Filled pool on Friday and there’s a LEAK somewhere!

Jump to latest Follow Reply
H

Heather32

Active member
Aug 1, 2019
28
Orlando
Hello,
Our plaster was done Tuesday, acid wash and fill started Wednesday. Pool filling complete by Friday and startup and fittings were placed.
I noticed a leak pretty fast, and now that I think about it I had to add more water even before the start up crew came but didn’t think anything of it at the time. Saturday I literally kept the hose on most of the day to keep water level where it should be. Saturday night I shut the pump off and made sure water was where it should be and went to bed.. we had a pretty good rain last night and it still was low in the morning.
We did owner builder and are beyond stressed at this point. I put a call in with a leak detection company yesterday but probably won’t hear back until Monday.
My husband wants to let it be so we can possibly see where the water goes down to so we can determine the leak.. I’m worried how that will affect the new plaster.. any advice? Should I stop filling it and let it be. It’s just below the tile line now and the plaster is exposed.
Any tips or advise while we wait for the leak detection company to call us back.
First picture is Saturday night and last three are Sunday am.
Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • 7122B4F7-9C17-4862-907F-37E7AAD0A3E5.jpeg
    7122B4F7-9C17-4862-907F-37E7AAD0A3E5.jpeg
    223 KB · Views: 69
  • 5289659E-0918-435D-8B37-6DED053C9CB9.jpeg
    5289659E-0918-435D-8B37-6DED053C9CB9.jpeg
    698.7 KB · Views: 70
  • 1F6074BA-6B42-45A9-BD92-7A5E3FF9AFB0.jpeg
    1F6074BA-6B42-45A9-BD92-7A5E3FF9AFB0.jpeg
    747.3 KB · Views: 66
  • FAB88F85-9232-4798-8F83-5D8DAC9F43B4.jpeg
    FAB88F85-9232-4798-8F83-5D8DAC9F43B4.jpeg
    541.9 KB · Views: 66
  • EDE33A76-8667-42F7-A16F-75129A87246A.jpeg
    EDE33A76-8667-42F7-A16F-75129A87246A.jpeg
    775.6 KB · Views: 61
I've always heard you should not stop filling until full with new plaster, otherwise you will get a ring around the pool on the plaster.

I would keep it full and try to determine where the leak is. I'm sure others will chime it, but dont stop filling.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Heather32
Heather32 said:
should I continue to run my pump?
Click to expand...
For now - yes. Your pump is helping to ensure plaster dust gets to the filter. So continue with the start-up tasks your builder gave you. Since you noticed water leaking before it was full, try closing the main drain (if equipped) to see if that helps. You can still run the pool with just the skimmer(s). Maintain a keen eye for any soggy areas of visible leaks somewhere.

Make sure to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info. It will help everyone here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Heather32
Texas Splash said:
For now - yes. Your pump is helping to ensure plaster dust gets to the filter. So continue with the start-up tasks your builder gave you. Since you noticed water leaking before it was full, try closing the main drain (if equipped) to see if that helps. You can still run the pool with just the skimmer(s). Maintain a keen eye for any soggy areas of visible leaks somewhere.

Make sure to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info. It will help everyone here.
Click to expand...

thank you so much, I’m currently getting water back up in the pool and will turn the pump on.
since we didn’t go through a builder we really have no guidance.. I’ve been told so many different things. It’s been a super stressful few days.
 
Heather32 said:
since we didn’t go through a builder we really have no guidance.. I’ve been told so many different things.
Click to expand...
In that case, the following should help:

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

www.troublefreepool.com

Start-up New Plaster

The first few months are the most criticle for a newly plastered pool. We're here to share best practices to ensure the plaster will last for many years.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

www.troublefreepool.com

Pool Plaster Tips for the Average Homeowner

A quality plaster job can last a homeowner for decades. We help share basic steps that can be taken before, during, and after the plastering of a pool.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
Texas Splash said:
For now - yes. Your pump is helping to ensure plaster dust gets to the filter. So continue with the start-up tasks your builder gave you. Since you noticed water leaking before it was full, try closing the main drain (if equipped) to see if that helps. You can still run the pool with just the skimmer(s). Maintain a keen eye for any soggy areas of visible leaks somewhere.

Make sure to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info. It will help everyone here.
Click to expand...

Where do I update that?
 
Can you post a picture of the equipment so we can see the valves?

Did you have a hydrostatic valve installed and are you certain it was plugged before the fill?

Leaks in new pools are fairly uncommon and when they do occur it's usually something pretty simple. Hopefully that's the case for yours.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Texas Splash

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You did an owner build. Were all the plumbing lines pressurized and seen that they held pressure between the time they were installed and when the plaster was done and equipment installed?
 
Heather32 said:
yes, the first time it failed inspection and they had to come out and make adjustment and then it passed the second time.
Click to expand...

Who is “they” and by inspection you mean not holding pressure? Was the pressure test repeated for how long after repairs?

Are you talking about building inspections?
 

And I have no idea if we did.. ??‍♀️ I don’t know a whole lot about anything. Had someone come out to do pool school with us but electrician didn’t wire something correctly.. so we have to have him come back out before we can set up everything to automation in the app.
My husband has been out of town this whole weekend too so it’s been so fun.. he knows more than I do or can figure out more than I can. Thank god he comes home later tonight.
 
ajw22 said:
Who is “they” and by inspection you mean not holding pressure? Was the pressure test repeated for how long after repairs?

Are you talking about building inspections?
Click to expand...
The plumbers came back out after first failed inspection.
The second inspection was completed and passed the day after the plumbers came back out to adjust some things.
 
I would just focus on the basics for now. Keep it full, add some chlorine so you aren't dealing with algae too and try and figure out the cause of the leak.

Your multi-port valve (black handled valve in front of your filter)... what is that set to? It should be to filter but make sure its not to waste or backwash.
 
Heather32 said:
The plumbers came back out after first failed inspection.
The second inspection was completed and passed the day after the plumbers came back out to adjust some things.
Click to expand...

I do not think you understand what I am asking you about.

The pipes were laid in the ground early in the build. They should have all been caped, tied together and pressurized with a pressure gauge showing that pressure was maintained. This lets any leaks be identified before the pipes are buried under dirt, gunite, and decking. It also lets you see if and trades damaged a pipe during their work.

Once almost all the other work is done, and the pipes still holding pressure, then the pipes are uncapped and equipment installed.

This is different then any building inspections. The inspector does not care if your pipes will leak.
 
ajw22 said:
I do not think you understand what I am asking you about.

The pipes were laid in the ground early in the build. They should have all been caped, tied together and pressurized with a pressure gauge showing that pressure was maintained. This lets any leaks be identified before the pipes are buried under dirt, gunite, and decking. It also lets you see if and trades damaged a pipe during their work.

Once almost all the other work is done, and the pipes still holding pressure, then the pipes are uncapped and equipment installed.

This is different then any building inspections. The inspector does not care if your pipes will leak.
Click to expand...



Yes they pressurized all the pipes.. and our inspector did actually check the pressure to make sure it was where it needed to be.
the plumbing and equipment install was done after gunite for us.
I’m checking with my husband on the rest. ??‍♀️
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply