Pool is Done…I wish

[andy81563]

My pool build is complete after quite a bit of work and I am generally pleased. However, I think I have a problem that is stealing my joy. There appears to be a leak somewhere and now I’ve got to try and find it. I am painfully aware there are multiple places this could be happening so I am just asking for some advice on how to start investigating. Surely I am not the only one who has experienced this.
Thanks in advance.

 

[PoolGate]

Good luck!

Leak Detection

A number of things can cause leaks in your pool. You can learn tricks for leak detection and how to pinpoint where your pool is losing water.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[andy81563]

Thank you, Poolgate for that article. I do have a small leak on the equipment pad I know about but it doesn’t appear to be large enough to account for the amount of water loss. I will fix that leak first obviously.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Andy,

How big is the leak per day??

Does it leak the same when the pump is running, vs. when the pump is off??

I suggest that you enjoy the pool this season and then, when too cold to swim, you allow the pool to drain down until it stops.. It will stop just below the leak.

Most pools leak at...

The skimmers
The pool returns
The lights
The main drain..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[andy81563]

Jim,

The pool leaks even when pump is off. I have about decided to just let it leak down until it stops. Is there any danger in doing that?

Thinking back now on the installation of the liner, when I installed all the returns (5 of them), I remember there are no gaskets on them. The vinyl is sandwiched in between the flange surfaces. Should there be gaskets there?

And the level dropped 2 inches last night on a 58 foot x 12 foot surface.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Andy,

I don't have any experience with liner pools, but my gut says that every penetration of the liner would need a gasket or seal of some kind..

Let's ask someone that would for sure... Calling @1poolman1

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[1poolman1]

Andy,

I don't have any experience with liner pools, but my gut says that every penetration of the liner would need a gasket or seal of some kind..

Let's ask someone that would for sure... Calling @1poolman1

Thanks,

Jim R.

My understanding is that there is no gasket between the face plate and liner.
Might try this product to find the leak. Just a light squeeze of the bottle near a suspected leak will allow a small stream of the bluing out. If there is a leak it will flow to it. Looks like blue smoke. Easier to use than food coloring. Add a bottle to the pool if having a party and the water will really shine. Goes away shortly. Doesn't affect chemistry.

 

[andy81563]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try that.

 

[andy81563]

After 4 weeks of pouring water down the drain, my leak is fixed. It ended up being around one of the light niches. It was the result of a lousy job I did putting the light in. Well, it was definitely a learning experience.