IG Pool leak : Am I conned ?

[cgp1784]

Hi,

I badly need your advice on my problem. Here it is:

After backwashing, and making sure the Multiport Valve is in FILTER position, I suddenly realized that I have lost a lot of water (about 2+ inches in a couple of hours). As soon as I turned OFF the pump, I hear some gargling noise in a waste pipe. Fearing heavy leak in the pool, I called a local pool service company. All I told that I am loosing water a lot ONLY when the pump is ON. No water loss when the pump is OFF. They told me I have to do the Pressure test.

When they came over, I told very clearly that I am loosing water ONLY when the pump is ON. No water loss when the pump is OFF. I asked them if they would like to turn ON the pump and take a look at it. The main person said he didn't need to do that and did the pressure test and told me that I have a broken pipe: Either under the skimmer or the Main drain. The estimated repair cost: if under skimmer $2000 and if main drain line $4000. 2-3 weeks later the guy came with his team and dug under the skimmer. In the process, they cracked the skimmer. When I saw that he told me that it was broken. I told him that I have checked it in the afternoon (they came in evening even though appointment was before noon) and it was fine. Then I asked what did you fixed, he said pipe under the skimmer had a crack and they fixed it. They already filled the land by the time I came home. He advised me to turn ON pump only after the concrete is dried. When I turned ON pump the next day, I noted that water was coming out of waste line (the Multiport valve was on FILTER position) and probably that's where the water loss was. I called them again and they dispatched another guy to replace the gasket on the valve. He did that but the water is still going out via waste line. They guy told me that the valve is not working properly. It appears to me that It was the Multiport valve that was malfunctioning and that's why I saw (still see) water loss when pump is ON. At this time I feel like the pool repair team FIXED (SUPPOSEDLY) the PROBLEM THAT NEVER EXISTED and still charged me $2000 and now asking for more money if I want to replace that Multiport valve. BTW, when I came home they were filling the land around skimmer so I didn't get a chance to take a look under the skimmer to actually see the damage. On top of that they cracked my skimmer and told me it was like that before they started working. The matter of fact was that the water was there in the skimmer when arrive to work. I checked that in the afternoon.

Now knowing that the problem is still there, knowing that he did not tell me the truth about crack in the skimmer, I have a doubt whether they actually fix the problem. One more thing, he did the pressure test after the job is done and it seemed fine. When he did the pressure test about 3-4 weeks ago to determine the leak, he showed the pressure going down in pressure gauge 3PSI at a time. Is it possible he could have fooled me?

Having said this long story, I am in a quandary. I don't mind PAYING $2000 if the actual damage was in the pipe under skimmer and they fixed it. But given the fact the he was not totally honest about crack in the skimmer, he did not resolve my problem and charging me $2000, I am doubtful about the pressure test and the work they did. I need your advice on how to “How should I address this issue?”. Should I let $2000 go or fight it out? I paid via Credit Card so blocking that charge might not be hard. It is the question of doing the right thing. I do not want to hold back money if there really was a pipe burst under the skimmer.

I apologize for this long story. But I badly need to address this.

Thanks,

[Phillbo]

To me , it sounds like the problem was at the valve and they should have fixed that before pressure testing and looking elsewhere for leaks.

If you truley feel they performed work that was not needed, call your credit card company and dispute the charge. That will start a mediation process between you and the contractor requiring him to prove the work was necessary.

[cgp1784]

Thanks Philibo.

I have realized that these guys have done very poor job. I have some more problems:
1. The pipe that they cut to do pressure test, is leaking when I run the pump.
2. The bottom (main) drain cover they took off to do pressure test, comes out whenever there is a water movement (except when the pump is running) at the bottom of the pool.

After having a lot of thought and talking to other pool material merchant I have decided to dispute the charge.

Once again, Thanks for your advise.

[RavenNS]

I think that you should try to get a free consult with a lawyer, just- in-case this escalates.
Good Luck!