How bad is this leak....and how to troubleshoot

[Veccster]

We started installing the pool in October 2016. Finished it in May 2017 (on hold during winter). Have been using it all summer but suspected a leak - just too busy swimming and enjoying to want to find it. So I've added 8 bags of salt throughout the summer - and run the hose to fill it back up often. Also had to add a lot of CYA and aerate often to maintain PH.

Summer is slowing down and it's time to analyze and find the culprit.

Bucket test confirmed a leak. After 24hrs, the pool dropped approx 3/8 of an inch (.375" or 9.5mm).
If my math is correct, that is 151.47 gallons in just 24 hours - or 6.3 gallons an hour.
How bad is that?
Any suspicions based on that amount of water? Liner seam? Pipe? Leak at return or light seal?

My next step is to redo the bucket test with the returns and skimmers sealed off. Going to try this tonight (if it doesn't rain).

Pool = 648 sq ft
Loss = .375 in = .003125 ft
20.25 cubic feet of water loss
x 7.48 (gal per cubic ft)
= 151.47 gallons of water lost in 24 hrs

 

[zea3]

Let the pool continue to leak while you look for the source. After you do the bucket test with returns and skimmer plugged, if it still fails check around openings in the liner such as skimmer, returns, main drain, lights, ect, with food coloring or leak detection dye. Check seams in the liner as well.

 

[Veccster]

I don't lose prime in my lines (equipment pad is at least 10' above the pool). If it was a pipe problem, wouldn't I lose prime?

Also, if I did suspect a pipe issue, couldn't I do the dye test on the skimmers and returns? If water is being sucked into those ports to replace leaking water, it would suck in the dye too???

 

[Veccster]

Also, I can't continue to let it leak. It will dip below the skimmers and not supply the pump. I don't have a main drain so I can't shut off the skimmers (first time i've ever wished I had a main drain). I need to keep it circulating so I don't end up with a swamp.

 

[aussieta]

well now that you have considered summer over
allow the level to drop
when it gets close to minimum for skimmer turn pump off
keep your chlorine levels up and brush daily to keep it all mixed
if it goes below skimmers/returns then you have eliminated the entire plumbing system
which leaves you with a liner issue