I have a 20x40 vinyl lined pool. Last Summer the pool started leaking about 1 inch/day, but only when it is hot outside.
Only leaks when hot outside
Only leaks when system is running
It is not just evaporation. I have done the bucket test on and off for the past 8 years. (the pool was constructed 20 years ago by previous owners and we put a liner in it 8 years ago) The pool historically has lost 1/4 inch per day during the Summer. I can live with that. I figure that its evaporation.
One of the returns has had a leak for 8 years presumably. It has always blown air bubbles for 2-3 minutes at pump startup.
I ran the pool through the Fall, Winter, and Spring with increasing time on the timer. No major water loss for the past 9 months.
The last two days have been over 85 degrees and the pool is down 2 inches from Saturday when I last noted the depth.
Last Summer when this started, I drained down below the skimmers and removed the skimmer bezels. There was a leak between the skimmer and concrete on the West side of pool and I used silicon to fill the gap. I didn't find a leak on the East side skimmer.
I am guessing that the water is leaking around one of skimmers when the concrete expands to a certain point.
I know that the system is old, I get air equalizing sounds when the pump shuts off, I have a drip at the filter....
Basically, can anyone tell me what to look for?
I am going to have to recheck my skimmer repair with some fresh gaskets and some Pool Putty.
Only leaks when hot outside
Only leaks when system is running
It is not just evaporation. I have done the bucket test on and off for the past 8 years. (the pool was constructed 20 years ago by previous owners and we put a liner in it 8 years ago) The pool historically has lost 1/4 inch per day during the Summer. I can live with that. I figure that its evaporation.
One of the returns has had a leak for 8 years presumably. It has always blown air bubbles for 2-3 minutes at pump startup.
I ran the pool through the Fall, Winter, and Spring with increasing time on the timer. No major water loss for the past 9 months.
The last two days have been over 85 degrees and the pool is down 2 inches from Saturday when I last noted the depth.
Last Summer when this started, I drained down below the skimmers and removed the skimmer bezels. There was a leak between the skimmer and concrete on the West side of pool and I used silicon to fill the gap. I didn't find a leak on the East side skimmer.
I am guessing that the water is leaking around one of skimmers when the concrete expands to a certain point.
I know that the system is old, I get air equalizing sounds when the pump shuts off, I have a drip at the filter....
Basically, can anyone tell me what to look for?
I am going to have to recheck my skimmer repair with some fresh gaskets and some Pool Putty.
and a link to an article in Pool School.