How do I find the leak?

[MikeFL]

I noticed what I thought was pavers settling. However, after I started taking them out, I saw a 3 to 4 inch gap below a large section surrounding my water leveler.

I assume this has to be a leak and also assume it is the PVC going to the leveler.

I plan to dig in the sunken area to expose the pipes, feel free to give me any advice on locating the leak.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mike,

I am not sure I would assume anything at this point.

It does make sense to dig around the autofill and see if you can identify any leaks.

Hard to tell in the pics, but I don't see anything that is wet.

It could be that your problem is surface water findings its way past your pavers and into the ground.

What plumbing, if any, is on the pool-water side of your pics?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MikeFL]

Good call … I dug down and everything is dry. Perhaps they didn’t compact as well here? I ran water out of the leveler for 15 minutes and I do not see a drop of water around the PVC.

I have a return 4 feet to the left of the leveler and waterfall to the right.

The lowest spot was right next to the leveler.

Should I dig down to the return? Perhaps I fill in, level the area, tamp it down, replace pavers and see if it happens again?

 

[MikeFL]

Close up

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mike,

I this were my pool; I'd probably dig a couple of exploratory holes over next to your closest pool return looking for anything wet.

From your pics, I don't see any evidence of a leak.

If everything is dry, then I'd compact things and reinstall the pavers.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MikeFL]

Appreciate the tip, I’ll check my return next. Would you also check the skimmer to the right of the leveler?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mike,

Well, you got all the pavers already removed and it can't hurt.

Does your pool actually have a water leak, or did the displaced pavers cause you to assume there is a water leak?

Skimmers are known for having water leaks, so now would be the time to confirm everything is dry.

At least your "dirt" looks easy to dig in. I live in Texas where you almost have to use dynamite to install a water sprinkler system.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MikeFL]

It was probably just a bad assumption on my part as there was no evidence of a leak as far as water level dropping, I was just surprised at seeing a 4 inch gap below the pavers as I was pulling them up.

Good chance the paver installers did a poor job and compacting around the leveler.

 

[MikeFL]

I should probably add that we raise the pool deck 3 feet with fill dirt, a.k.a. Florida sand, so yes, it’s very soft