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.
iPhone Data Recovery Pricing and Service Options
All mobile phone data recovery services at Payam Data Recovery use fixed pricing with no attempt fee. Pricing depends on urgency, not fault type.
- Economy service: $795
- Priority service: $1,500
- Emergency service: $2,500
Payment is only required after successful data recovery. The customer must know the device passcode for recovery to proceed.
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.
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
Request an iPhone Data Recovery Assessment
Read more about our iPhone Data Recovery Service
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
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.