Brand new pool... leaking...

[carlos31820]

Have a new vinyl liner pool, still under construction. Pool has a paramount in-floor cleaning system, skimmer, main drain, 6 wall down jets in deep end. Pool dimensions are 16x35ft. 3.5ft in shallow end, 8ft in deep end.

Since filled to capacity this past weekend, pool has been losing water at the rate of about .75 inches a day. I don't recall it leaking before we filled all the way but that doesn't mean it wasn't. Maybe I didn't notice it. The equipment was started for the first time this weekend as well. For the past 24 hours, however, the equipment has been off but the water is still dropping at the same rate as before.

The water is about 40 degrees (Georgia) so the pool builder is telling me they can't do a dye test anywhere with the water being that cold. Builder wants to completely drain the pool so he can pressure test all the plumbing again (including the floor pop-up heads). He says they pressure tested before the deck concrete was poured.

Is there a way to do the dye test from the deck without diving in the pool? I'd like to check all those wall jets, skimmer, and light niche before we drain all the way but I know nothing about pools.

We already drained it after being half full when the liner was being installed and the liner bead rail was not secured in one section. I'm hesitant to drain all 22k gallons without ruling out the light, skimmer, etc.

 

[lborne]

The reason they won't do a dye test is because they don't want to get in the cold water. Do you know anyone with a dry suit? If so, have them do the test for you. Otherwise, wait until the water warms up where you or the pool builder can stand it.

 

[carlos31820]

The reason they won't do a dye test is because they don't want to get in the cold water. Do you know anyone with a dry suit? If so, have them do the test for you. Otherwise, wait until the water warms up where you or the pool builder can stand it.

I don't want to wait that long. That will be many months away. I'm sure he won't want to wait that long for that final payment either. I'm not making that payment until this is resolved. I was just wondering if I could rig something up to dispense dye from the deck without actually getting in the water but I can't think of a way to do it without agitating the water. I don't even know if its possible to see the dye from deck-side. I'm basically brainstorming...

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

Why would you make final payment on a defective product? A newly filled pool that leaks is not a complete pool out of the gate is not a completed pool. This isn't a warranty issue. The warranty has not even begun, IMHO.

Scott

 

[bk406]

You cant do a dye test unless you get in the water. I'm with Scott on this one. A new pool shouldnt leak. If it does, its on the builder at this point and its up to him to fix it. I wouldnt make the final payment until its fixed.

 

[carlos31820]

I wasn't suggesting Im making the final payment before it's fixed. What I meant is that neither the builder or myself are willing to wait until the water is warm enough to get in so we can find the leak. In other words he wants to fix it soon so he can get that final payment as do I.

In his defense, he is definitely working towards resolving the issue and has expressed that they'll have to do whatever it takes to make it right.

He's in the process of pressure testing the plumbing and said if that isn't the issue, he'll hire a leak detection specialist. We spoke to a local company that will put a diver in the pool in a dry suit if they don't find it with their equipment.

 

[Malibu07]

Look for a Diving and Leak Detection company in your area. I have a friend in my area that does that kind of work.

 

[carlos31820]

Thank you Malibu. We put in a call to two local companies.

Builder pressure tested the pressure side (in floor cleaner heads and wall jets) and at least the plumbing checks out. He'll be pressure testing the vacuum side (main drain, skimmer) next.

After that he'll be checking all liner gaskets for the jets, skimmer, etc. Pool was drained below wall jets and light and it looks like the leak may have stopped. Builder said its also possible that the leak is still below water but much slowed due to less water pressure after draining.

The builder seems truly commited to making things right. He has built pools for several friends at work and was highly recommended so at this point I trust his judgement.

 

[mx702]

Were they able to find the source of your leak?

 

[carlos31820]

Re: Re: Brand new pool... leaking...

Were they able to find the source of your leak?

As a matter of fact it was located this morning. I haven't been home to see it. Builder tells me there is a small tear on the top step on each the far right and far left of that top step. My steps are liner-covered, not the white fiberglass type. He is contacting the liner manufacturer about a warranty replacement but he is worried that the warranty may not apply since the tears are not on a liner seam but the edge of the step.

He also said its repairable but I don't know that I want to start off with a patched liner on a brand new pool.

What would you guys do in my situation. Im sure the builder wants to repair so he's not on the hook for a new liner should the warranty not cover this.

I can sympathize with him but im also spending a Crud load of money on this project.

I feel very much out of my element since I have no prior pool experience. I hate having to research all the minutae of pool ownership in order to make these decisions.

I'll see about taking a photo of the tear so you guys can tell me what you think.

 

[heikejohn]

I would not accept a patch job.
He charged you for a brand new liner, you paid for a brand new liner & you should expect a brand new liner.
End of discussion.

 

[dmanb2b]

Sorry to hear that. Although that stinks for the builder, I would insist on a new liner. If that can't be negotiated then request a minimum 5 year warranty on the repair, but that would personally bother me...maybe he can cut you a nice discount if you decide on a patch and it saves him from haveing to put in a new liner and eat the cost. Like you said, I'm sure it cost a pretty penny and you should get what you paid for. The good news is it seems he's willing to make this right

 

[carlos31820]

Well I have great news. The builder called and said what I wanted to hear. He told me its not good business to patch a new liner. He said it will be replaced with a new liner whether the manufacturer honors the warranty or not.

He said if I just recommend him to a single customer it will more than make up for the expense of an additional liner even if he has to pay for it.

Definitely a refreshing customer experience. And he's right, I'll definitely recommend him to anyone after this.

 

[bk406]

Stand up guy!

 

[carlos31820]

Well... the liner manufacturer (Vyn-All) did the right thing and sent the builder a replacement liner under warranty.

The new liner has a modified bead in the top step. The previous liner failure was where the bead ended on both the left and right. New bead tapers off at the ends at a 45 degree angle instead of 90 degrees like the previous liner. Corners of top step are now 45 degree following the grecian shape of the pool. Builder rebuilt top step to match liner.

Liner was installed today. Pool being filled as I type this.