RULE OF THUMB

• If you lost water in your swimming pool during the winter, chances are you need a diver to inspect the entire pool and check for leaks.
• Keep in mind, when your pool is "winterized," all of your lines, both the returns and the skimmers, are "blown out" and "plugged." This procedure seals them off, thereby taking them out of the equation. The water should stay at that level, other than the addition of rain and snow. In fact, many need to sometimes remove this extra water.
• Once your pool is opened for the season, you may see or already know something is wrong. The following can be quite easy to do on your own or with help from your pool company. The following will help confirm:

Turn your pool off, plug up all returns, step jets, Polaris line, etc.

• If your water drops below the skimmers, it looks like you have a leak in the pool liner or Gunite. Your light housing, other fittings, gaskets, or bottom drain can all be thoroughly inspected by a diver and repaired.
• Waiting for the water to drop? You can speed up the process by "backwashing." Quickly bring the water to the bottom of the skimmers, turn off the pump, and observe — if you are losing a good amount of water, you will know very quickly.
• If the water does drop below the skimmers, you need a diver — give us a call.
• If the water stops, you will need to contact your swimming pool company or look closer yourself. Depending on your comfort level/ability, you may wish to try a few more steps on your own. Some will have their pool company check all, or try on their own. Others may still want a diver to inspect and repair any underwater problems. Look over the "Process of Elimination" for more information.

Skimmer Leaks

Lower the water level to the bottom of your skimmers, remove the basket, and install a rubber winterize plug in each skimmer. After 24 hours, 2-3 gallons of water should remain in the skimmer.

If the water drops in a skimmer, you may have a crack. Inspect the inside, use a wet/dry vac, clean thoroughly by sanding, and apply good epoxy to seal. Refill and test again. If you’re uncomfortable with this, call your pool company. In some cases, the entire skimmer may need replacement.

• Removable Basket
• Floating Weir
• Install Plug
• To Pump Suction / Water Level

Equalizer Port - Commercial Pools

Removable Basket

Install Plug

PROCESS OF ELIMINATION

Loosing water costs money!! The cost of water alone, the loss of chemicals, the water never warming up (cost of heating), and not to mention damage that may occur to surrounding property in time. While it may be time for a new liner, OR (Gunite rehab) usually you only need a small repair and all is fine.

Our recommendation is have your pool full, clean and ready for season to start. If you notice your loosing water follow these steps:

START WITH PUMP TURNED OFF

1. Plug skimmers, returns, jacuzzi steps, Polaris, and bottom drain (if possible)
2. If the leak stops- obviously your leak is in the plumbing, whether you eliminate (1) item at a time example- remove a skimmer plug-wait/observe- if leak begins, your leak is in skimmer lines. "No change"- replace plug- and remove one return plug- wait/observe.... Continue this with each (zone) you have, you will soon at least narrow down where the leak is. Would suggest you have your lines pressure tested-call your pool company as your best with professional help. None the less-there is no need for a diver !
3. If the leak continues, however stops at the bottom of skimmers, check the following:
   • A) "possible cracked skimmer" (with plugs in place) the water inside skimmer "basket area" should stay in place. You may find that water has dropped in (1) skimmer, maybe due to a cracked/damaged skimmer (found your problem). You may try to repair your self or call your professional pool company and they will help.
   • B) "skimmer gaskets" - you may need new gaskets, a cracked face plate, cut/hole in liner surrounding the skimmer, or the leak could be through a screw hole, check all thoroughly. We look at these when we inspect your pool.
4. If leak continues, you may want to make sure that the return gaskets/fittings are good and faceplates are not cracked/damaged. (These returns are usually a bit lower then bottom of skimmers- you may want to see if the water drops below fittings. If you see/find damage they can be replaced by your pool company. We look at these when we inspect your pool as well.

If the leak persists, please call us at 631-460-6007. Our certified commercial divers will conduct a thorough inspection of your pool, document the issue with photos and video, and provide a detailed explanation of the findings. We are fully certified and insured to perform underwater inspections, training, guidance, and repairs — giving you direct access to professional services for a reasonable fee.

We do not pressure test, repair pipes, replace skimmer/return parts, etc..... that is the work of your professional swimming pool company... We are the Professional Diving Company, who can repair anything underwater, safely, in the right way! Give us a call!!