Leak narrowed down I think

[robmaxfli]

Hello, I decided to neglect my pool because it leaks down so fast. The level of the water has stabilized at the level of the returns. The water is below 2 eyelets and still covering the 3rd. Is this a pretty good sign that its one or more of the return pipes? I have checked skimmer, concrete shell and plumbing areas for leaks as well.
Any advice on how to troubleshoot from this point? I'd love to do it on my own if possible. Here are a couple of photos.
thank you!

 

[Texas Splash]

Is this a pretty good sign that its one or more of the return pipes?

It would seem so. Return jets are often times plumbed together on a single branch line, so unless the leak is visible at the jet itself, it may be difficult to know exactly where in that PVC line (from pool to pad) it could be. That's when pressure testing coupled with a good listening device like a deck plate is extremely helpful to pinpoint the exact location..

 

[TinFoilHat]

You'll need a good leak detecting company to pinpoint this for you. How you fix it will depend on such pinpointing.

 

[robmaxfli]

I need someone that really knows what they are doing (don't we all)

thank you!

 

[robmaxfli]

Hello, looking for a recommendation - thank you

 

[setsailsoon]

My brother lives in Flower Mound and had exceptional service LD service recently. I pinged him for contact info.

Chris

 

[setsailsoon]

American Leak Detection. Pool is 25 years old ~25K gallons and refinished/crack repaired in bottom. He tried a number of low cost companies that "repaired" things that didn't fix the leak. Finally went with this company based on a friend with similar story. They came in with some very sensitive mass balance gear and listening devices that had the leak located within an hour and then did a temp repair and retest to confirm the leak was indeed fixed. $550 flat fee based on pool size and complexity. The leak turned out to be a grout void around a skimmer that water was flowing to from a lot of tile joint grout as well so the flow at any point inside the pool just wasn't large enough to detect with traditional dye flow tests. But when added up he was losing over 1" per day. Now less than .25" and that's pretty normal for evaporation.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[robmaxfli]

thank you Chris - very helpful!

 

[reggiehammond]

You really need to add chlorine and brush it around; even if not using your pump/filter. Don't let the problem get too far away from you, or you'll have one heck of SLAM costing you a lot of $$$ in chlorine to recover.

Leak detection companies can struggle to find leaks in green swamps. It's much easier if the technician needs to enter the pool, which they might refuse if it's too bad.

 

[Newdude]

@mcleod had a great leak detection company and may be near(ish) you.

 

[robmaxfli]

Is it better to fill the pool back up for the leak detection co.?

 

[PoolStored]

Is it better to fill the pool back up for the leak detection co.?

Likely, as they will use dyes or sonic sensors to detect leaks, which require water flowing out...

 

[setsailsoon]

Is it better to fill the pool back up for the leak detection co.?

Yes, I think you'll need to fill the pool. They have a device they drop to the bottom and I believe it measures weight of water column above very precisely and in a pretty short time they can tell that it's declining plus the rate of decline. They also have sonic and dye testers to narrow down the source. Wouldn't hurt to get the pool in shape but I think you should call them to get their input since they are the experts. No need to do more than you need to especially since you may not be as fortunate as my brother was and your leak could be on the bottom and require draining to repair. They did tell him most of the leaks they find are around some penetrations like lights, returns, and skimmers.

Chris