Who should I call to fix a leaking pool?

Call a licensed pool contractor first. In Virginia, the swimming pool construction specialty covers the repair of in-ground pools, so that company can find the leak and fix a liner, shell, skimmer or return fitting. Bring in a licensed plumber or electrician when the leak or the fix involves house plumbing or pump wiring, because those trades are not part of the pool specialty.

Who does what

Pool contractor or pool service company. Virginia defines swimming pool construction contracting as the service that provides for the construction, repair, improvement, or removal of in-ground swimming pools.^[1] The commercial and residential building contractor classifications, among others, also provide for this function.^[1] This is who you want for a leak in the liner, shell, skimmer, wall fittings or the pool-side piping. Many also do leak detection.

Licensed plumber. The same definition says that no trade related plumbing, electrical, backflow, or HVAC work is included in this specialty.^[1] If the leak is in the water line feeding the pool or the house side of the plumbing, ask who will hold the plumbing licence on the job.

Licensed electrician. Pump motors, lights and bonding are wiring. A pool contractor cannot do trade electrical work under the pool specialty,^[1] so water near equipment wiring or a light that is leaking is an electrician's call.

A leak-detection specialist. If the bucket test says water is leaving and nobody can find where, a company that does leak detection can often locate the source before any digging. Ask what methods they use and what the report will tell you.

Before you call

Run the bucket test and keep your readings. The EPA says that if your pool is losing more than 2 inches of water per week, or 3 inches in hot, dry areas with high evaporation rates, then it is likely you have a leak,^[2] and that an automatic fill should be shut off for 24 hours once every three months to test for leaks.^[2] The steps are in how to find a leak in your pool. A contractor can work much faster when you can say what the test showed, where the ground is wet and whether the loss changes when the pump runs.

Check the licence

If the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[3] The Board for Contractors warns that a license number in an advertisement or on a business card does not necessarily mean the contractor's license is valid,^[3] so look the company up on the DPOR website and read any complaint history before you sign.

Licensed contractors are subject to laws designed to protect the consumer, and the Board for Contractors says hiring one gives you access to the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund in case of improper or dishonest conduct.^[3] That fund may pay claims up to $20,000 to consumers who are awarded civil court judgments.^[3]

Permits

Roanoke County notes that the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a building permit for any swimming pool that has a surface area greater than 150 square feet or is more than 24 inches deep, and that for pools it recommends that the licensed pool contractor obtain the pool permit, though the homeowner may do so.^[4] Ask any contractor you are considering whether your repair needs a permit and who will apply for it.

What to ask

• Are you licensed in Virginia for pool work, and what is the licence number?
• How will you locate the leak, and what does that cost if you find nothing?
• Who handles plumbing or electrical work if it is needed?
• What is in writing: the repair, price, start and finish dates, and the warranty?

Virginia law requires all licensed contractors to provide a written contract for residential work,^[3] and the Board for Contractors recommends an initial deposit of no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[3]

Stop and call a pro if

• The pool drops overnight, or the water is running somewhere you cannot see.
• You find cracks, a bulging wall or sinking ground near the pool.
• Water is near the pump, lights or breaker box. Keep clear and call a licensed electrician.
• A salesperson pressures you to sign today or asks for payment in full before work begins. Walk away and check the licence.
• You cannot find the leak after the bucket test and a look around the equipment.

Getting help in Virginia

To see what the job might cost, read how much pool leak repair costs in Virginia. For routine care, see how to clean a swimming pool, browse pool and spa answers or find local pool pros.

When you are ready, describe the leak and licensed local pros can quote it.