- May 3, 2018
- 8
- Pool Size
- 55000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-9)
Hi All,
I have an old above ground pool which is really at the end of it's days, but I'm hoping to squeeze out the rest of this summer with it. The problem is that it has been leaking and just this week the leaking accelerated but I'm not sure from where exactly. The skimmer area has been leaking very slowly for a long time, but I didn't think it was enough to result in such a large drop (2" in 24 hours). The other possibility is that one of the pipes is leaking. Unfortunately, they are buried under asphalt and gravel over about 25' from the pool to the pump and heater shed. I have noticed a dip and cracking of the asphalt over time, but never suspected the pipes leaking as I thought it was just from winter freeze/thaw, but I'm second guessing that.
Anyways, I think my options are to:
1. Replace the skimmer assembly and see if that is the problem, and/or
2. Bypass the filter and return pipes with above ground plumbing to the pump house, or
3. Say goodbye to the pool.
Option 1 feels like an easier DIY job, but I'm not really sure how hard it is to do with the pool full of water and the shape of the liner wall at the skimmer.
Option 2 is more work and I would have to figure out how to get the new lines into the shed (likely need to dig to get under the shed to re-attach to the pump/filter and return jet line.
Anyways, I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of how difficult or expensive this would be as a DIY job. I've attached some pictures for reference on the state of things.
Skimmer and wall (leaking and rusting the wall)

Pipes from pool going under gravel and asphalt to pool shed
View attachment 353793
Cracks and moisture in asphalt
View attachment 353798
Pipes into the shed from underneath


Thank You!
I have an old above ground pool which is really at the end of it's days, but I'm hoping to squeeze out the rest of this summer with it. The problem is that it has been leaking and just this week the leaking accelerated but I'm not sure from where exactly. The skimmer area has been leaking very slowly for a long time, but I didn't think it was enough to result in such a large drop (2" in 24 hours). The other possibility is that one of the pipes is leaking. Unfortunately, they are buried under asphalt and gravel over about 25' from the pool to the pump and heater shed. I have noticed a dip and cracking of the asphalt over time, but never suspected the pipes leaking as I thought it was just from winter freeze/thaw, but I'm second guessing that.
Anyways, I think my options are to:
1. Replace the skimmer assembly and see if that is the problem, and/or
2. Bypass the filter and return pipes with above ground plumbing to the pump house, or
3. Say goodbye to the pool.
Option 1 feels like an easier DIY job, but I'm not really sure how hard it is to do with the pool full of water and the shape of the liner wall at the skimmer.
Option 2 is more work and I would have to figure out how to get the new lines into the shed (likely need to dig to get under the shed to re-attach to the pump/filter and return jet line.
Anyways, I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of how difficult or expensive this would be as a DIY job. I've attached some pictures for reference on the state of things.
Skimmer and wall (leaking and rusting the wall)

Pipes from pool going under gravel and asphalt to pool shed
View attachment 353793
Cracks and moisture in asphalt

Pipes into the shed from underneath


Thank You!