Help pinpoint a leak

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Jacquelyn1215

Jacquelyn1215

Well-known member
Jun 1, 2021
79
Austin TX
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
We’ve been dealing with a leak issue since our pool was filled on March 7. Once it was filled, we noticed ~1” loss overnight. We had a leak detector come out and found the lights were the source of the leak which were fixed on March 21. We kept the auto-fill off for a few days thereafter to ensure the leak was fixed and it was, so we turned it back on. Pool was fine for about a week maintaining water levels. About a week and a half later we noticed the water levels dropping again indicating a leak. The only place we can see water is on the ground near one of the skimmers but that has been ruled out as leaking (via dye test).

We talked to the leak detector again this a.m. and he is going to try to get back out here today/tomorrow but he seems skeptical that it could be the lights again (he said once it’s been taped, it’s rare to happen again). Any ideas on where else to look/what it could be?? No signs of water anywhere.
 
You know the old saying.... "never say never". :brickwall: By "taped" I would assume they did an epoxy or butyl tape patch at the back of the light where the conduit enters? While a fairly common practice, it's not 100% guaranteed. Shame this is happening in such a brand new pool. Unless I'm missing part of the equation, that would indicate (IMO) the niche wasn't packed/backfilled well and/or the ground settled rather abruptly to crack the conduit. As for the skimmer, it may still be suspect. Either way I would try to work peacefully but firm in the fact that the contractor (or sub) really need to make this right. A pool barely a month old having these issues is disappointing.

I'll ask @1poolman1 for some industry feedback just in case I missed something. Good luck!
 
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Texas Splash said:
You know the old saying.... "never say never". :brickwall: By "taped" I would assume they did an epoxy or butyl tape patch at the back of the light where the conduit enters? While a fairly common practice, it's not 100% guaranteed. Shame this is happening in such a brand new pool. Unless I'm missing part of the equation, that would indicate (IMO) the niche wasn't packed/backfilled well and/or the ground settled rather abruptly to crack the conduit. As for the skimmer, it may still be suspect. Either way I would try to work peacefully but firm in the fact that the contractor (or sub) really need to make this right. A pool barely a month old having these issues is disappointing.

I'll ask @1poolman1 for some industry feedback just in case I missed something. Good luck!
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I hope it's just the light (again), or the skimmer... just seemed odd that everything seemed to be fixed and now it's back. Maddening. We worked with BYOP which has had its positives and not so positives - the latter being now when we're the ones trying to get the trades back out here to help solve what is happening because with BYOP, we're the project manager. And everyone seems to want to point the finger at one another. Appreciate the input!
 
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Where do you find someone to do leak detection? Our spa has also been leaking from the time it was filled but just recently realized it was going underneath the deck. But our pool has not had the LED lights installed yet. It's a crock to have a new pool/spa that is leaking from the start.
 
klanel said:
Where do you find someone to do leak detection? Our spa has also been leaking from the time it was filled but just recently realized it was going underneath the deck. But our pool has not had the LED lights installed yet. It's a crock to have a new pool/spa that is leaking from the start.
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Our start-up guy recommended someone locally who is apparently the go-to around here, so we got with him. But before that we had just looked online. There's a company called American Leak Detection which I believe is nation-wide and we had scheduled with them but canceled when we found this local guy. Maybe see if they're in your area?

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. We thought our issue was fixed (for the 2nd time) but after getting an unusually high water bill again 🤦‍♀️ combined with the fact that we're losing salt, we realize it's probably still an issue. Super frustrating, I know. And our pool is also new (finished in March). Quickly learning that it's not terribly uncommon! 😤
 
klanel said:
Our spa has also been leaking from the time it was filled
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Can you isolate the spa? Close the return and drain from the spa. Then when the water level in the spa stops dropping you'll know where the leak is at. If it stops at one of the side wall drain covers, remove the cover and check the coverage of the finish surrounding the pipe. Just a thought.
 
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an1vrsy said:
Can you isolate the spa? Close the return and drain from the spa. Then when the water level in the spa stops dropping you'll know where the leak is at. If it stops at one of the side wall drain covers, remove the cover and check the coverage of the finish surrounding the pipe. Just a thought.
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It may have stopped leaking now since they installed the LED light. I want to make sure before I declare it fixed but it is staying up to the top overnight with the returns closed. Only other difference is that since the pump was connected to the control, it is shutting off sometime during the night where previously it was running 24/7. I don't know if that could make any difference but want to having it running constantly so that everything is the same as it was. But I did have a plug in the LED hole and when the plumber did the dye test, he said the plug was holding. As for the drains, they are on the bottom. I never let it keep dropping because I didn't want the plaster damaged. But your suggestion was the same as the plumber in that regard. Thanks
 
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