Puzzled by water loss though waste pipe???

[axp2000]

I have been really puzzled how/why my pool is losing water though a waste pipe.

I can see water running out though the waste pipe (which is before and higher than where the pool equipment is located) with pump turned off when the auto-fill adds water above a certain level, usually 1/3 way up the skimmer line. Once the water drops below this level, the water loss though the waste stops.

The problem is myself and numerous others (including my pool service) have looked all around the pool and skimmer for a possible overflow leveler where it could possibly be taking water above this level and pushing it down the waste pipe, but found none. Really not understanding at what point is the water taken from the pool and diverted into the waste pipe?

If the pump is running, the water loss is much greater as the amount of water flowing though the waste pipe is increased.

Could any of you provide some insight on what may be going on?

Really looking to get this corrected so I can keep the water level higher so the skimmer is more effective.

Filter: DE
Size: 31,000gal
Location: Southern California
Pump: Pentair Variable
Skimmer: One
Main Drain: Dual

Thank you,

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

By waste pipe are you referring to the line that leaves your filter or something else?

 

[Swampwoman]

Do you have a multiport valve on your filter? If so, perhaps the spider gasket is failing, and allowing a bit of water to leak to waste when you're in normal filter mode. If you've had a pool guy out, I'd think that would be the first place to check.

A second alternative would be a small air leak in the waste connection creating a siphon effect on the pressurized system. If your waste line is hard plumbed, it might need to be re-glued.

A tiny air leak can have a big impact, as I just learned. My filter had a small leak at the threaded inlet and it took forever to prime. Re-glue fixed it mmediately.

 

[axp2000]

It's not part of any pool equipment. the water waste drain pipe that is also connected to my rain gutters. When it rains the water collected back of the house also gets transferred to the front by this same pipe.

There are multiple openings on the ground to pick up the rain water also. One of these is where I can see the water flow along with at the end on the street.

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No, I do not have a multi-port Valve.

The water discharges even with the pump off once it gets above a certain level.

Also I can see the water being discharged to one of the rain water holes which is closer to the pool than the pool equipment so I do not believe it has anything to do around the equipment?

 

[pookiesunshine]

i think you need to explain the plumbing set up a little (a lot) more.

 

[domct203]

i think you need to explain the plumbing set up a little (a lot) more.

+1

Especially exactly how this 'waste pipe' is connected to the pool.

Posting pictures will help as well.

 

[axp2000]

I thought this would help. I have created a video.

Pool - YouTube

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Pool - YouTube

 

[axp2000]

Hi,

This is the part I don't understand. Since there are no overflow valves around the pool, I have no idea how the plumbing underground may be and at what point and where the water is being taken from the pool into the waste pipe.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Swampwoman]

Okay, so you mean the overflow port tht in some cases connects to a perimter drain.

On skimmer models that have this as an option, its usually a knock out circular section at the back of the skimmer box that can be plumbed to a waste line.

Take a peek at this diagram and note the 1/2" plumbing opening for overflow:

 

[axp2000]

Okay, so you mean the overflow port tht in some cases connects to a perimter drain.

On skimmer models that have this as an option, its usually a knock out circular section at the back of the skimmer box that can be plumbed to a waste line.

Take a peek at this diagram and note the 1/2" plumbing opening for overflow:

View attachment 68365

Hi, I was unable to find anything that represents the illustration.

Here are some images I took if you could confirm?

Shared album - Skimmer1 - Google Photos

Shared album - Skimmer2 - Google Photos

Shared album - Skimmer3 - Google Photos

Shared album - Skimmer4 - Google Photos

Thank you...

 

[zea3]

I'm thinking you may have a leak in the plumbing that opens up a little more when it is under pressure. That would be why the water loss is greater when the pump is running. Does it stop leaking when the water level reaches the bottom of the skimmer?

 

[Swampwoman]

Sorry, can't see the images.

 

[pookiesunshine]

i've seen someone explain this skimmer set up before but i dont recall what it is. i'm sure they will chime in.

 

[bdavis466]

Have you looked inside the auto-filler canister for an overflow opening? It would be right next to where the float connects.

 

[axp2000]

Have you looked inside the auto-filler canister for an overflow opening? It would be right next to where the float connects.

The auto-fill is an external unit and it has been out for few days.

 

[axp2000]

I'm thinking you may have a leak in the plumbing that opens up a little more when it is under pressure. That would be why the water loss is greater when the pump is running. Does it stop leaking when the water level reaches the bottom of the skimmer?

This is what I am suspecting. I still don't understand the plumbing on at which point it's getting into the perimeter drain. The leak actually stops when the skimmer is about 1/4 above the skimmer line.

I was running the pump at 3000rpm but have dropped it to 2000rpm which has decreased the amount of water loss but still unable to keep the water level higher than 1/4. If it gets over this line the water starts to drain even with pump turned off.