Leaking Pool

[NorthPilot06]

Sorry, I think I posted in the incorrect location before:

Hey all - Our pool's water level drops alarmingly fast with no obviously leaks (at the pump, filter, etc.) - leading us to believe that we have an underground leak. I have to refill the pool (bottom of skimmer basket to overflow drain) on nearly a weekly basis - this is obviously the effect of more than just evaporation.

We live in the DFW metroplex (Coppell) and were hoping to get a specialist on site to diagnose the issue - does anyone have any recommendations for reputable specialists in my area?

Appreciate any help that folks can provide - would like to get this resolved soon!

Michael

 

[zea3]

It does sound like you may have a significant problem. American Leak Detection is probably your best bet. Before you call them out, have you tried to isolate the source of the leak?

First places to check are the waste line if you have a multiport valve on your filter. You can lose quite a bit of water from a faulty multiport valve. If this is a plaster pool check for cracks around the skimmer opening and inside the skimmer. Crumbling plaster or mortar around the skimmer opening may leak. Insert a plug in the skimmer pipe and the main drain pipe (if you have a main drain) and see if the pool continues to leak. Also check behind light niches. If the plugs stop the leak then it is somewhere in your plumbing and the leak detectors should be able to pinpoint were it is so you can examine your repair options.

If the pool has a vinyl liner the usual points for the pool to leak are anywhere where there are openings cut in the liner. Check around stairs, returns, skimmers, light niches, and main drain. You can try allowing the pool to leak until it stops. The leak will be at the level the leak stops.

 

[BlkSer]

Sorry, I think I posted in the incorrect location before:

Hey all - Our pool's water level drops alarmingly fast with no obviously leaks (at the pump, filter, etc.) - leading us to believe that we have an underground leak. I have to refill the pool (bottom of skimmer basket to overflow drain) on nearly a weekly basis - this is obviously the effect of more than just evaporation.

We live in the DFW metroplex (Coppell) and were hoping to get a specialist on site to diagnose the issue - does anyone have any recommendations for reputable specialists in my area?

Appreciate any help that folks can provide - would like to get this resolved soon!

Michael

Hello! We are having American Leak Detection come out next week (their only available date). We are in the same exact situation as far as the amount of water we are losing. I will let you know how this goes and will keep the post updated. Did you ever find out your problem?

1st Cost $375.00 and they are requesting the pool be filled the day they come out. I will fill it up the same day to the level. Gotta save some money somewhere

 

[wmorton1]

Hello! We are having American Leak Detection come out next week (their only available date). We are in the same exact situation as far as the amount of water we are losing. I will let you know how this goes and will keep the post updated. Did you ever find out your problem?

1st Cost $375.00 and they are requesting the pool be filled the day they come out. I will fill it up the same day to the level. Gotta save some money somewhere

Do you have any update on whether the pool leak was found and subsequently repaired? Thank you in advance of your response.

 

[BlkSer]

Do you have any update on whether the pool leak was found and subsequently repaired? Thank you in advance of your response.

Yes so sorry for not updating...the story is

We purchased the house in Oct and we noticed a huge water bill in Nov 2018 ($400+) and also our motor cranking really loud due to being dry. Me as a new pool owner had no idea until reading this forum this was not normal. In Dec 2018 I noticed the water level once again below the skimmer and knew right then I had a major leak.

I called American Leak Detection ("ALD") and had to wait about a week before they sent someone out. I turned the water off to the pool and would occasionally just skim the top of pool until my appointment date to help with care and maintenance. While I was waiting for ALD to show up I personally fired the pool cleaners due to them not informing me in the first place about a possible leak issue. On the day of my ALD appointment I filled the pool to the calcium line and American Leak Detection came out and right away he knew what the problem was. Apparently this same tech was out here a year before and said he remembers the house and pool and knew exactly where it was leaking. He stated he told the previous owner that it would be about $2500 to fix and didn't charge me the $375 assessment fee since he already knew what the problem was. I'm guessing the tech felt bad because I had walked into this problem as the new owner. I told him thank you and would call him back once i got a few estimates.

Luckily the next day I had an appointment with Leslies for a in home quote on a replacement and install of a VS motor replacement. As i was talking to him during the quote process I informed him of the skimmer leak. He said "I know a guy who does this on the side want me to give him a call" and I said sure. A few days later this new guy came and charged me 2000 to install and replace a new skimmer. I only figured to go with this second quote because he was slightly cheaper in price and figured I would be in the $2000 price range either way.

So now for the leak and how it happened. When I moved in I noticed this weird strange item that looked old covered in dirt and leaves by the pool area. I didn't know what this broken/cracked item was at the time but apparently the old owners of the house were using a Pentair Rainbow Vac-mate to assist with skimming inside the skimmer. If your familiar with this system there is a middle metal weighted pole that holds the top to the bottom of a basket and made out of metal while all other parts are hard plastic. So over time and chemicals (im guessing) the metal pole got loose from the basket and got sucked into the suction side of pool which caused a dime sized hole over time from the Pentair's metal pole hammering at the 90 degree elbow during water movement. The installer showed me the damage along with the weighted pole in 2 pieces. Please if your using this system get rid of it quick or make sure everything is tightened if your doing your own cleaning.

This guy did an awesome job and if you are in the Inland Empire or High Desert area PM me if you are having pool problems and I can refer you to this installer if needed. He did great work and I am extremely happy. Had the same guy remove my solar a few months later (old system)