Cracks in Skimmers: what are the implications and how to deal with it?

[BullishBear]

Noticed the cracks (snapshots attached) in the Skimmer walls and they seem to be patched up in the past by the previous seller. Those patches seems to be wearing out.

What are the potential implications I should watch out for? I have 0.375 inches of water loss over 24 hours (measured it 3 times on no-rain days in the last 2 months). I guess it’s normal evaporation loss? Or could it be due these cracks?

How to go about it? Is it a DIY or requires professional help?

 

[ajw22]

It can be worthwhile trying to fix a skimmer crack with epoxy and seeing if it holds.

Repair products members have used includes:

• PC11 Epoxy
• Plast-aid
• Atlas Epoxy Pool Putty

Skimmers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

Looks like you are experiencing the lovely soil shifting we have in our region. We have some of the worst (clay) soil. The problem - water loss and potential erosion of soil/base material or perhaps swelling with our clay soil. Try the repairs again. If you can't salvage the skimmer, then you'll probably need to make a call to have someone break-up that concrete and remove/replace the skimmer. $,$$$

 

[BullishBear]

Thank you @ajw22 @Texas Splash. I will try patch fix. I know there will normal water loss due to evaporation and wind but based on your experience how does 0.375 inches of water loss over 24 hours sounds like?

 

[ajw22]

0.375 could be normal evaporation.

Evaporation of Pool Water - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

Down here it's been exceptionally windy for about a week. If you are getting half the wind we are it's taking water with it.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

When the skimmer excavation is refilled with earth it’s hard to obtain the proper compaction of the surrounding fill due to tight quarters to work with.
leaving the excavation open and filling the void with Shotcrete on top of undisturbed soil helps with stability of the skimmer.

 

[BullishBear]

Thanks all! And wow, it is eye-popping to look at the bare bones of the pool! Hoping, the pool putty me will save me!

 

[BullishBear]

@ajw22 Got Atlas Epoxy Pool Putty from Amazon because this is the only one in the aforementioned options that can be applied underwater and no no-wet cure time! Will be trying it out soon. While the instructions say that it can be applied under water, is it recommended to do this in dry conditions?

 

[ajw22]

I think it is always easier to apply in the dry then underwater.