So sad, a leak in my just finished pool ...???

[ValAZ]

18x35 foot diver - built it myself

Started up the pool Saturday night after it filled, and this afternoon I had 4 tiny squirts in one area coming from between the top of the tile and the deck. It's in the return line. I'm assuming I *just* have that section of concrete jacked out and fix the pipes?

I'm wondering when this might have happened, and have a question. After the shotcrete was done the workers cut the pipes. Is this usual for the shotcrete sub to do? I wasn't expecting them to do it, thought the cleanup crew did it at the end, but having no experience, I didn't question it. I'm wondering if they might have damaged the pipes and cut them to cover it? I'm hoping not - that would be mean.

I'm thinking this is where the GC ends up eating some profit - and that I'll just have to pay the deck sub and plumber to fix this, and that no warranty will cover this. Does that sound right?

My last question is this: If I run the pump with everything open - waterfall, bubbler, aerator and returns - the leak is just a couple of spots dripping. Until I get this fixed, do I run the pump like this to keep the pool clean, or am I risking further damage to tile or new plaster by doing so?

Valerie