I didn't have any leaks, until I was talked into using a water filter on my filling hose. I have hard water. So hard that if I have a small leak in my copper water pipes, at a new fitting, that it will seal itself in a few days. So I drained my tub and refilled with non-filtered water. Now, no leaks.
I've read that keeping a chlorine puck in the skimmer is bad for the equipment because it deliver a concentrated amount on start-up of the pump/filter.
Question: When you put the fix a leak product into the skimmer drain was the pool pump set to backwash or where? Was the skimmer set to the off position when you input the product?
I tried this twice for a skimmer line leak with no luck. The Fix-a-leak does however contaminate the pool so use it sparingly, took a week to clean out the clouds and resudue. I'm really looking for a video to replace the line since it's probably close to 50 years old black pipe and already repaired once 10 years ago.
Oh dear sounds like the feed pipes may have a fractured on the joint due to not being bedded in properly when your pool was installed, I had this and had to dig down and re-fit the pipes, good luck.
You are turning your multiport valve clockwise and counter clockwise. That's not a good idea as the "spider" gasket under the valve will wear and can catch and get ripped when reversing direction. You should choose a direction and always go in that one direction only, usually it's clockwise.
You need to apply fix-a leak under pressure. i.e have the pool recirculating only through the affected skimmer and close off everything else and turn off the main filter. Then rent a submersible pump, put in the deep end of the pool and attach it back into the affected skimmer. So water is being pushed under pressure through the skimmer line without drawing air in and losing suction, as opposed to using a vacuum attached to the skimmer line and the main filter on. We had the exact same problem as in the video and it sealed the leak perfectly. Let me know if you have any questions
Are you saying close the valve at the pump for the skimmer so it can't go into filter then connect in the skimmer hole a line from a sump pump so it is pressurized? Won't the sump burn out if it dead heads or won't it blow off or damage something else if you do that? would you not need to add a pressure switch so you don't over pressurize it? I do realize some will leak through but the leak wouldn't be able to keep up. You certainly would blow stuff apart. Maybe I am not understanding what you are suggesting. I have a leak somewhere in my skimmer making it useless. It won't wont suck anything from this line. I can however blow through it. I hooked up a blower to make sure line wasn't plugged and water came out of it. It actually went 5' in the air so obviously no blockage. The only thing could be a crack somewhere. The pump is sucking air through this line causing it not work. I bought this chemical and looking for the best way to use it. It's worth a try rather than dig up all my concrete. Any help would be appreciated.
+Amber Reigns No. First turn your filter pump off, close all lines except the affected skimmer line, and switch pump from filter to recirculate. However, still leave the filter off, so the skimmer line is not sucking and none of the liquid will pass through the filter pump. Then place a submersible pump in the deepest part of the pool, and connect direct into the skimmer, whilst putting a bung in the other skimmer. So in affect the pump, is forcing water though the skimmer line back into the pool, creating a continuous flow of water. To increase pressure, slightly close the skimmer pipe.
If you underground pipe leak’s under the concrete is coming from the return pipe near to the return pipe going into the ground , no need to break the concrete and spent thousands,, just stop the pump , remove the salt chlorinator, and pour the “seal a leak “into the return pipe , and let it set for 48 hours , install back the salt chlorinator and turn the pump back , and save money and take a vacation . After you do this .Cheers.Let me know if it work for you . Good luck 👍
What if you have a leak under concrete and it's the farthest 2 returns. Should you try to push the sealer backwards into the return with a 2nd sump pump?
I have a inground gunite pool. The water drops to one inch above All returns and skimmer with Pool running or not. We did dye test and visual of pool above and in the pool. Not evaporation. I am retired and can't afford $275.00 for leak detection company
Hi Richard, Thank you for that, I did not know, I had been doing that for some 7 years so that explains the leak. I now use a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and put the tablets in that.
no probs matey. 10 years pool maintenance in spain maintaining pools and property management has taught me well...hahaha. yep pool floaters in all my pools
It is OK if your pump is running 24/7 but can be a problem if you are using a large long life tablet that is left in the skimmer for long periods without pump running.
