Pool Drama (Long)

19 years ago

This is my first pool and the last few weeks have been a little nervewracking! :)

There was a leak fixed by the detection company. Before this, the chemicals seemed to be fine, the pool was clearing up after neglect by the previous owners. This is after I had the pump replaced.

So after the leak detection company comes out, a week or so later the pool turns green again.

I had the regular pool company come out to check the light fixture because it needs replacing as well. While he is out, he also checks the pump and guess what he finds? a part from the leak detection company still in the pump basket! They forgot to take it out so the water has not been circulating since they left. I'm lucky this new pump didn't burn out!

Already, not sure if it's my imagination or not but the water is not as green, I'm leaving the pump on all night instead of the 10 hrs. Hopefully with this and the service due this week the water will be at least blue again :(

The next step is to figure out if I can vaccuum the bottom. The weekly service guy is suggesting I don't because of the lousy paint job on the plaster but the service tech is suggesting I should vaccuum to waste, any opinions on that?

I'm learning a lot and HOPEFULLY I will get on top of all this maintenance and be able to enjoy the pool. I haven't even been in it yet :)

Thanks for the info and for listening :)

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Comments (6)

mdoceanblu
19 years ago
"The next step is to figure out if I can vaccuum the bottom. The weekly service guy is suggesting I don't because of the lousy paint job on the plaster "

A little confused here. Do you have someone supposed to be maintaining your pool telling you not to vaccuum the dirt off the bottom because of the pool finish??
repair_guy
19 years ago
If the pump ran with a plug in it you will need to see if there is any water under the motor which would indicate a burnt seal. If it ran long and you have a cheap pump, there could be warped fittings in the pump such as the diffuser, seal plate, impeller. Check for a water leak at the pipe that screws into the top of the pump as well.

When the pump is on, stare at the pipe going into the pump. Turn off the pump and if water ejects out of the pump at that fitting, you need to reseal that too.

All of this is typical of dry run damage.

If you really have a painted pool, the tech is correct. Pool paint is not the way to go and as it ages, it "chalks". This will make your filter very slimy and will plug it extremely fast. You get a better job by cleaning to waste AND I'm guessing your filter is inadequate as a tech who vacs to waste can get better suction when the water bypasses the inadequate filter capacity.

And, send the pump bill if any to the leak detector.
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mdoceanblu
19 years ago
Repair Guy thanks for clearing that up.Totally misunderstood the OP.
jhaz
Original Author
19 years ago
mdoceanblu : Yes, thats what the weekly tech told me, not to because of the paint on the finish which is starting to peel

repair_guy: Thanks, I will check all of those things on the pump

Also, I'm just a bit confused so are you saying I SHOULD clean to waste right?

It's a Hayward sand filter if that matters any

Oh I plan to give them the bill if I get one. The owner is contacting me to discuss.

Thanks for all your help and your listening ear :)
jhaz
Original Author
19 years ago
Repair Guy:

I just let the pump run for about 1/2 hr and checked, saw no water anywhere. Also when I turned it off I checked to make sure no water came out of any fitting so would this mean there is no leak at the pump?

I still don't knwo what to think though because from last night until this morning, the water dropped about 1 inch...ahhhhh! :( LOL
jhaz
Original Author
19 years ago
OK, here is the update:

The leak company came back, and they found that the grout along the skimmer tile is what is leaking as well. It wasn't caught before. They put a patch on and want to make sure it's that by monitoring the water level overnight. If that's not it, they will have to go diving.

Hopefully this will be it and I can be on the road to enjoying the pool...

Thanks for all your help!