I've posted a similar question, but this is specific to the bottom drain itself. I'm assuming there's a leak either in the drain gasket, screw holes or the PVC 1.5" line itself. I blew out the lines (first time on my own) with an air compressor running about 50PSI to my recollection and have told that was too high and could have caused an issue with the bottom drain. The water began to leak right after I cleared the lines. It leaked for weeks until it reached equilibrium leaving about 3" in the shallow end and 4.5' in the deep end. The level is below any cut in the vinyl including returns, lights, stairs and ladder pads. I had myself convinced I would go under water when it warmed up some (no dry/wet suit) to pull the cover off the drain and plug the bottom valve so I could fill the pool and getting it running. But now I'm think pulling the bottom drain cover (it has two screws) might cause a leak in the gasket. Is this a valid concern?
Overall thoughts and asking advice:
I've talked w a variety of reliable pool people and one thought it's the plumbing in the bottom drain. Others think it's a liner issue, and told me to check the seams near water level. I can't see anything that appears to be the source of the leak. It looks good to me. However, even these folks agree it's quite a coincidence that the leak started immediately after blowing the lines. The leak detection company said they need the pool full and running clear to perform their tests. All of them said the liner may not withstand the filling, but one guy also said the only way to find out is to fill it. I'm thinking that perhaps the best thing to do is advise the liner replacement company that I have a leak associated with the bottom drain and have them replace the liner. The liner is 6 years old if I believe the owner who said he replaced in the 2018 when I bought the house and pool. I could spend a chunk of change trying to keep the pool full for the leak detector folks. Also, the liner could tear and I waste $ also. So... am I better off to go ahead and replace the liner at this point. That would remove the potential of a liner leak, it would get a new bottom drain seal. I just don't know if there would be a way to test the bottom drain line so I could plug it if necessary. I would plan to use the vacuum line to pull water from the deep end if the bottom drain goes out of service.
Overall thoughts and asking advice:
I've talked w a variety of reliable pool people and one thought it's the plumbing in the bottom drain. Others think it's a liner issue, and told me to check the seams near water level. I can't see anything that appears to be the source of the leak. It looks good to me. However, even these folks agree it's quite a coincidence that the leak started immediately after blowing the lines. The leak detection company said they need the pool full and running clear to perform their tests. All of them said the liner may not withstand the filling, but one guy also said the only way to find out is to fill it. I'm thinking that perhaps the best thing to do is advise the liner replacement company that I have a leak associated with the bottom drain and have them replace the liner. The liner is 6 years old if I believe the owner who said he replaced in the 2018 when I bought the house and pool. I could spend a chunk of change trying to keep the pool full for the leak detector folks. Also, the liner could tear and I waste $ also. So... am I better off to go ahead and replace the liner at this point. That would remove the potential of a liner leak, it would get a new bottom drain seal. I just don't know if there would be a way to test the bottom drain line so I could plug it if necessary. I would plan to use the vacuum line to pull water from the deep end if the bottom drain goes out of service.
