Leak help

[chip85]

Well, I guess I'm not that worried about the liner at this point as I'm sure it's shot. I've heard it's dangerous to leave a vinyl pool empty due to damage that may occur to the walls. Maybe I'm misinformed.

I'm just curious as to what could have happened over the winter to an area that deep in the pool. I've probably only got about 3 feet of water left in the deep end, so that doesn't leave a lot of area left to be the cause of the problem. I'm really concerned about the drain and wondered if it's at all possible that it could have been forced out the waste line.

[Poconos]

Chip,
Sorry to hear of the problem. I know that sinking feeling when mine leaked a few years ago. Quite a task to find and patch but mine didn't go anywhere near low enough to damage the liner. A few slits in the deep end. Never did find what caused them. The only way water would come out the waste line is if the discharge is lower than the pool, and now, lower or equal to the present water level and siphoning occurred. Should be easy to find with only 3' of water left. I don't know for sure but I wouldn't suspect any problems with the walls due to lack of water unless ground water is pushing on them. If the level is still dropping you probably have a leak at the drain itself. If you want I can dig up some threads where I've posted ideas using dye to find leaks.
Al

[waste]

Chip, sorry this happened! Janet and Al have given great posts! You seem to be resigned to getting a new liner (unfortunately that is probably a MUST at this point ) if you get a pool co. to do this have them pressure test the lines while the pool is empty. If you plan on doing the liner replacement yourself, I can give you lots of advice/ help and others will probably 'chime in' and we can tell you how to pressure test the lines It may well be as Al said, the multiport is syphoning - we'd need to know more about the height of the pool vs. the filter system to make a guess at that.

As for the walls of the pool itself being harmed/ damaged, if the pool was installed properly you have a low risk of that Winter is all but gone (thankfully) but you should have enough time to get the pool back in shape so you can enjoy it all swim season

Please let us know how everything works out

[chip85]

Thanks for the posts guys. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to look into this for a few days. When I get the time I'll get the winter cover off so I can evaluate the damage to the liner. I'm not sure I'm up to doing a liner install myself with a bottom drain, light and steps. The other concern I would have is the vermiculite floor. I've read that it would need to be shaped up before the new liner is installed.