Leak Detection — River Place, TX

Leak Detection in River Place, TX

River Place is carved into the Balcones Canyonlands, and its steep hillside lots create a leak-detection challenge you don't get on flat ground. Many pools here sit on restrictive hillside pads with plumbing routed through retaining walls and tight equipment setups, and the same drainage that floods these slopes during heavy rain drives soil movement that stresses shells and underground lines over time. The Pool Police knows these Seven Oaks setups. We start with a bucket test, because the heavy rain events that swell pool levels can hide or exaggerate a true leak, then pressure-test the supply and return lines to find the buried failure on a hillside run. We dye-test shell cracks, the light niche, and skimmer throats, and use electronic listening to trace a line beneath decking or behind a retaining wall where digging blind would be a disaster. On these tight canyon-rim pads we carry tools in by hand and work the constrained space carefully. Keith Mallette has pinpointed hundreds of leaks across the Austin hill country since 2000, and you get a written report locating the leak before any excavation begins.

Typical Pricing $295–$495 flat-rate leak search Includes pressure testing, dye injection, and electronic listening. Repair work quoted separately after the leak is found. See full pricing guide →
What's Included

What We Do

Perform the bucket test to confirm actual water loss beyond normal evaporation
Pressure-test supply and return plumbing lines to isolate underground leaks
Use dye injection at fittings, lights, and cracks to visually confirm leak points
Deploy electronic listening equipment to locate leaks beneath decking or soil
Inspect equipment pads — pump seals, filter unions, heater connections — for drips
Provide a detailed written report with the leak location, severity, and recommended repair options
Why Choose Us

Why The Pool Police?

Non-invasive first approach — we only dig when we know exactly where the problem is
25+ years of experience in Central Texas soil and pool construction styles
We find the leak the same day in most cases — no dragging out the process
Honest assessment: if it's evaporation or a splash-out issue, we'll tell you
Flat-rate leak search fee — no surprise hourly charges
On the Ground in River Place

Local Conditions We Account For in River Place

Every leak detection visit in River Place is calibrated to the conditions that make pools here different — not a generic checklist:

Steep hillside lots create drainage challenges that affect pool water levels during heavy rain
Dense cedar and oak canopy increases organic debris load significantly
Many homes have pools built into restrictive hillside pads with limited equipment access
Proximity to Bull Creek and the nature preserve attracts wildlife near pool areas
Service Area

Neighborhoods We Serve in River Place

Seven Oaks 78730
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

My River Place pool fills with leaves constantly — can you keep up?

Yes. River Place's canyon setting and dense tree cover create one of the heaviest debris loads in the Austin area. Our weekly service includes thorough skimming and leaf removal, and we recommend keeping a leaf net on the pool between visits during fall and cedar season. We also monitor phosphate levels closely since decaying organic matter is a primary algae food source.

Can you access pool equipment on steep lots?

We're used to it. Many River Place equipment pads are on hillside retaining walls or tucked behind decking. Our techs carry tools in rather than rolling carts and are experienced working in these constrained spaces.

How do I know if my pool is leaking or just evaporating?

In Austin's summer heat, pools can lose up to a quarter-inch per day to evaporation alone. The simplest test is the bucket method: fill a bucket to match your pool level, set it on the step, and compare levels after 24 hours. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you likely have a leak.

Can you find leaks without digging up my yard?

Yes. We use pressure testing, dye injection, and electronic listening to pinpoint leaks before any excavation. In most cases we can identify the exact location without touching your deck or landscaping. Digging only happens at the confirmed leak point.

How long does a leak detection visit take?

A typical leak search takes two to four hours, depending on pool size and plumbing complexity. We aim to identify the source in a single visit so you can make a repair decision right away.

Ready to Get Started?

No contracts, no hidden fees. Just reliable, professional pool service from a family that's been doing it for 25+ years.

(512) 300-4136