Two years ago we had our pool completely redone and it’s been great since. However, about a month ago I started noticing that I was losing water at a pretty good clip. I did the bucket test and there is def a leak somewhere. Losing between a half inch and an inch per day. I have a closed system and everything around the pool equipment is 100% bone dry. I got some dye and tested around the usual suspects (the two light housings) but didn’t seem to detect there. Also, nothing I could see at the bottom of the skimmer basket. Where else should I check? I’m willing to call a leak detection company but only after I’ve exhausted all the things I can do.
Where else to look for leak?
- Thread starter Pepperdinegal
- Start date
If you can, start isolating the plumbing lines. Put plugs in the returns and leave the system off, obviously. No change, put a plug in the skimmer line to the pump. No change, likely the maindrain line.
Forgive my ignorance….so the 10 or so jets I have around the pool, I should plug those up? Where would I purchase those plugs? Are the rubber or screw in?
Would need to see a picture of the return fitting. Do they unscrew? If so, the pipe is probably a 1.5" female adapter. These can be used:
If the port isn't threaded, then these:
Winter Pool Plug for 1-1/2 Inch Fitting - # 10
This number 10 pool plug creates a tight seal for a 1-1/2 inch PVC fitting. Rubber winterizing pool plugs are vital to closing your pool. Safely seal off inground plumbing lines during freezing conditions! Winter freeze plugs are used to plug your swimming pool pipes after they have been drained...
www.poolweb.com
Okay, so I’m still trying to narrow down the leak I have. I’ve figure out it’s pressure side bc it only leaks when the pump is on. Now I’m trying to isolate if it’s spa side of pool side. When my pump is on, all returns are being used and the spa overflows to the pool. How do I set it up so that only the pool returns are being used?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Do you have the handles for your actuators?
The handle positions tell us how the valves are set. Without them we have no idea.
The handle positions tell us how the valves are set. Without them we have no idea.
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what that means. I typically just use the iLink app on my phone unless I need to put it into service mode to clean the filters.
Okay, I did some research and I think I know what you’re talking about. There is the black actuator box that sits on top of the pipes. That acts as a diverter, correct? It looks as if when it’s turned clockwise, it puts it into “spa mode” so only the spa returns are activated. Then when it turns counter clockwise, it puts it into “pool mode” where both the pool and spa returns are activated. Does that mean if it continue to turn it counterclockwise it’ll go into the mode where only the pool returns are activated? I don’t have a handle but am guessing I can pick one up at Leslie’s? Is it as easy as manually turning it? I’m guessing not.
Okay, I found the toggle switch on the bottom and it is only set up to have two “modes”. Spa only and pool/spa.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The picture below shows an actuator with a handle on it. The handle only goes on one way. You can see the OFF label on the left. That shows us how the valve is positioned.
Without the handle on we cannot help you in how you turn off the spa flow while in pool mode.
Do not try and turn the handle on the actuator. Someone may have removed the handles to prevent anyone from trying to turn them. But now you need the handles or at least one handle to know where the valve is and manually adjust it.
So buy yourself some Jandy diverter handles. And then we can discuss how you can adjust your valves.
Without the handle on we cannot help you in how you turn off the spa flow while in pool mode.
Do not try and turn the handle on the actuator. Someone may have removed the handles to prevent anyone from trying to turn them. But now you need the handles or at least one handle to know where the valve is and manually adjust it.
So buy yourself some Jandy diverter handles. And then we can discuss how you can adjust your valves.
Okay, went and bought a handle and here are two photos. The first photo shows the position when in “spa mode” the second photo shows the position when in “pool mode” but really that’s with water returning to the pool and spa. Need to figure out how to isolate so only returning to the pool. Thanks in advance for your help!
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You only want to change the spa to not spillover in pool mode as a test? In that case let's not mess with the cams in the actuator.
Your Aqualink system has a Spillover mode that you can enable if you have AUX3 free. Then you can permanently adjust the actuator cam to fully close the spa in pool mode and schedule when your spa spillover runs.
For testing the easiest is to remove the actuator from the diverter so you can turn the valve using the handle.
You can move the handle between the pool pipe and the spa pipe for your tests.
When you are done put the actuator back in its approximate position when you removed it, align the screw holes, install the screws by hand and don't over tighten, do not use power tools on the screws.
Your Aqualink system has a Spillover mode that you can enable if you have AUX3 free. Then you can permanently adjust the actuator cam to fully close the spa in pool mode and schedule when your spa spillover runs.
For testing the easiest is to remove the actuator from the diverter so you can turn the valve using the handle.
- Remove the handle
- Lossen the four orange screws
- Lift the actuator off the diverter valve and put it to the side
- Put the handle on the valve
You can move the handle between the pool pipe and the spa pipe for your tests.
When you are done put the actuator back in its approximate position when you removed it, align the screw holes, install the screws by hand and don't over tighten, do not use power tools on the screws.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I want to note that it looks like your actuator in spa mode leaks water into the pool.
It may be the camera angle but the handle should be perfectly aligned with the pipes as shown by the yellow line to fully shut the pool pipe.
It looks like it is partially open as shown by the red line.
We can discuss how to adjust the actuator cams to change this.
It may be the camera angle but the handle should be perfectly aligned with the pipes as shown by the yellow line to fully shut the pool pipe.
It looks like it is partially open as shown by the red line.
We can discuss how to adjust the actuator cams to change this.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,226
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
And how to enable spillover mode in your Aqualink is explained in Jandy Aqualink RS - Further Reading