Pool leaking

[MarkIV]

My pool is loosing water. A lot of water! Do fiberglass pools crack? Where would I look for a crack in my pools shell?

[Funderbuck2]

Yes, fiberglass pools can crack but it is very rare. I'd say about 80 percent of all shell leaks are from around the skimmer opening. The rest are from around the return jets and rarely the main drain.

Before checking for a pool shell leak, please check your equipment first. Check for any moisture around all your components(pumps,filter, ect.) and all pvc pipes and fittings and valves.

If you don't find a leak at the equipment then you can look for the leak in the shell. Turn the pump off and allow the water in the pool to get still. Next, take some food dye and put some in a ear dropper or syringe needle. With the pool water very still, squirt the dye around where the skimmer meets the fiberglass and around all return fittings. You will know the leak when you see the dyed water draw thru a crack or loose opening. A leak is usually found anywhere the fiberglass shell was penetrated for plumbing.

Once the leak is located, you can buy some 2 part epoxy putty to repair over the leak. Follow the directions on the package and if done correctly, the putty will stop the leak for a very long time.

[RodneyH]

Hi Mark,

I'll say yes! Though fiberglass is long lasting and durable, still cracks can occur. Before you attempt any home repair check your pool warranty. You may void your warranty by attempting to do the repairs yourself. Another important thing to remember about fiberglass pools is that you should never attempt to drain one yourself. The fiberglass shell is very light compared to other materials. If there is any amount of sitting water in the ground below and around your pool, you can seriously damage the shell when you empty the pool. When the weight of the water from inside the pool is gone, the shell may float on any water sitting around it and the shell will spring up causing serious structural damage. It is recommended that you call your pool company and ask them to come look to be sure it is safe to empty your pool.

If your pool develops any cracks you should deal with them immediately. Water can seep in between the fibers and cause even more damage. Patch kits for fiberglass pools can be found at your pool dealership. You may also find these kits at home improvement stores. Be sure that the kit is made especially for fiberglass pools. Fiberglass repair kits for cars and boats may not hold up well under the effects of the chemicals in your pool. If the crack appears high on the wall of your pool, you can drain the pool just enough to expose the crack to dry air and then you can patch it yourself. Do not forget to check with your pool manufacturer
before attempting any other crack repair.

Cracking may indicate a larger problem with your pool. The ground underneath may have settled or shifted enough to cause undo stress on the fiberglass shell. If you find that cracks keep appearing you should have the company that installed the pool come out to your home and take a closer look. This may save your pool from being completely ruined.

If you want some assistance you can check this article cheappoolproducts.com

Hope this helps..=)