Low water over winter

[BigJD]

Hello,

When my pool closed in October the water was 4-6 inches from the top. Over the winter it has slowly leaked down to around 6 inches below the swimout. It has held at this level for the last month or so. Should I be concerned? What is the likely cause of this? Liner tear? The cover is 3-4 feet deep with water.

I just contracted with my paver guy for the patio build and I want to make sure I am clear before construction begins.

Any help appreciated. TIA

 

[zea3]

Your leak is probably just above the current water line. If you take the cover off you can fill the pool up a couple of inches and do a dye test around any seams or openings if you don't see an obvious hole.

 

[ROB N]

Is the water level at the level of the light or returns perhaps? This could indicate a Leak as zea said at one of these locations or in the liner.

 

[bk406]

If you have 3-4 feet of water on top of the cover, the water loss in the pool is most likely caused by displacement. Could be a hole in the cover and water from the pool is being pushed up onto the top of the cover as well.

 

[BigJD]

Rob - the water level is definitely below any returns I guess it is low enough that it could be at the top of a light. Definitely not lower than a light

 

[BigJD]

 

[BigJD]

 

[BigJD]

It is way too early to open. Should I do anything now? The paver guys start in March, can I open in March or am I asking for trouble?

 

[bk406]

If there is a leak, its probably not in the plumbing. If the returns and suction lines have been plugged off since october, and you did lose all that water to a leak, its either the liner or the light niche.

 

[BigJD]

I seriously can't wait to have the deck on and then get a real cover.

 

[ROB N]

It is way too early to open. Should I do anything now? The paver guys start in March, can I open in March or am I asking for trouble?

If you were to open in march, you just need to be sure that your pump is running anytime you have ambient temps below freezing. Also you will want to cover your equipment pad with something to help to hold in heat. I am using the fabric from an old 9' market umbrella that the frame broke on. It has worked great it is like a heavy duty drop cloth tarp, but i think you can pick up a cloth tarp in the paint section at home depot or lowes. My pool has been open all year and I just have the pump run at night and when the temps are expected to be cooler. But, from following your build I know you live waaaaay north from me... Plus we have had a very mild winter, my pool temp has barely dipped below 50*.

 

[BigJD]

No visible liner issues. Based on the water level I am guessing it is a light niche thing.

 

[BigJD]

And on the plus side my water looked awesome until we pumped the cover water into it. But even still not bad!

 

[CraigMW]

No visible liner issues. Based on the water level I am guessing it is a light niche thing.

I agree. You can see the light fixture right at the water level. It appears you can still dig down behind it if needed to repair the seal on the fixture. Best to get it done before you have the pavers down.

 

[swimcmp]

It is most likely the conduit from the niche from the looks of it. It appears to be at the level of the bung on the back. Could be the threaded joint or a glue joint

 

[bk406]

Could be the housing. If the put the screws in too tight, and really cranked on them, it could have cracked. Thats what happened to mine. A little epoxy and it was good as new. Either way, its an easy fix.

 

[swimcmp]

Yes easy fix before decking is done.

 

[bk406]

Yes easy fix before decking is done.

Mine was fixed after the deck. Still an easy fix.

 

[BigJD]

Okay I come home today to find both lights out of the niches and my control panel taken apart. So I am feeling like I need to get concerned ...

 

[bk406]

They just pulled the lights since thats where they think the leak is. Not sure why the control panel is apart.