Water loss hairline step cracks

[Kmartin]

Hello everyone,
When I close the pool in September the water was up to the Second Step from the top, see picture with blue tape. When I took the cover off the water was just covering the very bottom step. Is this normal water loss? I have several and I mean several hairline cracks on every step could that be the reason for the motor loss if it is not normal? I also have the front plastic part of a light missing and I was wondering if that could contribute to water loss as well. There are also blisters kind of looks like bubbles but they're not soft they're hard on the bottom step some have cracks in them . The steps are old pool was built in 1993. Neglect prior to me taking care of it and possibly chlorine caused the cracks or just plain old dry rot. That's what I'm thinking the steps are fiberglass. Also last year we had a new liner installed which I am dealing with the pool store that did it the liner is coming out of the tracks and several part and I'm having a hard time getting cool company to come out and fix it again. At the bottom of the steps the liner is folded and you can see a home where it looks like they pinched It Off I was wondering if I could be losing water through that as well. Thank you in advance for any recommendations I was looking up fiberglass issues and there's something with gelcoat and there's a ton of sprays and putty that are being recommended rather than replacing the whole steps which I cannot afford right nowView attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332134View attachment 332135

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm not so sure those cracks in the steps are significant enough to allow water loss, but you can always test with some food dye. Once you can get in the water, I would also try a dye test around those areas where the liner meets with steps, skimmer, lights,, etc. Any of those could be potential problem areas. Some of your other items like blisters and folds in the liner "should" just be cosmetic. But you do have a few areas that warrant a DIY leak test. Now that you are open you could always do a bucket test as well. Below are a couple links that may give you more 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