Main Drain Was Leaking, Gunite Pool

[Lippy42]

Hello,

We went to open our pool in early June, pool had about 2 feet of water on the bottom. Called a company that plugged the main drain for about $200. They say they can fix the leak to allow us to use the main drain again, however, it will require some jack hammering around the drain. They said the issue is likely the nylon fitting, which deteriorates over time (this is a pool from the 1960's/70's). They said they may have to drill through the shell of the pool, if the main drain pipe is leaking. They estimate the repair will cost around $900 either way. They said they can come in a week or two to fix it. The pool is about empty now.

Given my current situation. Is it worth fixing the main drain? If I fix this drain, will this issue just come back to drain all of my water in a year or two? Will the jack hammering around the drain, damage the gunite elsewhere due to vibrations? Should I abandon the main drain and just rely on the plug for now? Will the plug be enough to prevent this pool from leaking long-term? I want to do the best long term solution, now is the time. With that said, I probably won't be able to replaster the pool for at least a few years, maybe longer.

-Xavier

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP
Main drains are not necessary. It would be good to know how many skimmers you have and also how many pipes feeding your suction side of the pump. Maybe post a picture.

My concern would be you are reducing 1 suction pipe. If you have multiple others then no big deal.

Also, are you comfortable that I’d you don’t repair the main drain that it won’t leak and lose pool water? An they seal the main drain completely to avoid any leaks?

 

[Lippy42]

Thank you for the quick reply. This pool has one skimmer. On the bottom of the skipper are two pipes. One goes out to the pool pump/filter and one goes down to the main drain.

 

[1poolman1]

Most pools are plumbed the way yours is. You can live without a main drain, especially if you have any type of automatic pool cleaner.

 

[Lippy42]

Is there any downside to getting it repaired, if the pool is already empty?

 

[1poolman1]

Other than cost, no downside.

 

[Lippy42]

I don't have to worry about the integrity of the gunite, from being cut open/around? The company did say they would replaster around where they need to cut into.

 

[1poolman1]

I don't have to worry about the integrity of the gunite, from being cut open/around? The company did say they would replaster around where they need to cut into.

Its done all the time. Without a refinish of the pool, likely, you will always see the repair as new plaster won't match old.

 

[Lippy42]

Its done all the time. Without a refinish of the pool, likely, you will always see the repair as new plaster won't match old.

Is there a reasonable amount of time that I should expect the main drain fix to last, versus just having the drain plugged?

 

[1poolman1]

The proper repair will last the lifetime of the pool. If this is a plaster pool, it should not be left dry for much longer.

 

[Lippy42]

The proper repair will last the lifetime of the pool. If this is a plaster pool, it should not be left dry for much longer.

The repair would be the weekend after next. This pool does have plaster over gunite. Should I be spraying the plaster with water until the repair occurs? Is this to prevent cracking of any sort?

 

[1poolman1]

The repair would be the weekend after next. This pool does have plaster over gunite. Should I be spraying the plaster with water until the repair occurs? Is this to prevent cracking of any sort?

Yes. The recommendation is that pool plaster should not be kept dry for more than about 5 days. Spray it often.

 

[Lippy42]

If I also do a replaster of the pool, do I need to worry as much about keeping the plaster that I have now, wet?

 

[HermanTX]

If you do a replaster - ensure they chip away the old plaster such that you have a better bond to the gunite shell.

 

[Lippy42]

If you do a replaster - ensure they chip away the old plaster such that you have a better bond to the gunite shell.

Ok I will be sure to ask about this. I also have a line of tile around the top side of the pool. Is there any benefit, other than aesthetics, to keep this line of tile around the top? Just thinking it may be cheaper for the replastering if we don't need to retile that line.

 

[1poolman1]

The tile line serves two purposes. First, it keeps the plaster below water level or it would all crack and fall off. Second, it looks good. Tile does not have to be replaced when a pool is refinished.

 

[HermanTX]

Ok I will be sure to ask about this. I also have a line of tile around the top side of the pool. Is there any benefit, other than aesthetics, to keep this line of tile around the top? Just thinking it may be cheaper for the replastering if we don't need to retile that line.

When they do a replaster, they will chip out all of the existing plaster. They will also chip a little deeper under the tiles such that as they add the new plaster it will come up flat to the existing tiles. So it all looks cohesive. Additionally, they will also do this around the pool returns and they should also replace all pool return nozzles and drain covers. Everything will look just like new.
You can also have them clean the waterline tiles to remove all scrum before they do the plaster.