Case study summary
- Device: iPhone 12 Pro
- Problem: Dropped into a chlorine swimming pool, later stopped charging
- Solution: Professional logic board cleaning and temporary repair
- Outcome: Successful recovery of photos, videos, WhatsApp messages, notes, and voice recordings
This iPhone 12 Pro Dropped in Pool Data Recovery case study documents a real recovery after a phone was submerged in a swimming pool containing chlorine. The device continued to operate for several hours before the battery fully drained and the phone refused to charge. With no iCloud backup available, the customer required professional data recovery before accepting an Apple replacement.
The Problem: Chlorine Water Damage to an iPhone
Swimming pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that accelerate corrosion inside smartphones. In this iPhone 12 Pro Dropped in Pool Data Recovery case study, chlorine residue caused internal corrosion on the logic board even though the phone initially appeared to keep working.
Unlike plain rainwater, chemical contamination continues damaging components long after the device dries. This behaviour is also seen in our liquid damaged iPhone data recovery case study, where delayed failure occurred due to ongoing corrosion.
The iPhone 12 Pro Dropped in Pool Data Recovery Process
After receiving the device, our engineers carried out controlled disassembly and assessment. The following steps were confirmed in the video:
- Internal inspection: Evidence of moisture ingress and corrosion was found inside the phone.
- Logic board cleaning: The board was professionally cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner and isopropyl alcohol.
- Temporary repair: Damaged circuits were stabilised to allow the device to power on.
- Data extraction: A full iTunes backup was created and data was copied to an external drive.
This approach allowed data recovery without requiring permanent phone repair. The goal was data access, not restoring the phone to daily use.
Recovery Results
The recovery was successful. All requested data was extracted, including:
- Photos and videos
- WhatsApp messages
- Notes
- Voice recordings
This iPhone 12 Pro Dropped in Pool Data Recovery case study demonstrates that even when an Apple Store classifies a device as unrepairable, the data may still be recoverable using specialist techniques.
Mobile phone and tablet data recovery service
Mobile phones and tablets, including iPhone and iPad, are a fixed price service. No fix, no fee: you pay only after your data is recovered. We are successful in 99 percent of cases. Contact us for a free quote and we will confirm the price, the turnaround options and the next step. You will need to know the passcode.
For technical background on how chemical corrosion damages electronics, see this explanation of pitting corrosion.
About Payam Data Recovery
Payam Data Recovery works with individuals, students, families, small and medium businesses, IT companies, and organisations that need their data recovered safely and professionally. Some customers come to us with a single damaged device containing personal memories, while others rely on us for complex technical recoveries that require specialist tools and experience.
We are based in Australia and have been recovering data since 1998. Our clients also include governments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, and public figures. Every job is handled with 100 percent confidentiality and privacy.
Frequently asked questions
My phone went in a swimming pool but kept working. Is it fine?
No, and that is the trap. This iPhone 12 Pro kept running for several hours after going into the pool, then the battery drained and it would not charge again. Pool water is worse than rain because the chlorine keeps corroding the board long after the phone looks dry.
Why is chlorinated water worse than plain water?
Because the chemicals stay behind. Once the water evaporates the chlorine residue is still on the logic board, and it carries on attacking components for days or weeks.
The phone still switches on. Should I wait and see?
No. The window is while it still powers up. Once corrosion reaches the wrong part the job becomes far harder, and the customer here only just made it.
Apple offered me a replacement. Should I get the data out first?
If the data matters, yes. That was exactly the situation here: no iCloud backup, and a replacement waiting. Once you hand the phone over, the data goes with it.
What can actually be recovered from a phone like this?
In this case photos, videos, WhatsApp messages, notes and voice recordings. The repair was a temporary one, done to get the data out rather than to make the phone reliable again.
What does iPhone data recovery cost, and when do I pay?
Phones and tablets are a fixed price service. No fix, no fee: you pay only after your data is recovered. Contact us for a free quote and we will confirm the price and the turnaround options.
Related iPhone data recovery case studies
- iPhone Salt Water Damage Data Recovery Case Study
- iPhone 15 Data Recovery Case Study
- iPhone X Data Recovery Case Study
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Read more about our iPhone Data Recovery Service
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
International customers are always welcome. The easiest way to reach us from overseas is by email at help@payam.com.au, which works in every time zone.
Video Transcript
Click to expand full transcript
When there is liquid damage, especially involving chemicals like chlorine or salt, professional cleaning such as ultrasonic cleaning and isopropyl alcohol is required. Rice may help with plain water, but not with chemical contamination.