It's Official I have a Leak

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Phillbo

Phillbo

0
Oct 9, 2007
81
Scottsdale, AZ
Started losing a lot of water about a week ago (after first use of the season) so I did the bucket test and confirmed it's not just increased evaporation due to the weather heating up. I shut everything down and let it sit for 3 days and it leaked down to the level of the skimmer and appears to have stopped so I can safely assume it's a leak in the plumbing.

So, I'm in search of a leak detection specialist and am curious about your opinion on the best method I should search out. What is the best leak detection process? I want to educate myself on the process before starting the search.
 
It could be the skimmer itself and not the plumbing. Put a plug (or plugs) in the skimmer pipes (make sure your pump can’t turn on). Then fill the pool back up. If the level does not change, then the plumbing is suspect. If it continues to leak, it’s the skimmer seal to your gunite shell.

Is the ground wet around the skimmer?
 
Phillbo said:
Great idea on the plugs. Any info on where to buy them and what size to get?

No sign of water anywhere around the pool or in the lawns....
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Pool stores sell expandable plugs for all sizes of pipes. You just need to know what size pipe is connected to your skimmer or go an measure it. A suitable sized rubber stopper might work to in a pinch and those can be had at most hardware stores. Just be careful not to drop anything down the pipe...
 
I had a similar issue on my pool a while back. The water stopped at the bottom of the skimmer. The joint between the plastic skimmer and the tile was the culprit. Used some underwater caulk to repair - quite simple.
 
Phillbo said:
I see that the caulking at the joint between the skimmer and tile does appear to be old and flaking. I may try this before calling out a pro. What kind of caulk do i need to use?
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Make sure you remove all the old caulk and follow the instructions to a tee..here's a few things you can examine to get going...tstex

Underwater Sealant for Swimming Pools and Spas - AquaFlex

Underwater glue, adhesive and sealant for all underwater repairs

BEST Underwater Caulk Adhesive Glue Sealant - YouTube
 
Phil
Why risk using something that may hold while there are products designed to hold? I'm a "get it right the first time" guy. Also, there shouldn't be a huge difference in cost btw Silocine and underwater caulk...good luck
 

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It's not just about whether it can dry underwater or not, but about whether it can live underwater after it's dry. That's what tstex is telling you. The caulking needs to be rated for underwater use, and unless it is specifically designed for that purpose, and says it's for that purpose, then you're gonna be sorry when it poops out. Because trying to get silicon seal out from inside a crack is a nightmare...

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Oh, and "water proof" is not the same thing as marine-grade under-the-waterline sealant (for salt water, no less).
 
That looks to have the right properties for underwater. I'd take an extra five minutes and call 3M support to verify it's going to be OK for the two materials you're sealing. Otherwise see if they recommend something better.

3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 is a one-component, high-strength, moisture-curing, gap-filling polyurethane for permanent bonding of wood, gelcoat and fiberglass. It cures to form a firm, rubbery, waterproof seal on joints and boat hardware, above and below the waterline. This product has been trusted throughout the marine industry for over 50 years.
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Phillbo said:
What do you recommend?
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Me? Just what I said. Call 3M's support line and verify that that's their best product for your application. It probably is. Or ask them what would be. I'd just want to make sure whatever I used was going to stick to what I was going to put it on, because like I mentioned, if it "half sticks" and you have to dig it out of some narrow crevice, especially if it gooped back in there a ways, that could be a real chore. And upside-down from the deck? Or while treading water? Worth a five minute call... You said "tile and skimmer" but not specifically what the materials are. 3M is spec'ing "Wood, Gelcoat And Fiberglass" for that product, so that's the red flag...

Sika would be another good resource to call. They probably have exactly what you need.

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This sounds like the right stuff, if you got the dough. Still cheaper than a visit from a leak detector...

Underwater Sealant for Swimming Pools and Spas - AquaFlex
 
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