FIX A LEAK didn't work for me! I had dye being slowly sucked in thru one of the three RETURNS. I followed the instructions for a return leak and the next day it was still sucking in dye just as fast as the day before. I even tried applying the SOLUTION directly into the RETURN thru a clear tube(hose) at several places within the RETURN (without pump running) and waited till the next day. That didn't work either. Now I'm planning to rent a concrete saw and cutting into the deck behind the bad return like other videos have shown. :(
If I cannot bypass the filter, should I remove the cartridge and then proceed? If not, is it acceptable to isolate the leaking pipe and let the material sit in the pipe for a duration of time without circulation?
Yes remove the filter if you can and also it is worth letting it in the pipe, good luck, we have moved house now and don't have a pool! 19 years of looking after a pool was long enough for me!
Hi, I don't have a recirculation valve I have an old 3 way diverter (hayward sp-733 - Dial-a-flo), any recommendations? I suspect i have a leak in my skimmer line so would I need to circulate only through the skimmer line to make sure the product seals the leak from there? Kind of confused, thanks
Hi there quick question for you did you have the pump off for that 48 hours so the fix a leak solution was sitting in the suction line idle or did you circulate it? I would like to leave mine off if possible because I have an old style filter that doesnot allow me to reverse the water flow. thanks much
Hey, were you losing water in skimmer by running on Recirculation mode or it was losing by having no equipment ON at all? just curious because for my inground pool, i notice losing water below the skimmer and that even only when i run on Recirculation(with approx 8-9hrs). if i let it sit with equipment off or even if i run the pool on Filateration i do not see any sign of losing water. if someone can help.
I was losing more when pump was running on Recirculation mode & when on filter mode, the pipe immediately under the skimmer had gone rotten caused by leaving high volume of chlorine tablets in the skimmer when pump was NOT running!
Someone told me not to ever reverse the movement on your handle you should just go in One Direction. Plus don't put chlorine tablets understand her basket
but did it work, am having problems with my pool. all systems pressure tested and OK, have resealed lights etc and regrouted but still losing approx 1 inch per day. Any suggestions (helpful!)would be appreciated. P s, pool 8 years old
+Dee Horsburgh It only worked for a week or two, I sealed off the skimmer and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and my pool has never been cleaner, good luck with yours, it's sounds like you have done all you can, do you have plastic steps into it? Some years ago I had to replace my steps as it was leaking from there! All I can think is you must have a hole in the liner? Good Luck.
I'd need a lot more info to be able to help. In floor returns or in floor cleaning system? vinyl liner or plaster? booster driven automatic cleaner? water features? Spa and pool combination? Do this: turn off your system, superchlorinate, and let the water level drop until it stops. The level at where the water holds should indicate the location of the leak. Makes sense, right? However, this method is kinda hackish because if the leak is in the main drain.... I'm a pro pool guy and I'm here on the net looking for ideas, too.
Sadly it only worked for a month as the plastic pipe under the skimmer had cracked baldy, I was quoted £2,000 from 'Pipes down under' to run a liner through the 20 meter skimmer to pump pipe. I sealed off the skimmer and just used the sump to draw the water though the filter and bought a Solar-Breeze solar powered floating skimmer which works like a dream, my pool has never been cleaner! Good luck.
Hi, yes I'm very please with it, I have had one now for four years and it still works very well and everyone comments on how clean my pool is, it saves on chemicals and pump running time too, the new NX model has a much stronger casing as my old one is now showing some cracks but still runs well into the night, I can't recommend the Solar-Breeze enough, buy one now!
I'm sorry i wanted to figure out when to go the recirculation for 3 seconds after putting the product open the skimmer valve or keep it closed? thank you
You need to keep it on re-circulation for at least 36 hours to avoid the product clogging up your sand filter and if you think that the leak is in the pipe from the skimmer pipe I would poor in the product in and run pump for 3 sec and then turn off the valve with pump turned off overnight.
