Mystery Leak in in ground pool

[FormerMurkyLagoon]

10,000 gallon in ground gunnite pool. Professionally resurfaced with Krystalkrete 2017. Main drain in bottom that has been capped off w threaded fittings and Teflon tape. Dye test at main drain showed no leak. Property is on the Florida coast.

Pool has a mystery leak and will completely drain if not continuously refilled. Can a pool leak through the walls? If yes, how do I find such a leak?

 

[ajw22]

There is a point where you need to call in the pros and a leak detection company. They have specialized equipment like from Anderson Manufacturing Company, Inc. to find leaks.

 

[jimmythegreek]

If the pool will empty itself it has to be main drain. It could be from around the drain not necessary to be from plumbing or a crack in the plaster on bottom

 

[Jimrahbe]

F,

When you say that the pool will "empty" did you actually let it, or are you assuming it will empty?

With the pump off, how far did you let it drain down? As Jimmy points out, if you let it drain down below the light and the returns (eyeballs) then the problem has to be main drain related...

Just to make sure we are all on the same page, is there any difference in the rate of water loss with the pump on vs. off?

If the main drain is capped off and it is actually leaking between the plumbing and the gunite, it should be pretty obvious using a dye marker.

How much water loss do you get each day??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[FormerMurkyLagoon]

F,

When you say that the pool will "empty" did you actually let it, or are you assuming it will empty?

With the pump off, how far did you let it drain down? As Jimmy points out, if you let it drain down below the light and the returns (eyeballs) then the problem has to be main drain related...

Just to make sure we are all on the same page, is there any difference in the rate of water loss with the pump on vs. off?

If the main drain is capped off and it is actually leaking between the plumbing and the gunite, it should be pretty obvious using a dye marker.

How much water loss do you get each day??

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks, Jim. Great questions. We actually let it drain to where there was only two feet of water left. The main drain was all that was left below water. The main drain has been plugged with a threaded fitting and the pool refilled. We lost about 1.5-2” in 19 hours from yesterday to today.

Started detailed measurements today to document water loss and measurement time. He’ll get a dive tank tomorrow and redo the dye test at the drain, focusing on the underside of the flange.

Open to other suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[FormerMurkyLagoon]

If the pool will empty itself it has to be main drain. It could be from around the drain not necessary to be from plumbing or a crack in the plaster on bottom

Ok. We’re going to redo the dye test tomorrow around the main drain while using a dive tank to avoid rushing.