Suction side leak and losing water

[Sharelick]

So I’m getting air in my pump basket window and I’m losing 3/4” of water each day.
Is it normal to lose water with a suction side leak? Or do I have multiple leaks? With my luck that would be my guess. I don’t see where the water is coming out anywhere, so it must be under ground.
Last night I plugged all my return lines (5 lines with 8 eyeballs) plus the two skimmers and turned off the pump. (Also, my floor drains are not connected.)

Over almost 24 hours I had no drop in water level. And no air in my anode. The day before with most lines open, including both skimmers, I lost about 1/2” in under 8 hours.

So whatever the problem is, running the pump makes it worse. Any thoughts? I hired a leak detection company, but that’ll take over a week for them to come in.

 

[Texas Splash]

You may have more than one issue. Normally, unless there is a large break, you don't see water loss on the suction side except for when the pump is off. That's because while it's running, if anything it will pull air "in". But to be losing water when running only, I would tend to think it's one one of the pressurized return lines.

To see air in the pump basket, that is usually a suction side air leak. While pipe breaks are not the norm, they do happen. But I would first rule-out all the above ground areas that typically let air in like the o-ring under the pump clear lid (lubbed), the drain plugs, connections, and any 3-way valves before the pump. If you do have a break in the suction line, you might be able to confirm by plugging all the return lines only, leave the suction lines open, turn pump off and monitor the water level.

 

[Sharelick]

If you do have a break in the suction line, you might be able to confirm by plugging all the return lines only...

I’ll try that tomorrow night.

But since I am consistently losing more water with the pump running, so I’ll assume for now there’s two problems. So to start I’ll get some buckets of water to see if I can find a leak at the pool pad. All the equipment is new, but I don’t think the installers put any lube on the rubber gaskets.

Is there a brand of lube you’d suggest? And where would I pick that up? Home Depot, Pool store or online?

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Do you actually see any wet spots on your equipment pad cement? If there are none, I would rule out that area.

With a vinyl lined pool you can let the water go down and where it stops is usually where you'll find a small hole or tear in the liner.

Look around the grass for any unexpected damp spots....that might be an area of a cracked pipe.

Check around the inside of the skimmer box....they often develop leaks.

Have you done a bucket test to determine it is a leak versus normal evaporation??

Maddie

 

[Sharelick]

Hi Maddie,
A few days back I plugged up all the lines and had no water loss. So I doubt it’s the liner. And yes I’ve been using a bucket to account for evaporation. No I haven’t found any wet spots either by the pump or in the lawn.
Tonight I plugged the returns, and left the skimmer lines open. We will see if I still get water loss. I assume I’ll still get water loss. But tomorrow I’ll install a shut off on the pump side of the return lines. Then I think there won’t be any more water loss.
Plus I need to check for a small air leak by the pool pad.
I have contacted a leak detection company, but it’ll take around another week for them to come and it’ll cost up to $500 for them just to find the leak. So trying to figure it out myself.
Thanks for the input

 

[Yurij]

I’ll try that tomorrow night.

But since I am consistently losing more water with the pump running, so I’ll assume for now there’s two problems. So to start I’ll get some buckets of water to see if I can find a leak at the pool pad. All the equipment is new, but I don’t think the installers put any lube on the rubber gaskets.

Is there a brand of lube you’d suggest? And where would I pick that up? Home Depot, Pool store or online?

I use marine grease that you can buy on Amazon. Is your pump above your water level? Also, last year I installed a check valve on the suction side of the pump which made a huge difference. My leak on the suction side originated from a cracked union used to connect the pipe to the pump. Try tightening or replacing your fittings if they are old. I hope you don't have a cracked pipe somewhere in the line. That will be a bear to fix. Especially under concrete. I have two return jets with cracks in the line. This was my situation when I bought the house. For now I just plugged them and used the remaining intake pipes. Temporary fix until I can afford to fix the cracked line.