I am having the same problem. While you applied the fix a leak product did you keep the water level under the skimmer level? Did you run "recirculate for 3 secs after applying the product with pool water level under the skimmer level? and after 48 hours, did you fill the pool and ran the backwash and filter.thank you so much
Good morning i would like to know if it is possible to have an english translation of the procedure because i have a leak from skimmers i bought fix to leak and i want to know how to use it and in what quantity! Thank you
I agree with your video comment but also for automatic chlorine dispensers make sure they are after the pump and heater/boiler. The installers put mine before the boiler and it cost me two heat exchangers several years later. Also I found it impossible to find my slow leak, I think it was multiple places around a poorly sealed join to the steps. So I went over it all resealing. It fixed it. Here's my video ua-cam.com/video/I96S8g2BTv0/v-deo.html
The pipe under the skimmer was fractured so rather than dig down through concrete 1 m I closed it off and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer, it is fabulous see my solar-breeze videos ua-cam.com/video/b7JJq32YoM0/v-deo.html
Mackenzie Rough oh ok. I kind of figured it wouldn’t work that well. That’s a critical part of a pool and pretty major repair job. Thanks for the response and making the vid. Glad u know now to not put tabs in there!
Yes, I didn't know about not putting tablets in the skimmer basket until there was a 'post' on here about not doing it! I was quoted £1,800 to run a new pipe to the pump room so I closed the skimmer off and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and it is fabulous, my pool has never been so clean, here is a video:- ua-cam.com/video/yx76y5nMs-g/v-deo.html
Mackenzie Rough wow that’s pretty cool! They probably wouldn’t have to run a new pipe all the way to the pump. Usually the leak is just at the bottom joint of the plumbing in the skimmer or in the bottom perimeter of the skimmer itself. I live in Hawaii and the one guy I know that does this repair charges around $2500 to replace the skimmer itself. I’m guessing that close to 1800 euros. Anyways pretty cool machine u got there but now u can’t vacuum the bottom of the pool without the skimmer. Must not be a problem for u tho.
David, Hawaii must be a cool place to live! I use a pool underwater robot to clean the bottom, with the solar-breeze I only need to do this around every 12 days! Here is a video of it in action:- ua-cam.com/video/bEZTd1yNJPw/v-deo.html
Blimey bloke! When my late husband had leaks he started to wear Depends adult diapers. Saved us a lot on cleaning bills as he would stain the carpets and couches. What a mess!!!!!
I didn't have any leaks, until I was talked into using a water filter on my filling hose. I have hard water. So hard that if I have a small leak in my copper water pipes, at a new fitting, that it will seal itself in a few days. So I drained my tub and refilled with non-filtered water. Now, no leaks.
I've read that keeping a chlorine puck in the skimmer is bad for the equipment because it deliver a concentrated amount on start-up of the pump/filter.
It’s not a poke …
Great video but we need a conclusion to see if it actually worked or not? Thanks
In my case it worked for 6 months!
@@mackenzierough thanks for the update. May try on my inground pool
@@rotfan77 Good luck.
Question: When you put the fix a leak product into the skimmer drain was the pool pump set to backwash or where? Was the skimmer set to the off position when you input the product?
I tried this twice for a skimmer line leak with no luck. The Fix-a-leak does however contaminate the pool so use it sparingly, took a week to clean out the clouds and resudue. I'm really looking for a video to replace the line since it's probably close to 50 years old black pipe and already repaired once 10 years ago.
Oh dear sounds like the feed pipes may have a fractured on the joint due to not being bedded in properly when your pool was installed, I had this and had to dig down and re-fit the pipes, good luck.
I am unable to see the comments. Did the product work in repairing the leak?
Can I use this to fix a leak in my above ground pool liner?
You are turning your multiport valve clockwise and counter clockwise. That's not a good idea as the "spider" gasket under the valve will wear and can catch and get ripped when reversing direction. You should choose a direction and always go in that one direction only, usually it's clockwise.
Thank you for that infomation
I was going to say the same thing. I do clockwise as well.
