How do I tell if I have a leak?

[rtpatter]

I have 23k in ground vinly pool. Recently within the past week I have noticed
the water level droping faster than what I remember from last year. This is only my second year of owning this pool so I don't have a lot of experience to draw from. However, if has not rained in over a week and the temp's are in the low 90's every day here in B'ham AL. So maybe its just the heat but last evening I filled the water level up to halfway of the skimmer and this morning it looked as though it had dropped another inch overnight? Am I crazy or could this be a leak? If so how would I find it I already check all the plumbing above ground and it looks good.

[Phillbo]

I heard of a trick where you place a 5 gallon bucket on the step or love seat and fill it to the same level as the pool. Let it sit a day or so and see if the pool level has dropped more than the bucket level. If the pool level is lower, look for a leak. If the levels remain the same , blame evaporation.

[rtpatter]

Ok, now I am pretty sure I have some sort of leak. The water level is dropping about 2 inches overnight. My question is now how do I find it? I've checked all the plumbing above ground and there doesn't seem to be any obvious holes in the liner. I'm going to try leaving the pump off overnight tonight to see if that makes a difference. I'm also gonna call the pool guy to come and try to pressure test the lines to see if he can find anything. Any idea on how much that cost?

Thanks,
Russ

[Poconos]

As a start, check this thread, post #6

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...ighlight=ajs-1

Always interested in leak issues so please follow up on your problem and don't hesitate to ask more questions. Leaks are a real PITA.
Al

[rtpatter]

After testing with the bucket technique I can confirm that I definitley have something besides evaporation going on. I tried taking a little Phenol Red and testing around the skimmer and the return jets as well as the stairs and found nothing. It is possible the leak is around the main drain but I haven't had a chance to test yet. Up until last fall this was a bauqa pool. I fear that the switch to chlorine may have exposed or created a pin leak somewhere in the liner in which case I may never be able to find it. I don't have an endless supply of Phenol Red and time to go around every inch of the pool. Plus even with the dye the leak maybe small enough that I couldn't detect it. The cost of water in my area is very expensive so running the hose for an hour or two a day to replace what I have lost is not an option. The liner itself appears to be in good shape since it has been on Baqua up until last year so I hate to think I would have to replace it plus the cost of refilling the pool would be unbearable. I have not heard back from my pool guy but I'm not real sure what else I can do.

[Phillbo]

Keep calling his office .. !