Solutions for a leak after closing.

[TMurph71]

Hi need some suggestions.
I have an above ground 21' round pool.
Closed her up over month ago and all seemed normal. A couple days ago I noticed the tarp was a good 17 inches lower then I left it.
There is no water displacement yet so I am quite sure it is a leak.
My pool has no bottom drain.
So I need some ideas.
It's getting to cold to install a new liner properly.
Should I: 1.)Drain it, try to find the leak and patch it, or will the current temps mess with it being empty.
2.) Remove the tarp and replace it with a leaf cover so rain and snow can go in the pool and relieve pressure from the tarp so the walls don't cave in during the winter, then empty and patch in spring?
3.) Ask if there is a better solution.
Mind you I'm a woman, not a string guy, trying to do this without breaking my back or budget.
Thank you

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello "T" and welcome to TFP! You have a couple options worth considering. I'm going to tag @JohnT because he's from your neck of the woods (SW IN) and I suspect knows what your seasonal conditions are (wind, rain, snow, etc). Besides using water for stability, wind is my other concern. Are you on a well? That could influence option #1. I'm leaning towards option #2 (or no cover at all), but let's see if John has any other thoughts.

 

[JohnT]

No need to empty to patch—if you can find the leak. With the right glue, you can patch underwater.

That much water probably made a wet spot in the yard. Is the water below all of the liner cuts? If so, I’d take the cover off and inspect the liner as carefully as you can. Seams are the most likely location.