I have a 40,000 gal in-ground pool, and, after much work and replacing of parts, we have determined there is a suction side leak at the connection at the base of the skimmer. Now that we've smashed up a bunch of concrete and dug a hole 3 feet deep, we're at a loss as to how to actually replace the connection. The skimmer is still intact, as is the concrete just surrounding the skimmer. We're trying to replace the connection under the skimmer from the filter side without damaging the skimmer. Has anyone dealt with this issue before?
Suction Side Air Leak at Base of Skimmer
- Thread starter JennJones
- Start date
Jenn,
Well, logic says that unless you can see a broken pipe, that most likely the problem is at a connection point.
Also, in theory, when the pump is off, and the skimmer is full of water, you should be able to see it drip out of the bad connection.
My 'guess' would be right where the suction pipe connects to the skimmer, or at the 90 degree fitting that is usually below the skimmer.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Well, logic says that unless you can see a broken pipe, that most likely the problem is at a connection point.
Also, in theory, when the pump is off, and the skimmer is full of water, you should be able to see it drip out of the bad connection.
My 'guess' would be right where the suction pipe connects to the skimmer, or at the 90 degree fitting that is usually below the skimmer.
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 48,090
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Yes. This was my experience.
Plumbing Assessment & Repairs
After several months of debate and testing that has confirmed I have plumbing leak on both the pressure and suction sides, I've finally decided to go in. My priority is the suction line right now since I have a Frakenplug installed in my cracked return jet, but since I had to rent a concrete...
www.troublefreepool.com
Got a pic or more detailed explanation? The base of the skimmer is underwater 24/7 so it shouldn't be able to suck in air. What am I missing?
I was shocked as well. We replaced the black box and cover next to the pump and the above ground connections to the box before calling the pool company to come out and pressure test. After pressure testing, they decided the leak was under the ground and that the desk would need to be torn up to replace the connections and line from the skimmer. When the pump is running, it takes about 30 minutes for the black box to fill with bubbles, so the leak is very small. We dug it all out ourselves, and when we pull the plug in the skimmer, water does indeed leak out of the connection at the base of the skimmer in a very slow drizzle. Not sure if you can see form the photos, but the area I circled is slightly whiter because the trickle of water is washing the mud away. Is this part of the skimmer? Is it separate from the skimmer? Does it unscrew in some way? We're incredibly clueless, but also broke, so the $10K the pool service company was quoting us pushed us to delve in and try to address it ourselves.
Let's get a true expert in here. That looks fixable for about 5 bucks and some glue! @1poolman1
I have never seen a leak there so let's see what he says.
I have never seen a leak there so let's see what he says.
Jenn,
My gut says that the problem is right where the PVC pipe connects to the skimmer itself..
I agree with Dave above... I'd try anything before replacing the whole skimmer..
If this were my pool, I would try very hard to remove all the dirt on the pipe, and see if you can identify exactly where it is leaking.
Thanks,
Jim R.
My gut says that the problem is right where the PVC pipe connects to the skimmer itself..
I agree with Dave above... I'd try anything before replacing the whole skimmer..
If this were my pool, I would try very hard to remove all the dirt on the pipe, and see if you can identify exactly where it is leaking.
Thanks,
Jim R.
A bad glue joint, or maybe a crack on the other side of the fitting. Would need more exposed and possibly a new skimmer.
We cut the incoming water line, and unscrewed the connection, and there is indeed a crack at the top of the connection. I was told this would be incredibly unlikely due to it being underground, but this is a 40-year-old pool, so perhaps end of life for some of these parts. Off today to get parts from home improvement and praying everything will be up and running by tomorrow. Thank you all so much!
Attachments
Jenn,
Great job so far...
For some reason I was thinking that the PCV was glued into the bottom of the skimmer. Glad I was wrong, and that it is just screwed in. Makes getting it apart much easier.
Thanks for the the update.
Jim R.
Great job so far...
For some reason I was thinking that the PCV was glued into the bottom of the skimmer. Glad I was wrong, and that it is just screwed in. Makes getting it apart much easier.
Thanks for the the update.
Jim R.