Yes it does . Will damage spider gasket . Educate yourself .
yeah no just no this is a common folk tale
You need to apply fix-a leak under pressure. i.e have the pool recirculating only through the affected skimmer and close off everything else and turn off the main filter. Then rent a submersible pump, put in the deep end of the pool and attach it back into the affected skimmer. So water is being pushed under pressure through the skimmer line without drawing air in and losing suction, as opposed to using a vacuum attached to the skimmer line and the main filter on.
We had the exact same problem as in the video and it sealed the leak perfectly.
Let me know if you have any questions
Are you saying close the valve at the pump for the skimmer so it can't go into filter then connect in the skimmer hole a line from a sump pump so it is pressurized? Won't the sump burn out if it dead heads or won't it blow off or damage something else if you do that? would you not need to add a pressure switch so you don't over pressurize it? I do realize some will leak through but the leak wouldn't be able to keep up. You certainly would blow stuff apart. Maybe I am not understanding what you are suggesting. I have a leak somewhere in my skimmer making it useless. It won't wont suck anything from this line. I can however blow through it. I hooked up a blower to make sure line wasn't plugged and water came out of it. It actually went 5' in the air so obviously no blockage. The only thing could be a crack somewhere. The pump is sucking air through this line causing it not work. I bought this chemical and looking for the best way to use it. It's worth a try rather than dig up all my concrete. Any help would be appreciated.
+Amber Reigns No. First turn your filter pump off, close all lines except the affected skimmer line, and switch pump from filter to recirculate. However, still leave the filter off, so the skimmer line is not sucking and none of the liquid will pass through the filter pump. Then place a submersible pump in the deepest part of the pool, and connect direct into the skimmer, whilst putting a bung in the other skimmer. So in affect the pump, is forcing water though the skimmer line back into the pool, creating a continuous flow of water. To increase pressure, slightly close the skimmer pipe.
How did you add the stop leak with the separate pump connected to the skimmer?
@@waitloser I assume you pour the stop leak directly into the sump pump.
If you underground pipe leak’s under the concrete is coming from the return pipe near to the return pipe going into the ground , no need to break the concrete and spent thousands,, just stop the pump , remove the salt chlorinator, and pour the “seal a leak “into the return pipe , and let it set for 48 hours , install back the salt chlorinator and turn the pump back , and save money and take a vacation . After you do this .Cheers.Let me know if it work for you . Good luck 👍
What if you have a leak under concrete and it's the farthest 2 returns. Should you try to push the sealer backwards into the return with a 2nd sump pump?
I have a inground gunite pool. The water drops to one inch above All returns and skimmer with
Pool running or not. We did dye test and visual of pool above and in the pool. Not evaporation.
I am retired and can't afford $275.00 for leak detection company
Major error spotted.. NEVER put tablets in the bottom of a skimmer basket. guarnteed pipe rot.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for that, I did not know, I had been doing that for some 7 years so that explains the leak. I now use a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and put the tablets in that.
no probs matey. 10 years pool maintenance in spain maintaining pools and property management has taught me well...hahaha. yep pool floaters in all my pools
It is OK if your pump is running 24/7 but can be a problem if you are using a large long life tablet that is left in the skimmer for long periods without pump running.
Thanks Richard for this. I was dumbstruck why I suddenly lost pressure at my weir, as I added 3 chlorine tablets before we went on leave.
Did this fix your leak ??
FIX A LEAK didn't work for me!
I had dye being slowly sucked in thru one of the three RETURNS. I followed the instructions for a return leak and the next day it was still sucking in dye just as fast as the day before. I even tried applying the SOLUTION directly into the RETURN thru a clear tube(hose) at several places within the RETURN (without pump running) and waited till the next day. That didn't work either. Now I'm planning to rent a concrete saw and cutting into the deck behind the bad return like other videos have shown. :(
I'm sorry to hear this take a look at this site:- www.pipefuze.com/
How to do the same thing with a return line ?
