Skimmer Leak advice
- Thread starter zeldareuben
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,081
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Your problem is likely that the skimmer is outside the pool expansion joint and no expansion joint was put around the skimmer. The deck is putting pressure on the skimmer and cracking it.
Skimmer cracks are generally the result of settling/movement around and underneath. Ideally it's best to dig up the area, replace any bad items, and re-pack to prevent further movement. It can be worthwhile trying to fix a skimmer crack with epoxy and seeing if it holds.
Repair products members have used include:
The only true fix is a skimmer replacement. Most pool-leak detection companies are able to do that with minimal damage to the deck.
Skimmer cracks are generally the result of settling/movement around and underneath. Ideally it's best to dig up the area, replace any bad items, and re-pack to prevent further movement. It can be worthwhile trying to fix a skimmer crack with epoxy and seeing if it holds.
Repair products members have used include:
The only true fix is a skimmer replacement. Most pool-leak detection companies are able to do that with minimal damage to the deck.
Ok thank you so much - we’ve had a few quakes here recently so I wonder if they were the culprit. The cracks are mostly above the water line so I’m hoping I can do a cheap fix for now. My pool guy suggested possibly filling behind the crack/void with silicone but I dont see any mention of that on the forum. Is it a bad idea?
Thanks again
Jonny
Thanks again
Jonny
If you clean that area well, you could use silicone sealant and completely fill the cracks. It, like any other repair, will be temporary but with that kind of movement might stick longer.
PlastAid will become a part of the plastic as it "welds" to it chemically.
Epoxies are the last I would use as they are rigid, but are only held on by "glue" (basically a band-aid) and will come off if there is movement.
Sadly, at some point, it is going to have to be replaced.
Thanks! I think I’ll try the plast aid first? Is that what you would recommend?
Unfortunately the pool is still dropping even though it’s below the crack. I have had equipment iff and it has dropped about an inch per day. It’s a 10k gallon pool so that is something like 200 gallons per day I think.
I dye tested the skimmer and surround and it’s doesn’t seem to be drawing water so I’m trying to find the culprit.
Next I’ll be checking the light fixture and drains.
Thanks
Unfortunately the pool is still dropping even though it’s below the crack. I have had equipment iff and it has dropped about an inch per day. It’s a 10k gallon pool so that is something like 200 gallons per day I think.
I dye tested the skimmer and surround and it’s doesn’t seem to be drawing water so I’m trying to find the culprit.
Next I’ll be checking the light fixture and drains.
Thanks
For whatever it's worth, I had good luck with this Amazon Marine silicone sealant, and also a "3M Marine Sealant Fast Cure 5200" from Home Depot, when working on my skimmer leak. Turned out to be the skimmer bezel area in the skimmer inlet that was my culprit. I'd use the first if you think you'll ever want to open up the joint you're sealing. The second would be good for an epoxy-style "I want this crack permanently closed!" version of a repair.
Good luck!
3M 3 oz. Marine Fast Cure Adhesive Sealant PN05220 - The Home Depot
Visit the Home Depot to buy 3 oz. Fast Cure Adhesive Sealant 05220
www.homedepot.com
Good luck!
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