Unfound Leak

[xokeman]

Just returned from two week vacation to find my green pool. No surprise. Started slamming and scrubbing and backwashing to clear pool back to blue.

I've had a leak that has been slow since right before closing last year but figured I'd find it this year.

Current issue: Pool is loosing water water faster than I filter the green so I can't jump in and find the leak.

IG Vinyl 30K here. Thinking of draining to find the leak


Interesting Facts:

• Wasn't leaking with debris in the water
• Once I ran the cleaner and brushed the pool the leak increased.
• Water only drains to just below the skimmer
• With the skimmer turned off and the pump running water will till leak down to an inch below the skimmer

I really am at a loss.
I've spend hours with food coloring and a mask to find the leak to no avail.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome back from vacation! Interesting facts you added. Some of my own thoughts before others reply ....
- Suction side leaks generally don't lose water when the system is running, they only pull-in air like a cracked drinking straw. But water can seep outwards on that side when everything is turned off.
- If water loss is only happening when the system is running, typically that's on the pressure side.
- I would go in stages to try and pinpoint an area/section of potential leaking. For example:
-- All ports plugged and system off to confirm no leak in the liner itself. If water does drop, it rules-out plumbing. So watch to see where it stops dropping which generally indicates the bad location (i.e. skimmer mouth, light, return jet, etc).
-- If the liner holds okay with power off, remove plugs from the suction lines (drain and skimmer) to see if water drops on the suction side.
-- If no water drops on the suction side, I would be concerned about a leak from the filter to the return jet(s).

Of course there are probably leak detection companies in your area, but thsoe are some relaively easy DIY methods that may help you. The following may also help:

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

 

[jimmythegreek]

Do you have a source other than skimmer like a wall drain or main drains? If so switch to just that input and let water lower on it's own while you slam. Clear up the pool then find the leak it's probably inside the skimmer

 

[poolboy00]

If you have a multiport valve. It could be leaking into waste while on filter.