Above ground Spa Return leak HELP

[spottedleopard]

hi i was wondering you had any idea of what tools i would need to remove 2 stones from my spa coping so we can get access to the plumbing. I know i need to chisel out grout on top and sides but what would i use on the sides where the stone is mortared to the sides? i don’t want to accidentally crack the stone when trying to get it off.
Our spa return lines are leaking and this is the only way to access them. The flagstone is 2 inches thick. The stones lay on top and plumbing is visible underneath so hollow between outside and inside walls.

 

[PoolGate]

I think the chisel is a valid method but you could perhaps try a power saw or even an oscillating tool. I would be prepared for the stone to break though and if it doesn't, that's a bonus.

 

[Jimrahbe]

SL,

What makes you think that your spa return lines are leaking? And, if they are, since they are all connected together, how do you know you are "digging" in the right spot?

Just want to make sure you are going down the correct path.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Those lines for the returns are going to be buried deep in the wall. Your coping sits at just above the level of the Hartford loop on the air lines. The return plumbing is probably 8-10” below that. Is it just one cracked area? How do you plan to chisel down into the gunite to get to it?

 

[spottedleopard]

SL,

What makes you think that your spa return lines are leaking? And, if they are, since they are all connected together, how do you know you are "digging" in the right spot?

Just want to make sure you are going down the correct path.

Thanks,

Jim R.

I shinned my flashlight into the side return jet pipe- at the back of the pipe where it turns 90 degrees down there are visible cracks.

 

[spottedleopard]

Those lines for the returns are going to be buried deep in the wall. Your coping sits at just above the level of the Hartford loop on the air lines. The return plumbing is probably 8-10” below that. Is it just one cracked area? How do you plan to chisel down into the gunite to get to it?

Yes Im trying to save some money by taking the stones off myself. Ive been quoted over $1000 just to remove the stones. I was hoping to get with a pool builder after that to see how we tackle the plumbing repair.

 

[spottedleopard]

Those lines for the returns are going to be buried deep in the wall. Your coping sits at just above the level of the Hartford loop on the air lines. The return plumbing is probably 8-10” below that. Is it just one cracked area? How do you plan to chisel down into the gunite to get to it?

any chance I could use fix-a-leak to temporarily repair?

 

[spottedleopard]

I shinned my flashlight into the side return jet pipe- at the back of the pipe where it turns 90 degrees down there are visible cracks.

Ive run isolation tests on all my returns and suction lines. Pool only leaks when in pool mode with water returning to spa overflowing to pool.

 

[Jimrahbe]

SL,

Does the Spa water level drop, when in the spa mode, without the spillover running?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[spottedleopard]

yes about an inch- overnight. we replaced check valve.