Draining Pool below returns - Is this a problem?

[caliskier]

I have a small 3/16" per day leak in my vinyl liner pool. I am getting ready to close, I just drained the pool an inch below the skimmers and still have the 3/16" leak. I do not believe it is the plumbing as I sealed all pluming except for the drain and still had the leak. I know you can drain vinyl pools too far...what I want to know is this...

1. Is there a problem with draining below the returns? - Trying to rule out that the place where the return connects to the liner is/is not the culprit
2. I read here that 8" above the shallow end is about the farthest you can go, definitely stop if the walls start to pull away. How far does TFP recommend is the max?

Thanks in advance folks...

 

[banditig]

Hi, I just read in pool school you can use food coloring to help find leaks. maybe try that around returns?

 

[caliskier]

I have done that, I just need to know how low I can drain and if past the returns is ok. Thanks though.

 

[caliskier]

Any help with how far is the max you should drain a liner pool?

 

[JVTrain]

You can drain a vinyl lined pool as low as leaving 1 foot of water in the shallowest part of the pool without risk of the liner shifting. However, if you have a high water table around the pool or have recently gotten significant rainfall, lowering the water level could allow some water in the ground to seep behind the liner and bubble the liner inward. This is usually only a problem in low lying areas after significant rain fall or pools with poor drainage around them.

 

[caliskier]

Thanks, will be careful with the lowering, if I find it now, before closing I don't have to worry about it this winter.