- Oct 12, 2013
- 38
I've been suspecting that our inground gunite pool may have a leak. I searched this site and found the suggestion to do a bucket test. I have done two bucket tests. The first one indicated that there was approximately an inch difference over 24 hours between pool loss and bucket loss. I did a second test and over 36 hours had a 1-1/4" differential loss. First part of test was with pump off and then last with pump on. There didn't seem to appear to be a difference in water loss with pump on or off. The loss was about same over the two periods. My starting point for the test is halfway up the skimmer.
The reason I mention that is because since having the pool, we have noticed that when we get a hard rain and water reaches top of pool, it will not overflow. Once rain stops, the water will drop to mid skimmer rather quickly. Couple hours I would say. We bought house with the pool, have had 2-1/2 years, and assumed that was an overflow feature. We had the pool resurfaced 2 years ago and I can't recall if pool dropped in level like that before resurface. Being new pool owner, I was busy trying to keep water clear. I did mention it to the pool guy who did the work but he said it was normal. I believed him. But now I'm wondering if maybe connected. That large leak up in skimmer that may be propagating down some slowly.
Another suspicious area is the light. After resurface, I noticed water was getting in the light. We had the gasket replaced but I think toward end of last summer I saw water again.
My question for now is next steps. We are leaving for vacation tomorrow for 5 days. I feel uncomfortable leaving pool with pump to kick on daily and not sure if level will stay above skimmers. As much as I hate to leave pump off, I was going to turn off while we are gone. I thought this may be a good time to lower the level to below the skimmer and do a bucket test while we are gone. Any issues with doing that? Something else I should try?
Thanks for any suggestions
The reason I mention that is because since having the pool, we have noticed that when we get a hard rain and water reaches top of pool, it will not overflow. Once rain stops, the water will drop to mid skimmer rather quickly. Couple hours I would say. We bought house with the pool, have had 2-1/2 years, and assumed that was an overflow feature. We had the pool resurfaced 2 years ago and I can't recall if pool dropped in level like that before resurface. Being new pool owner, I was busy trying to keep water clear. I did mention it to the pool guy who did the work but he said it was normal. I believed him. But now I'm wondering if maybe connected. That large leak up in skimmer that may be propagating down some slowly.
Another suspicious area is the light. After resurface, I noticed water was getting in the light. We had the gasket replaced but I think toward end of last summer I saw water again.
My question for now is next steps. We are leaving for vacation tomorrow for 5 days. I feel uncomfortable leaving pool with pump to kick on daily and not sure if level will stay above skimmers. As much as I hate to leave pump off, I was going to turn off while we are gone. I thought this may be a good time to lower the level to below the skimmer and do a bucket test while we are gone. Any issues with doing that? Something else I should try?
Thanks for any suggestions