Pool Leak

[Rhondarosa]

Hoping to get some insight on a pool leak that we have been trying to pinpoint for the past year. We have done bucket tests, capped off all returns except main drain and dye tests.
After the bucket tests showed a leak, we did the 24 hour test with the pump running and then the pump off and found that it leaked about the same amount which was around an inch and a half per day. We decided to let the pool drain to see where it stopped and as you can see in the pictures, it stopped right above the light. We removed the light assembly and found that the hole in the niche had been puttied in the past so we tried to put a plug in but it wouldn't seal all the way because of the old putty. So of course now we are wondering if that could still be the culprit, and if it is, what would be the recommendation for a fix? The putty is so hard that it would be impossible to remove it all, so plugging it is just not an option unless we can possibly add more putty. However, we have read many articles that do not recommend doing that. So, would replacing the niche be advised...or would that even be possible? If it's not the light, what else could it be since the level is well below the skimmer and all of the returns? There are no wet places nor is it leaking out of the backwash line. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

 

[DavidLast]

Did the leak stop completely just above the light or did it simply slow down so much it seemed stopped?

 

[Bperry]

Hoping to get some insight on a pool leak that we have been trying to pinpoint for the past year. We have done bucket tests, capped off all returns except main drain and dye tests.
After the bucket tests showed a leak, we did the 24 hour test with the pump running and then the pump off and found that it leaked about the same amount which was around an inch and a half per day. We decided to let the pool drain to see where it stopped and as you can see in the pictures, it stopped right above the light. We removed the light assembly and found that the hole in the niche had been puttied in the past so we tried to put a plug in but it wouldn't seal all the way because of the old putty. So of course now we are wondering if that could still be the culprit, and if it is, what would be the recommendation for a fix? The putty is so hard that it would be impossible to remove it all, so plugging it is just not an option unless we can possibly add more putty. However, we have read many articles that do not recommend doing that. So, would replacing the niche be advised...or would that even be possible? If it's not the light, what else could it be since the level is well below the skimmer and all of the returns? There are no wet places nor is it leaking out of the backwash line. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

It would help to show a picture of the putty on the light niche.

 

[1poolman1]

Hoping to get some insight on a pool leak that we have been trying to pinpoint for the past year. We have done bucket tests, capped off all returns except main drain and dye tests.
After the bucket tests showed a leak, we did the 24 hour test with the pump running and then the pump off and found that it leaked about the same amount which was around an inch and a half per day. We decided to let the pool drain to see where it stopped and as you can see in the pictures, it stopped right above the light. We removed the light assembly and found that the hole in the niche had been puttied in the past so we tried to put a plug in but it wouldn't seal all the way because of the old putty. So of course now we are wondering if that could still be the culprit, and if it is, what would be the recommendation for a fix? The putty is so hard that it would be impossible to remove it all, so plugging it is just not an option unless we can possibly add more putty. However, we have read many articles that do not recommend doing that. So, would replacing the niche be advised...or would that even be possible? If it's not the light, what else could it be since the level is well below the skimmer and all of the returns? There are no wet places nor is it leaking out of the backwash line. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

If the leak truly stopped at that level, the leak is likely in the light conduit at that height. A good alternative to any kind of epoxy/putty is butyl tape that can me molded around the light cord and the conduit port. You will have to lower the water level to the point the back of the niche can be dried.

Butyl Rubber Tape: Buy Waterproof Underwater Tape for Pools

Shop AquaBond's butyl rubber tape for pools. Ideal for underwater sealing, waterproof repairs, & strong adhesion. Perfect for pool leaks & conduit seals

aquabondadhesives.com

 

[Rhondarosa]

Did the leak stop completely just above the light or did it simply slow down so much it seemed stopped?

Yes, it seemed to have mostly stopped right above the light. It has gone down a little more due to evaporation, but still above the light.

 

[Bperry]

Yes, it seemed to have mostly stopped right above the light. It has gone down a little more due to evaporation, but still above the light.

You might check the conduit where it comes out of the ground. See if you can check for any water that’s about at the height of the water level.

 

[Rhondarosa]

It would help to show a picture of the putty on the light niche.

Ok, here are a couple I took when I had the light out. I don't have an underwater camera, so had to use a mirror. They probably will not help much, but they're all I have.