Newbie with MAJOR problem...

[HAYMAN]

I don't think you can "pull" dissolved oxygen from water with suction. If you could oxygen from water that easily, you probably would have been using a device that does that instead of a tank for your dives. (There are some devices for diving that allow you to extract breathable oxygen from water but I don't think the methodology is simple suction.)

Trying to think a little out of the box, is there any way you could drill a hole in the concrete chunk, insert a lead anchor, thread a lag bolt into the anchor, and pull the chunk out with a big pair of pliers?

You guys are good........................lots of good stuff here. As I sit up here on the fence though, I would have to say I like the drill and pull method the best..........I would try that.

[PatL34]

MyBlueDog

Check your Inbox. Sent you a private message.

Pat

[MyBlueDog]

Hey Waste (and everyone),

Thanks for the advice. You said if I need help to write. So I am.

Now that I believe I've found the leak, and there's a temp. plug I placed in the skimmer, should I call out a leak detection service to pin point the thing...?

My goal is to try to keep my pool holding water. Mainly so I can use my skimmer.

My pool is screened, so I've never really used the skimmer since most of the debris stays out. I use my main drain, cuz I've been forced to. But more importantly, it's never held water. So I want the thing will hold water permanently!!!!

I'd rather not abandon the skimmer entirely by permanently plugging the skimmer hole until I determine fixing the thing may be either too costly or labor intensive. Know what I mean?

I am seriously thinking of buying some of that liquid leak sealer and following the instructions for 29 bucks and dumping that into the skimmer to see if it plugs it up.

Where would you start next? A leak company??

Ideas and advice, please.

Thanks,
Daryl Bluedog
Florida

[Tredge]

Well I'm no Expert....but I am dealing with the same/similar problem.

If that liquid leak sealer works it would be the first actual case I've heard. Not that it doesnt work....I just never heard of any confirmed reports.

An Alternative that I am currently considering:
Fish a tape through the skimmer back to the pump and pull a smaller hose through. You wouldnt get as much volume through the skimmer but this would be a cheap alternative to digging up and patching the broken pipe.

My Main drain is leaking badly and I'm considering pulling a hose this week through it. If it works I'll post in this forum with pictures.

I think you'd want to run a flexible hose rated for pool chemicals. A simple garden hose wouldnt stand up from what I've read.

[MyBlueDog]

Why use a hose? What does that accomplish? Please explain.

[Maxout]

What he's talking about is basically sleeving the existing pipe by running the hose through the inside of it. The tricky part would be sealing it at both ends so that water does not leak back along the outside of the Hose/Tubing and out the original leak. I would think that the loss of volume and added restriction would not make this a very good alternative.

[MyBlueDog]

What does the hose accomplish? Please explain!

[Maxout]

The hose does not have a leak in it. Your existing underground pipe you are running it through does. You would push /pull the hose through the entire length of your pipe then the hose would be sealed to the pipe at both ends and essentially becomes a new pipe, eliminating the leak. The problem is that in order for the hose to fit inside the existing pipe it must be a smaller diameter, this would restrict flow and total volume.

[Tredge]

Correct, The hose would replace the inside of the pipes.
Not as good as replacing the pipes but it's a lot cheaper than digging them up.

Sealing both ends should be fairly straight forward with proper fittings. I'll post any pictures when I get it finished.

Yes, it would be smaller diameter but it wouldnt leak

In my case the smaller diameter hose is an acceptable alternative. If anyone has a better Idea or reason not to try this I'm all ears.

[Waterworks]

I've had many customers use Fix-A-Leak. This product is poured into the water and disperses itself in such a way that it will seal tiny leaks just by circulating in the water. I am not sure if this is what you are talking about. I see a success rate of approximately 33 - 50%. I can think of one spa customer that was losing 40-60 litres per day over the winter and tried this product in March. They haven't lost any appreciable amount since. I would certainly say that it is worth a try. We only started selling it this year, and maybe sold 10 bottles with 4 or 5 being successful.

Brad
Waterworks Pools