Most of the time, we don’t need to drain your entire inground pool.
Sometimes, we find that plumbing or structural issues need us to drain part of the pool or dig a little, which can be a bit more disruptive. Even then, we always plan our work to keep your downtime short and get your water chemistry balanced before you jump back in.