leak with pump off

[richardc]

I know that I have a suction side leak in my system. I believed that my manifold was leaking air at the t connections so I tried to use some pvc glue, and flex seal. Although it improved the volume of air in the pump basket it didnt completely solve my problem. In any event, I decided to turn my pump off for a few hours, to see if priming would be any easier on re-starting. I closed all my valves (I have 3, 2 skimmer, and one main)and then turned the pump off. All water appeared to remain in the pump basket. I returned 5 hours later to find no water in the pump basket, and that the pool water level dropped quite a bit. Obviously, I have a leak somewhere. This was the first time I had turned the pump off (in another thread my issues with clearing my swamp have been thoroughly discussed). At all other times my pump ran 24/7 with some water loss. It is likely that my shallow skimmer line is the culprit as it seems like it is last to catch prime, and that it draws poorly compare to my deep end skimmer.

Given that I lost water when the system was turned off where do I begin to find the leak? In addition, where would the water in the pump basket have gone. I had the valves closed (I do think my shallow skimmer valve is bad)?

Can you help with a step by step process for tracking down the leak. BTW, a water test on the pump basket proved to be negative, and with the water loss in the pool would the shallow skimmer line be suspect?

 

[AftonJeeper]

Read through the leak detection and suction side air leaks sections, they might provide you some ideas.

The water leaked out of your pump basket because you have a leak somewhere between the valves (if they are good) and the pump or filter. Lube up the O rings on both the pump basket and filter and fix any bad valves.

If you suspect a skimmer is to blame you could turn the valve off and block off the skimmer with a skimmer plug like these.

 

[richardc]

Read through the leak detection and suction side air leaks sections, they might provide you some ideas.

The water leaked out of your pump basket because you have a leak somewhere between the valves (if they are good) and the pump or filter. Lube up the O rings on both the pump basket and filter and fix any bad valves.

If you suspect a skimmer is to blame you could turn the valve off and block off the skimmer with a skimmer plug like these.

Thank you for the leak detection article. I have plugged the skimmers, and the return lines. Of course, I cannot get to the main drain as it is in the deep end. I have marked the water line on the face plate of the skimmer, and will watch this over the next 24 hours.

I am fairly certain that one or more of my skimmer/main drain valves are bad. I do have an air leak that partially imroved with pvc glue and flex seal, but did not totally resolve the problem. As I stated, the water in my pump leaked past my shut off valves, so I know one or more of them are not properly working. I think one of my air leaks are through the valve handles.

However, a larger problem is the water leak than can't be in my plumbing pipes since they are uphill from the pool. Right?

Suggestions?

 

[richardc]

I plugged both skimmer ports, and my return lines. After 24 hours, I lost about 1 inch of water (after plugging), and it appears to be holding at that level. So, with my skimmer lines plugged, I lost water but it apparently stopped at a certain point. I was fearful that my main drain was leaking, but with the leak looking like it has stopped, I think we can rule that out. Assuming, my observations are correct, what could be the culprit(s)? The water level stopped in the lower 1/3 of the skimmer area. Other than the skimmers, there are no other items where water could leak, other than a compromise in the wall vinyl liner. The water level stayed well above the light fixture so that can be ruled out.

Yesterday, I did a very cursory attempt at testing the outer skimmer areas with dye to no avail.

There is no question that I am leaking air in one or more of my suction lines, and I suspect bad shut-off valves amongst other possibilities. But the water loss leak has thrown me. Loss of water to that level must mean the leak is at that level, correct? It can't be the skimmers though could it since they were plugged and I still lost water? Could water in the skimmer escape other than via the plumbing lines?

Thank you !

 

[richardc]

This is the water level after 24 hours. After plugging all ports except the main drain the level dropped one inch.

 

[peirek]

If the water level drop stopped at that level and stayed there (mostly considering evaporation) then you need to look at all things at that level. I am not familiar with your skimmer construction but I see a plate around the hole. Could it be leaking on the side of the skimmer to pool junction? If the water holds at this level for another day, you might try filling to normal level and executing a dye test around the skimmer fronts.