First issue w/ a leak

[PoolPadawan]

This was only our 3rd full summer with the pool and I spent almost half of it doing a SLAM. After that 2-3 week process, we then needed some electrical work updated and I had electricians here 10 days ago to do some bonding work. After that was done, lo and behold, my pool now has some sort of leak. I did have the electricians return just to reassure me that none of the work they did could have caused it (and it seems logical that nothing they did caused an issue), so what I'm left with is a leak that appears to be located somewhere between the level of our lights/just below the skimmer to the top of the pool.

1) I have been adding water every 3-4 days after seeing it go down, so my first question is - should I continue to do that, or should I let it sit longer (and risk all the work I did to SLAM because I can't have the pump running) in the hopes of finding the issue more easily?

2) Where do I even start as far as finding where the problem is? I'm reading everything I can find here, but I also know how insanely responsive people are on this site, so I wanted to get to troubleshooting mode as quickly as possible.

Thanks!

 

[jsygrls]

So living here in Florida , land of pools, I have encountered many of my neighbors pools with leaks and for the most part they have all been skimmer related....I'm not saying ITS YOUR ISSUE but i view the skimmer area " a Achilles heel for pools" . You may want to purchase leak dye kit, their always handy to have and rule this area out. Post any pictures of any suspect pool areas for all to view.

https://www.amazon.com/Detection-Concentrated-Perfect-Background-Complaint/dp/B07JW66D3Z/ref=asc_df_B07JW66D3Z/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8527692185181360818&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011503&hvtargid=pla-2281435178858&mcid=7d68bb6ec5ae34869fc31d86d5cd9a29&hvocijid=8527692185181360818-B07JW66D3Z-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1&th=1

 

[HermanTX]

You can top off your FC to SLAM level and then let the pool level decline to the level of the leak. Just brush the pool daily. You will not be filtering but at least ensuring the water is mixed.
Alternatively purchase a sump pump and put in one end and exit hose at opposite end of pool to circulate.

Light niches and skimmers seem to be areas of concern based on what you have stated. If the pool level decreases below the level of the skimmer then that can most likely be ruled out.

 

[PoolPadawan]

below the level of the skimmer

Quick follow-up question - what would be considered below the level of the skimmer in this case? As of right now, it seems to drain to just below the entire opening to the skimmer. So just below the plastic "frame" leading to the weir door - and also just to the top of our lights - maybe 1/4" of those are exposed. I'll get some pictures when I can get outside later today.

 

[PoolPadawan]

You can top off your FC to SLAM level and then let the pool level decline to the level of the leak. Just brush the pool daily.

Thank you! This is the kind of reassuring advice I needed for my SLAM efforts not to have been in vain!