Anyone successfully deal with a pool leak (in-ground)?

[NJCher]

55,000 gallon pool has leaked 2/3 of the water out of it. It isn't going any further so we can logically deduce where the leak might be. Tried fixing with vinyl patches, filled it back up a few inches and it went down again.

I've heard about a dye strategy and also an electronic volt meter.

I'm hesitant to call in the so-called "professionals" around here because most of them are ripoff artists.

Anyone ever successfully dealt with this problem?


Cher

[FlashHarry]

1. My dad fought a leak all summer.

Tried all sorts of things. Finally, he called the 'professionals.' They were expensive, but they did actually fix the bloody thing.

[Trajan]

2. I have an inground gunite/plaster pool ....

and it has been leaking for about two years ...

It's getting worse: .. I recently found the 'cracks', because suspended dust collected along the crack, and 'revealed' it ...

Problem is: .. I also found a void UNDER the plaster surface, which means Ill have to empty the pool, drill a hole THROUGH the plaster/gunite into the void to refill that air space under the pool ... after which Ill have to seal the cracks, and then replaster the entire pool ...

I may do some of this work myself, like drilling and filling the void .... but the sealing and replaster work is out of my range .....

[displacedtexan]

3. patches worked for us

under water repairs...
glub!

[izzie]

4. Well I had a son and son-in law that worked on Bush's pool

Also had a big 20 by 40 in ground. Call in the professions.Those pools are not to be fooled with if it is a gunnite pool. But ask around for one that do good work, and get some info on people you trust. Pool companies usually contract all their teams out to crews and some can be awful.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. Problem is it could be a leak in the gunnite or a plumbing problem

better to get multiple quotes.

[I AM SPARTACUS]

6. bite the bullet, call the pros...in the meantime...

when life gives ya leeks, make soup...

...put the pot on and call some friends...

http://www.recipezaar.com/47193?path=00D059
Potato & Leek Soup#47193
by Stephanie Colado (see my other recipes) posted on Nov 20, 2002
(4reviews)

This has been a family favorite for years. I used to make a big pot and my friends would all come over for a bowl!

4 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 medium leeks or onions, chopped
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 cups milk
5 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or celery salt (don’t worry if you have neither)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup light cream
salt & freshly ground black pepper


Thickener
4 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water


Garnishes
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
6 slices lean bacon, crisply fried and chopped or crumbled
1. In a 6 to 8 quart stockpot melt the butter and gently cook the leeks or onions, being careful not to let the leek or onion brown.
2. Add the peeled and sliced potatoes, the milk, the stock,& the herbs.
3. Cover and simmer gently for about an hour or until potatoes are completely cooked through.
4. Stir together cornstarch and water.
5. Mix thoroughly.
6. Add to soup, stirring contantly to avoid lumping.
7. Cook for 5-10 minutes more, stirring occasionally, then puree the soup.
8. Add the cream and gently heat, but do not boil.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve with garnishes.

[BlueJazz]

7. Years ago....

...my friends pool had a similar problem. This will sound strange but it worked....We went to Home depot and bought some of the thin vinyl sheeting (clear)....it's not very expensive.
We taped the sheeting to one side of the pool and added water...no luck....we moved it to another side and when we added water we could see where the vinyl was being drawn into the cracks....we patched the places and it's worked great since.

[trof]

8. If you can't fix it with duct tape

then it ain't worth saving.
Throw it away and get a new one.
It's The Redneck Way.
;-)

[Rabrrrrrr]

10. Yup. Put it up on blocks in the front yard

and put in a new one in the back.

[NJCher]

9. thanks everybody

I'm showing this thread to the pool leak-fixer.


Cher

[Too Smart To Fight]

11. Well when we got a leak in our pool

we just trashed it.

But it was an above ground, and I kicked out one entire side although it was round, but pushing off with my legs.

[ornotna]

12. Try

a two part epoxy putty....it will cure and harden under water. You can get it at Home Depot or most major hardware stores.