Hey there. So as long as we've had the pool, the bottom of the pool wall under the right side of the deck always looks wet. The ground doesn't always look wet, but the wall of the pool at the dirt line looks wet - just in that area. In the attached pic the dirt also looks wet, but that is not always the case. Sometimes it's just the pool wall that looks wet. I'm going to do a bucket test tonight to see if we are losing water, though I don't feel like I'm having to refill the pool any more than usual. Could this be condensation or leftover saturation seeping up, and not a leak? That part of the pool is under the side of the deck where the pool ladder is (kids always getting in and out) and where there is the least amount of sunlight. So I'm not sure if this is something I should be concerned with (assuming I pass the bucket test). Thanks!
Leak or Condensation Possibly?
- Thread starter xfilegirl
- Start date
Toxophilite
Silver Supporter
Is it a lower area? The pool is like a slab area, it takes up ground surface for runoff and evaporation. After a rain and the entire ground becomes wet, ground water is still exiting from under the pool, and seems natural that you would see it dry last under the shaded deck, plus any added water from pool entry and exit.
Yes, lower area. I attached pics - not sure if you can see them? I'm hoping that's all it is. Every time I go over there to do maintenance stuff and I see it wet it makes me nervous. lol 
Toxophilite
Silver Supporter
If you don't have a problem per bucket test, then either normal dry/wet season drainage but should dry out in dry conditions or another constant water source. Turn off any water feed lines a couple days as a test as well. Not sure of your area regarding natural underground seepage that can't be helped.
Certainly looks like a leak to me. I had a similar leak at the bottom where the pool walls are joined together with screws and nuts. The installer did not do a very good job duct taping the screw heads under the liner and an automated pool vacuum that would hit the wall and climb caused holes right at that spot. I since got rid of that vacuum and used my old Hayward aqua bug that is much gentler when it hits the wall.
Hmm interesting....I only have a manual vacuum but I suppose hitting the wall with that vacuum or brush too forcefully could potentially cause the same issue that you had. I guess i'll have to do the bucket test and keep my fingers crossed!
Ok a little update.....I didn't do the proper bucket test yesterday because I figured my kids would use the pool today which would invalidate my results. So, instead, I just measured the water level in the pool (and in a separate bucket as well just to compare) around 8pm last night. I just checked it again now and I had no water loss overnight in either. Measurement is the same. I don't THINK it rained at all last night, but if it did I figure that both the pool and the bucket showing no change might still show me that there is no leak?
Do you think my rough test an OK way to judge if I have a leak?
Oh and that area is pretty dry today...just a bit of a damp mark left over but nothing like yesterday. I just started up the pump. Going to see if i see any new wet spots after that.
Do you think my rough test an OK way to judge if I have a leak?
Oh and that area is pretty dry today...just a bit of a damp mark left over but nothing like yesterday. I just started up the pump. Going to see if i see any new wet spots after that.
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