...Most apartments and motels have mid-sized pools with a shelf running around the perimeter. These pool are much larger than your home pool, but are smaller than Olympic size pools. Most have 2 drains and multiple lights, with returns (jet pipes) midway down the sides of the pool, and drains in the shallow shelf.

 

 

The shelf functions the same as a leaf catcher, pulling off the top layer of water into the pump room. This means there is plumbing under the shelf that goes to the pump house. In fact, there is a drain in the shelf nearly every 8 feet. Usually 15-18 per pool. Counting the grates is one way of determining the size of the pool. We usually charge $30-35 per drain grate for the inspection with most pools costing between $450 and $600.

 

 

Ideally when we come to inspect the pool, we want to see the water level below the shelf grates so the shelf is actually dry. This helps us quickly split the system in two parts so we can concentrate on the section with the leak. So don't add water to it for a few days before we get there.

 

During the inspection we will be looking for the major leak, but some pools are just older and have multiple smaller leaks. We use an underwater sealant that plugs holes, so any lights or bottom drains that have holes in them are sealed up during the inspection with no additional cost.

The problem arises when the plumbing under the pool is at fault. Broken pipes account for 30% of the pool leaks we encounter. So its usually not a problem but does require a plan. In the end, we can pinpoint the source of a broken pipe to within 1-2 feet, so the entire deck does not need to be torn apart. We charge an additional $800 to repair a pipe under the deck.

 

Often we ask for your address so we can look at the pool in google earth. If your not on site, size is easier to judge and we take notes as where to park,etc.

 

 

 

 

 

As pools get bigger and more complicated, the trend of using floor systems to circulate water becomes much more difficult problem to tackle. Multible bottom drains and lights require special pricing. A non refundable pressure testing fee may apply on the floor system. Call for more information.

 

 

Resort and speciality pools can be a special challange: contact us to see how we can help you.