I am now going to attempt to find the source of a leak in my inground pool.

The pool builders (built about 10 years ago prior to our purchase of the house, and are not very honest) said that the pool can leak through the gunite. However, the company that I use to service the pool (open/close, repair) said that gunite will not leak and that any leak that occurs will be from the drain, skimmer, pump system. I believe that this is the case. However they are resistent to work on a pool that they did not build. Therefore, I am going to attempt to do this leak detection myself.

This year, the pool did not lose anywater from opening (May 15th), until last week. Last week I noticed that the pool began losing water. I want to check the hydrostatic valve being stuck open. I have SCUBA gear and will check the valve for something obvious this weekend (July 15th). If this looks fine, I will check the light and skimmer to see if there is any obvious sucking of water with the pump off. I dont believe that the leak could be coming from anywhere else (but I am open for any ideas).

Last year we had a leak all summer. Initially the pool guys replaced the hydrostatic valve, but that did not fix the leak. They also tested the pump system and did not find any leak. They then said any other leak would be the gunite. They did reseal the light and skimmer.

What type of dye should I use to test for leaking at the Hydrostatic valve.
(where would I get this Dye)?

Is it logical that a hydrostatic valve can get stuck this regularily?

Any other suggestions???


Thanks, -- this site is awesome for use with pools.... thanks!!!!

John