So this is my first time posting on this site. I have a gunite pool that was completed in Sept/2014. I've always had to add water throughout the pool season ever since the pool was completed. I just thought that was normal due to evaporation, etc. I would fill the pool to where it was almost over flowing when I would leave on vacation and by the end of the week my neighbor would be over adding more water to keep half way up tile line. I've done the bucket test and I lose the same amount of water whether pump is on or off over a 24hr period. I've tried closing skimmer line, while using main drain only and running for 24 hrs and I lose same amount of water. I then close main drain and go through skimmer line and same result. Based on this I've been told the leak is in the shell of pool, lights, drains, returns, etc. I called the pool builder and they sent out their pool service company. They plugged all returns, skimmer line and shut off pump, told me to wait 24hrs and call back to let them know if I lost water. Same result, about an inch of water loss! They also said they did a dye test around the lights and didn't detect any leaks. I doubt they took out the lights and checked behind lights though. Would this need to be done to rule out the lights? They are now telling me they may need to have a guy come out in scuba gear to check main drain. I've told the builder that I've always had to add water since it was finished. I've been letting hose run for 35-40 minutes each night for the past two weeks. The pool company doesn't seem too concerned about it.. Do I pay the $399 and have a leak detection company come out. I know I'm rambling on here! I can upload pictures of pool if that helps. I would appreciate any advice from the forum!
Pool Leak!
- Thread starter jwil2121
- Start date
Hi, welcome to TFP! Have you ever let the pool leak down to see if it would stop on its own? The leak is at the level where the pool stops draining. You can check for leaks behind the light without taking the light out. Squirting dye around the light with the pump off would show if dye was getting sucked in behind the light. You could check the main drain yourself by diving down with a helper to plug it, then see if you lose water.
Thanks for the response. The pool company squirted dye around the lights in spa and pool and said there were signs of a leak at the lights. I have not tried to let the pool leak down to see where it would stop. I of course would have to leave all equipment off for this, correct? I did drain the water in the spa below the returns because they didn't plug those lines, plugged the skimmer drain, shut valve off on man drain and shut pump off for 24hrs. I didn't notice much water loss at all when I did this. The pool company told me they think it may be the main drain but would need to hire a person with scuba equipment. So you are saying take the two covers off and then plug the main drains? Can I leave pump on after doing this sense the skimmer line will be open or should I shut off pump for 24hrs?
Yes, you would take the covers off and plug the main drains. Mark the water level and leave the pump off for 24 hours. Mark the new water level to see if any was lost.
blakeusa
In The Industry
To get to the problem quickly I would hire a leak detection specialist. Then you can decide if you can repair it yourself or have a pro do it. There are common issues; skimmers, hydrostatic valves in main drain, light niches.. I fill the wire run at the pool with a heavy dose of silicone.. and leaks at fittings and hard line cracks. It's really trial and error unless your a pro and have the special pressure testing tools and experience. B
For starters,
Where is the water level when you open the pool, discounting any winter cover pumping you may or may not do.
The most common shotcrete pool leak is the skimmer to shell interface. Just FYI
Don’t pull the drain covers, it’s not time for that.
Where is the water level when you open the pool, discounting any winter cover pumping you may or may not do.
The most common shotcrete pool leak is the skimmer to shell interface. Just FYI
Don’t pull the drain covers, it’s not time for that.
PoolguyinCT- When I open pool in Spring the water level is usually below skimmer. I try to keep below tile line throughout winter, but only have to pump out water a few times. There aren't any visible signs of water leaking at equipment or around pool but assuming this is common. The ground has settled some here recently in front of the equipment above where plumbing comes in.
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blake- Yes, I've called one leak specialist and cost was $399 to diagnose problem. I wasn't expecting these issues with a new pool but maybe it's more common than I think.
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blake- Yes, I've called one leak specialist and cost was $399 to diagnose problem. I wasn't expecting these issues with a new pool but maybe it's more common than I think.
There are two types of pools, those that leak & those that will leak.