I have an inground pool with built in spa at one end...the spa is about two feet higher than the pool surface. When the filter pump is on the water goes into the spa, over the edge, and into the pool then back to the filter pump. I run the pump 6 hours a day. By the next day the water level in the spa has dropped about 18 inches. When the filter pump starts up again for the day it takes about 15 minutes before the water level rises in the spa enough to spill the water into the pool. I have my re-fill float turned off. The water level in the pool stays the same after the filter pump is turned off. The pool/spa and equipment is about 5 years old. What causes the water level in the spa to drop after the filter pump is turned off? Is this a check valve problem and if I don't do anything to fix it will it cause any damage?
Check valve question
- Thread starter Rockman59
- Start date
Yes it's a check valve issue.. Biggest problem if you don't fix it is going thru lots of fresh water and possible pumps running dry if water level wasn't checked for days..
Biggest problem if you don't fix it is going thru lots of fresh water
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How can the pool be using fresh water if the re-fill float is turned off?
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How can the pool be using fresh water if the re-fill float is turned off?
- May 3, 2007
- 16,834
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
As the spa level drops, the pool level will rise until the two meet at the same level. If you have an autofill on the pool, it should not add any more fill water as the pool level rises when the spa level drops. About the only issue I can see is that the spa has about 18" of the surface exposed and if it is plaster, then that could damage the surface if exposed too long.
This problem can occur with a bad check valve but it can also occur if the return valve is positioned such that there is return path to both the spa and the pool. When the pump shuts off, water will then be siphoned out of the spa into the pool via the return pipes.
This problem can occur with a bad check valve but it can also occur if the return valve is positioned such that there is return path to both the spa and the pool. When the pump shuts off, water will then be siphoned out of the spa into the pool via the return pipes.
Thanks for the info......I'll be replacing the check valve is that is the problem and/or making sure the return valve is set properly.
If it is a check valve problem, and you have a better quality check valve, this is usually easy to fix. Usually this kind of problem is caused by something stuck in the check valve that is preventing it from sealing correctly. If you have one of the better quality check valves that can be opened up, you should take a look inside and make sure there isn't any debris blocking it from closing correctly.