I did the "bucket test" (twice). First test was during the day. Photo of second test done overnight from 6:00PM to 6:00AM the next day. I did not have a tall enough bucket to put it on the second step. I imagine there won't be much evaporation at night. I did the dye test (purchased a leak test kit) with pump off, main drain open and close, skimmer valve open and close, on all the returns, skimmer, one light, and two main drains (multiple times). Dye just hovers in the area and eventually disperses upwards. I also checked around the area where there are chipped off plaster (?) Nothing. My pool is just open all year long and I typically refill once a week. Now, it's every other day.
Aside from hiring a professional find the leak. I have some questions:
1. How long can I have my pool (plaster) without water? Pool is constructed in ground and surrounding area was backfilled so I'm not worried about ground water.
2. Can I just monitor the water level and see if it keeps going down pass the skimmer, and the returns? If the water level stays reasonably below the skimmer or returns, then I can say the leak is coming from either the two main drains. If it still keeps going down, then it's from one of the main drains.
I don't mind not having a pool. I'm just worried of damaging the pool without water or water level too low.
Aside from hiring a professional find the leak. I have some questions:
1. How long can I have my pool (plaster) without water? Pool is constructed in ground and surrounding area was backfilled so I'm not worried about ground water.
2. Can I just monitor the water level and see if it keeps going down pass the skimmer, and the returns? If the water level stays reasonably below the skimmer or returns, then I can say the leak is coming from either the two main drains. If it still keeps going down, then it's from one of the main drains.
I don't mind not having a pool. I'm just worried of damaging the pool without water or water level too low.
