Here at LeakTronics we continually build and develop new products. During the past three years we have received two patents and developed products such as the PipeMic, SlideMic (with F.L.A.S.H. System) and in the near future we will be producing a state of the art amplifier. I met with my operations manager the other day and she asked me about developing a leak analyzer. I did some research on manufacturers of leak analyzers. I spoke to several customers and tried one out for myself. After giving this much thought, I decided it would not be an efficient piece of equipment. Here are my reasons:
1) Too many variables – all pools are different with different shapes, designs, features (i.e. raised spas, catch basins, etc.) In order to use a leak analyzer in a pool with all of these features, you would need three units. This is not economical in any way. Some pools have boulder type coping around them which is nearly impossible for any leak analyzer to properly determine a leak since it needs to be laid flat on the ground.
2) Inaccurate – after purchasing a unit and setting it in my small spa (approximately 500 gallons), the unit indicated that I was losing 3/4 inch per hour. This is impossible. My spa hasn’t leaked since I’ve lived here and it held at the spillway for 24 hours after the test.
3) It doesn’t locate the leak. What if your success with the unit is better than mine and you use it to determine that a pool is leaking? You still need to perform a complete leak detection to figure out where the leak is.
So let’s say your success with the unit is better than mine and you use it to determine that a pool is leaking. You still need to perform a complete leak detection to figure out where the leak is.
I would be extremely upset if I were a customer and hired a professional pool leak detection company to come out to do a leak detection, only to have them use a leak analyzer product. As the customer, I would feel as though the company wasn’t listening to me and dismissing my problem which is find the leak. If it’s my pool, on my property and I know there is a leak, I expect someone to come out and do a leak detection. Why would I want a leak analyzer when I already know there is a leak? Even as a professional, you must always understand that people who own pools are aware of the efficiency and functioning of their pool. If a leak detection company makes a call and relies on a leak analyzer rather than listening to the customer who already knows there is a leak, I would be surprised if the customer would agree to even pay for the call. I know I wouldn’t. The consumer is still left with a leak and the company didn’t clarify it when making the appointment.
In closing: As a day to day leak detection contractor, I have realized that there are no shortcuts. to the information your customer tells you. Don’t rely on a leak analyzer to tell you what your customer knows; it only tells the customer you don’t trust their reason for an appointment. Your customer trusts you to locate what they know is already there. When you go to a their home with an arsenal of tools, prepared to perform a complete and thorough leak detection, you’ve already gained their trust. And remember, thoroughly checking everything in a swimming pool including the structure, return lines, skimmers, main drain and equipment, is a must.