If I cannot bypass the filter, should I remove the cartridge and then proceed? If not, is it acceptable to isolate the leaking pipe and let the material sit in the pipe for a duration of time without circulation?
Yes remove the filter if you can and also it is worth letting it in the pipe, good luck, we have moved house now and don't have a pool! 19 years of looking after a pool was long enough for me!
Hi, I don't have a recirculation valve I have an old 3 way diverter (hayward sp-733 - Dial-a-flo), any recommendations? I suspect i have a leak in my skimmer line so would I need to circulate only through the skimmer line to make sure the product seals the leak from there? Kind of confused, thanks
Sorry I know nothing about a 3 way diverter, good luck.
Didn't work for me either bad product, I even put two large bottles in a 30,000 ltr pond. Still there is a leak
Maybe the hole I have to big
Hi there quick question for you did you have the pump off for that 48 hours so the fix a leak solution was sitting in the suction line idle or did you circulate it? I would like to leave mine off if possible because I have an old style filter that doesnot allow me to reverse the water flow. thanks much
Is it gonna work for big leak? Let m know please thanks
Good video
Pump should be turned on as you put it in the skimmer to be effective.
+videoknife That doesn't make sense. If the pump is on and you pour it in the skimmer, the product will be sucked to the filter.
The filter needs to be set to re-circulate
Hey, were you losing water in skimmer by running on Recirculation mode or it was losing by having no equipment ON at all? just curious because for my inground pool, i notice losing water below the skimmer and that even only when i run on Recirculation(with approx 8-9hrs). if i let it sit with equipment off or even if i run the pool on Filateration i do not see any sign of losing water. if someone can help.
I was losing more when pump was running on Recirculation mode & when on filter mode, the pipe immediately under the skimmer had gone rotten caused by leaving high volume of chlorine tablets in the skimmer when pump was NOT running!
Does anybody know the name of the Spanish company which sells this product?
This is it on Ebay :- www.ebay.es/itm/Fix-A-Leak-Swimming-Pool-Spa-Pipework-Shell-Leak-Repair/131648913307?hash=item1ea6e2ff9b:g:5BgAAOxyUylTQr7c
Someone told me not to ever reverse the movement on your handle you should just go in One Direction. Plus don't put chlorine tablets understand her basket
Hi, I have since been told that too!
but did it work, am having problems with my pool. all systems pressure tested and OK, have resealed lights etc and regrouted but still losing approx 1 inch per day. Any suggestions (helpful!)would be appreciated. P s, pool 8 years old
+Dee Horsburgh It only worked for a week or two, I sealed off the skimmer and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and my pool has never been cleaner, good luck with yours, it's sounds like you have done all you can, do you have plastic steps into it? Some years ago I had to replace my steps as it was leaking from there! All I can think is you must have a hole in the liner? Good Luck.
I'd need a lot more info to be able to help. In floor returns or in floor cleaning system? vinyl liner or plaster? booster driven automatic cleaner? water features? Spa and pool combination? Do this: turn off your system, superchlorinate, and let the water level drop until it stops. The level at where the water holds should indicate the location of the leak. Makes sense, right? However, this method is kinda hackish because if the leak is in the main drain.... I'm a pro pool guy and I'm here on the net looking for ideas, too.
Sadly it only worked for a month as the plastic pipe under the skimmer had cracked baldy, I was quoted £2,000 from 'Pipes down under' to run a liner through the 20 meter skimmer to pump pipe. I sealed off the skimmer and just used the sump to draw the water though the filter and bought a Solar-Breeze solar powered floating skimmer which works like a dream, my pool has never been cleaner! Good luck.
Am looking into for the solar-breeze solar powered skimmer. Are you still satisfied with it?
Hi, yes I'm very please with it, I have had one now for four years and it still works very well and everyone comments on how clean my pool is, it saves on chemicals and pump running time too, the new NX model has a much stronger casing as my old one is now showing some cracks but still runs well into the night, I can't recommend the Solar-Breeze enough, buy one now!
