Above Ground Swimming Pool Losing Water..Running Sand Filter System..

by Karen
(Maryland)

Pool liner was just replaced. Pool water level remains constant until the sand filter system is running.

The swimming pool water level drops after a couple of hours to the point where the skimmer isn't getting enough water to do its job.

What is the possible problem?

Thanks for the question Karen

I would first check the obvious:

*Are there any leaks on or around the filter equipment or pad? Look at the filter, pump motor, pipe valves, etc...any piece of equipment.

*Check the ground around the filter and pad for moisture and wet spots

*Is there any moisture around the pool or wet areas? Walk around the pool and the equipment.

*For your vinyl pool liner, look for tears anywhere and everywhere; separation around all the fittings, skimmers, returns, cleaner line, lights, steps and the corners

Use a grease pen and mark an area on your pool, then measure the amount of pool water you're losing. It shouldn't be more than about 1/4 inch per day.

Vinyl pool liners should have water in them at all times, but here are a couple of tests you can do to eliminate some things:

If the pool water level drops, then stops right below the skimmer, the leak is probably is or near the skimmer or the return lines.

If the water level drops, then stops by the light, the leak is probably is or around the light.

If you have air coming back through the return lines, there might be a crack in the lines, or the pool filter pump lid or O-ring needs to be adjusted or replaced.

If the pool is losing water while the pool pump motor is running, the leak is on the return line side of the filter system. Take a look through the pump motor lid and check to be sure the pump has a good water supply. If there's alot of air it could be a cracked pipe somewhere.

If the pool is losing water while the pump motor is off, then it's probably the pool itself.

If you do these and you still can't find the leak, then it's best to call a local leak detection business. You might be able to minimize the cost of them coming out by doing a little trouble-shooting of your own and cut down on the hours they're on-site.

Hope this helps and best of luck

Robert