Hybrid Pool Leak with Photos and Video - ANY HELP MUCH APPRECIATED!

[ajcadoo]

Hey y'all,

Grew up with a pool so know basics but just bought a house with a neglected hybrid pool (concrete bottom/fiberglass walls). Seller disclosed a "$1k leak coming from the steps" but I am doing due diligence to ensure everything is good.

What I've done so far:

1. Drained algae-infested water
2. Replaced about 1000 gallons of fresh, chlorinated water

Have a $600 leak inspector coming out on Thursday but they require the pool to be filled to normal levels, I am worried to fill in current condition.

Current problems:

1. Concrete appears to be peeking through the plaster in some places on steps. How critical is this?
   1. 
2. Joint caulking between wall and floor is peeling in places and cracking. Unsure on the remaining life?
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3. Noticed bubbles coming from a joint as seen in this video. Oddly enough, the food coloring did not want to go into the hole. What is causing this?
   1. IMG_1424
4. Pool deck exhibiting a large concrete face missing with hairline crack in floor, possibly from recent winter freeze? How critical is this?
   1. 

Any feedback is appreciated, is a replaster a good idea? Should I re-caulk before I fill back up? I want to mitigate any additional damage if possible (especially if the leak is significant)

Thanks a bunch!
Josh

 

[mas985]

Plaster is the water barrier so that is definitely a problem. The seam caulking looks like it is leaking from the video. The coping is probably more of a cosmetic issue than leaking as it does not remain wet during normal operation.

 

[ajcadoo]

I removed the old seam caulking and cleaned with a pressure washer. Then reapplied SikaFlex and voila, leak is gone. Cost $30 but about 10 hours of work to clean and replace. Planning to replaster following this season but it appears that the major leak is fixed for now