Pool Skimmer Faceplate Leaking ?

[zooba72]

Hello Everyone – I just opened my inground pool this week and have been contending with a leak issue which I believe is coming from one of the skimmer faceplates. I noticed that one of the faceplates has some damage to the plastic exposing the gasket underneath and it seems that the water level settles around this point. I attached some pictures – I haven’t tested with dye yet as the water is right below the point of damage, and I’m waiting to see if the water level falls further.

My plan is to replace this faceplate and gasket and was hoping to get some detailed information on best practices. My thoughts would be:
• Bring water level below skimmer
• Unscrew all 16 screws
• Remove faceplate & gasket
• Replace both gasket and faceplate and tighten screws.
Some of the questions, or problems I’m anticipating are the screws not being tight since I’m going into existing holes. Is there anything I can use ensure a tight seal ? Also, should I put any silicone or anything on the gasket ? Any advice would be appreciated.

The skimmers are Hayward, but it’s not clear what the model it is. The only model number I see is on the bottom side of the skimmer cover, and that indicates SP1082, SP1084 – but after some reseach it looks like my skimmers are wide mouth (16 screws) which would be model: SP-1085-1 . If anyone is familiar with this, I would definitley like confirmation – I plan on calling Hayward when they re-open on Monday if I’m unable to figure it out.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

Unable to post attachments - not sure why ?

[PoolDoc]

In reverse order,

+ I'm running an insecure older version of vBulletin's forum software here. I've got it locked down, so the 'holes' aren't exposed. But part of that is blocking attachments. Improvements are a ways off, since there are multiple steps involved (new server, new software, mobile-ized formatting, http => https, and so on)

+ But . . . I do have a greatly improved version of search available at http://pool9.net/ssearch/ (http://pool9.net/ssearch/). You can use it to create custom search links for a variety of sites, INCLUDING Hayward Pool. Here's the link you need: https://google.com/search?q=site%3AHayward-Pool.com+%22%22+SP-1085-1+

I checked it; it finds you the pages you'll need.

You can use it directly in the future. Keep in mind, Google indexes almost all websites far better than they can do themselves. As a rule, internal search is only better for specialized things. For example, in some of the registered user clean up work I'm doing, I can search registration date internally, which I could not do with Google. But for 99% of forum user questions, Google will do a better job than any forum's built-in search will . . . IF you know how to construct the specialized link, using Google's advanced search operators. What my "Super Search" page does is automate that process.

[moray]

Testing Imgur image posting for "Registered+" users

https://i.imgur.com/eESkKjk.jpg

[PoolDoc]

OK, https://imgur.com/ is EXTREMELY easy to register and use; that's your best option. AND, your membership level does allow image links.

[zooba72]

https://imgur.com/2r5aBUn
https://imgur.com/sY2K2jJ
https://imgur.com/AjJeaqp

+ https://i.imgur.com/sY2K2jJ.jpg
+ https://i.imgur.com/AjJeaqp.jpg

[PoolDoc]

OK.

1. To post the pics, you have to 'right-click' the enlarged image on Imgur and then capture the "image link", which looks like this: https://i.imgur.com/AjJeaqp.jpg
I did an admin edit of your post to verify that it works under your user privileges.

2. I don't see anything in the pictures that suggests a leak there, so . . .

3. You need to leak test BEFORE you dig into the skimmer. These links are relevant:

+ http://youtu.be/Y90c7pYMgPc
+ http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/10295 (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/10295)
+ http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/10295

You'll need to overfill your pool AND then turn off your pump, so you can test the full perimeter of relevant points AND stop pool currents that would flush the dye away.

Good luck.
+

[zooba72]

Thank you Pool Doctor for the response - If the skimmer faceplate is leaking, it's definitely not the only leak as the water level is about an inch below where the faceplate is broken. I have the pool running on full main drain and I'm continuing to let it run to see whether it settles at particular level. I have a loop lock cover and the water level was fairly steady throughout the winter, the water loss definitely seems to accelerate during pump operation. My main concern is the main drain line itself. There are no major issues in the exposed plumbing a couple of drips here and there, but nothing steady. My pressure relief valve is making nosie, like air escaping and I suspect the o-rings are worn and plan on replacing it, but I don't think that's my source of water loss. Since I'm below the skimmers, and still dropping fast with pump on, should I suspeect the main drain line ?

I have one other unrelated question if you have a moment. I'm in the process of trying to locate a good pool contractor to change my liner, steps, coping, etc. Basically redo everything. I have requested that since I'm doing the coping as well as the liner, I want the liner underneath the coping. This is the way it was originally done and my experience is the liner lasts longer that way. I can't find a single pool company to do that. They say "we just don't do it that way anymore" --- Does this sound right ??

Thanks again !