Leak Detection — Westlake Hills, TX

Leak Detection in Westlake Hills, TX

Most pools in the City of West Lake Hills were built between the 1970s and early 2000s, and in the 78746 zip code, age is the leading cause of the leaks we find. Plaster surfaces that have weathered three decades of Central Texas heat and cold develop hairline shell cracks, and the original Purex and Jandy plumbing on many of these pools corrodes and separates at the fittings. The high alkalinity in Austin Water that pushes pH up between visits is hard on old plaster, and on a thinning shell that means crazing that eventually weeps. The Pool Police starts with a bucket test to separate real loss from the heavy oak-canopy debris and evaporation that's easy to mistake for a leak, then pressure-tests the supply and return lines, dye-tests shell cracks and the light niche, and listens electronically under decking. On these hillside lots with steep driveways, we carry gear in and work the tight pads by hand. Keith Mallette has serviced Westlake Hills pools since 2000 and tracked down hundreds of leaks — you get an honest written report, and if the plaster simply needs attention rather than a buried-line repair, we say so.

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 Westlake Hills

Local Conditions We Account For in Westlake Hills

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

Legacy 1970s–90s pools with original equipment that's long past its design life
Mature live oak canopy drops leaves, acorns, and pollen year-round — heavy skimming required every visit
Hillside lots and steep driveways limit access for large service trucks
Austin Water Utility supply runs high in alkalinity (~80–120 ppm TA), pushing pH upward between visits
Older plaster surfaces in many homes are nearing end-of-life and require gentler chemistry to avoid etching
Service Area

Neighborhoods We Serve in Westlake Hills

Westlake proper Davenport Ranch Camp Craft Road corridor Eanes area 78746
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you service pools in the City of West Lake Hills (78746)?

Yes. The Pool Police has established weekly routes through every corner of Westlake Hills, including Davenport Ranch, the Camp Craft Road corridor, and the older Eanes-area neighborhoods. We're on the street week after week and have been since 2000.

My Westlake Hills pool has aging plaster — should I replaster or keep treating it?

It depends on how deep the deterioration goes. Surface stains, calcium nodules, and minor etching can often be managed for years with careful chemistry and targeted acid washing. Structural delamination or widespread pitting is a different story — we'll give you an honest assessment rather than pushing a renovation. Westlake Hills plaster surfaces commonly last 20–25 years before a full replaster is really necessary.

What's the typical water chemistry profile in Westlake Hills?

Austin Water supply to the 78746 zip code typically delivers calcium hardness of 180–260 ppm and total alkalinity of 80–120 ppm. The alkalinity pushes pH upward constantly, so we add muriatic acid on most visits to keep pH in the 7.4–7.6 target range. Older plaster surfaces tolerate this well as long as we don't let pH spike above 7.8.

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