Spa Leak *SUSPECTED*

[Bigtymetexan]

Hello pool friends! I have a question.

I just had my pool/spa completed and noticed on the side far behind my pool that the ground was damp (more soggy the farther you went to the back near the fence). The pic shows where there is wet grass (spray painted). It gets MUCH worse about 35 feet to the back of the fence.

I noticed that the spa level was down but not in a scientific way to measure (visual). My builder said that the spa drains into the pool and it would lower the level.

Well, I turned off my sprinkler back flow for a week it's still a soggy mess (to prove it wasn't a sprinkler leak or something). Moreover, I did the bucket test in the pool and spa. The pool remained normal (inside and outside measurements) but in 2 days the spa bucket dropped 6 inches but was the same level on the inside!

The builder said he would perform a spa pressure test. He would do this himself which I don't like because it's his people and they could just tell him what he wants to hear.

Questions:

1. What is this test?
2. Will a pressure test of the spa reveal a leak?
3. Am I correct to assume there is a leak?
4. Are there any other ways (besides the above) if he comes back and says the pressure test says you're fine?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[ajw22]

Without seeing what pipes you have in your spa and at your equipment pad I can't say if your PB can isolate the pipes and pressure test them. Also, pressure testing the pipes does not determine if the leak is through any part of your spa shell.

Unfortunately, finding your type of leak often takes a lot of detective work and invasive digging of your yard and maybe your spa to try and find the moisture and follow it to its source.

I would dig down into the soggy mess and see if you find a puddle that you can get some water to test. Test the water in the puddle for chlorine and CYA, CYA does not occur naturally and if the water has any CYA in it then it came from your pool or spa.

 

[Bigtymetexan]

That is great information.

My pool builder assumes that the pressure test will be the end all / be all and isn't good at troubleshooting (I had to do the bucket test to get them to do anything).

Posted is a couple of shot of my pad. Does this provide insight? They are coming tomorrow to do the pressure test and not confident they will find what they are not wanting to see (or have to accept).

 

[ajw22]

I discussed your return plumbing in your Water Level thread...

Water Level Question

New pool owner have a quick question. Our spa level drops a few inches (4 to 5) over a couple of days when we don’t run the pump at all on the spa. I asked my builder and his response was “It’s not a major issue the spa check valves are designed to hold only 24 hours”. Is this legit? Than you...

www.troublefreepool.com

He may be able to get into your SPA Return and SPA Suction and SPA Makeup lines by removing the diverter valves plugging one side and pressurizing the pipes if he has the right tools and setup. Hard to say if it will be conclusive.

Anderson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

: Helping The Pool Professional Solve Leak Problems

www.leaktools.com