I'm sorry i wanted to figure out when to go the recirculation for 3 seconds after putting the product open the skimmer valve or keep it closed? thank you
You need to keep it on re-circulation for at least 36 hours to avoid the product clogging up your sand filter and if you think that the leak is in the pipe from the skimmer pipe I would poor in the product in and run pump for 3 sec and then turn off the valve with pump turned off overnight.
I am having the same problem. While you applied the fix a leak product did you keep the water level under the skimmer level? Did you run "recirculate for 3 secs after applying the product with pool water level under the skimmer level? and after 48 hours, did you fill the pool and ran the backwash and filter.thank you so much
Yes I did good luck.
Nice video. Thanks for posting. Keep up the good work!!
Did it work for you????
Does it work with pvc pipe?
Yes but only works on very small leaks!
@@mackenzierough thanks
Good morning i would like to know if it is possible to have an english translation of the procedure because i have a leak from skimmers i bought fix to leak and i want to know how to use it and in what quantity! Thank you
Hi, Go to :- www.fixaleak.com
For instructions.
Hi, Go to :- www.fixaleak.com
For instructions.
Thanks for the answer but I wanted to translate what you did in the video because I have a similar case!
But my video is in English!
Hi, is this version of any help? :- ua-cam.com/video/VpZYqY4qqMo/v-deo.html
I agree with your video comment but also for automatic chlorine dispensers make sure they are after the pump and heater/boiler. The installers put mine before the boiler and it cost me two heat exchangers several years later. Also I found it impossible to find my slow leak, I think it was multiple places around a poorly sealed join to the steps. So I went over it all resealing. It fixed it. Here's my video ua-cam.com/video/I96S8g2BTv0/v-deo.html
Mackenzie - fix a leak fixed leaking in your pool?
For a while
Mackenzie Rough how did you fix it permanently?
The pipe under the skimmer was fractured so rather than dig down through concrete 1 m I closed it off and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer, it is fabulous see my solar-breeze videos ua-cam.com/video/b7JJq32YoM0/v-deo.html
So did it work or not?
For a while but because I kept putting strong chlorine tablets in the skimmer basket the pipe rotted through!
Mackenzie Rough oh ok. I kind of figured it wouldn’t work that well. That’s a critical part of a pool and pretty major repair job.
Thanks for the response and making the vid. Glad u know now to not put tabs in there!
Yes, I didn't know about not putting tablets in the skimmer basket until there was a 'post' on here about not doing it! I was quoted £1,800 to run a new pipe to the pump room so I closed the skimmer off and bought a Solar-Breeze floating skimmer and it is fabulous, my pool has never been so clean, here is a video:- ua-cam.com/video/yx76y5nMs-g/v-deo.html
Mackenzie Rough wow that’s pretty cool! They probably wouldn’t have to run a new pipe all the way to the pump. Usually the leak is just at the bottom joint of the plumbing in the skimmer or in the bottom perimeter of the skimmer itself. I live in Hawaii and the one guy I know that does this repair charges around $2500 to replace the skimmer itself. I’m guessing that close to 1800 euros.
Anyways pretty cool machine u got there but now u can’t vacuum the bottom of the pool without the skimmer. Must not be a problem for u tho.
David, Hawaii must be a cool place to live! I use a pool underwater robot to clean the bottom, with the solar-breeze I only need to do this around every 12 days! Here is a video of it in action:- ua-cam.com/video/bEZTd1yNJPw/v-deo.html
Here is another video of Fix a Leak :- ua-cam.com/video/VpZYqY4qqMo/v-deo.html
I don't get that well who cares my swimming pool broke and now the people dat done the swimming pool have too pay me 2000 pounds
Blimey bloke! When my late husband had leaks he started to wear Depends adult diapers. Saved us a lot on cleaning bills as he would stain the carpets and couches. What a mess!!!!!
Just a thought, and this is a crazy one, but maybe actually read the directions before making a video of how you "think" a product works.
What have I done wrong then?
It's the skimmer suction line leak, not return line or main drain line. Fixaleak official site referenced this video actually.