Leak from closed return jet

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Annorax
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Posts: 2
Joined: Fri 06 Oct, 2017 12:50
My Pool: In ground, vinyl lined, DE filtered

Leak from closed return jet

Postby Annorax » Sun 08 Oct, 2017 16:00

Hi everyone,

I live in MA and have an in-ground, vinyl lined, DE filtered pool. I had it professionally closed recently. Over the past week or so, I've noticed that from one of the closed return jets, I see a few bubbles coming out of it. I do see a fairly big crack in the jet's face plate where one of the screws goes in so I think that might be the issue. I called the pool guys back and they said it should be OK, but I am concerned that over the winter, water will leak in and crack the lines. The previous year I had to repair a cracked line right near this return jet so I have been cautiously watching it.

I've put some Lexel around the crack and face plate as a temporary way to stop it, but I'm doubtful it will hold the entire winter and I'm also not sure how much water has already leaked in. I called the pool guys back to replace take a look, possibly to replace the face plate and reblow the lines, but they are busy so I'm not sure when they can come back.

Some people say a little bit of water in the lines is OK, but I'm not sure if a crack in the face plate can cause the lines to fill over time. They put 1 gallon of antifreeze in the lines but I'm not sure if that is enough to stop a lot of water. What do you guys think, is there a concern here?

I've also tried to use food coloring to see if there's a leak but I didn't see anything move. Do air bubbles always mean a leak?


Denniswiseman
Pool Industry Leader
Pool Industry Leader
Posts: 2616
Joined: Tue 06 Sep, 2011 05:48
My Pool: 10k inground fibreglass, Telescopic Cover, Hayward Powerline pump, Quality filter with glass media, 27kw output heat pump, K-2006C test kit
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Leak from closed return jet

Postby Denniswiseman » Sun 08 Oct, 2017 17:07

If you are seeimg air bubbles coming out, water will be going in
Can you take a photo and send to Inyopools.com. They have a lot of different parts available
Unless a freeze is imminent I would wait for them to come back after you have a new part
Annorax
I'm new here
I'm new here
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri 06 Oct, 2017 12:50
My Pool: In ground, vinyl lined, DE filtered

Re: Leak from closed return jet

Postby Annorax » Sun 08 Oct, 2017 17:25

Thank you for the reply. I have a new face plate but I'm cautious of installing it myself. I've seen some videos/websites saying it is very hard and your liner will move and need to be replaced and others saying it is very simple and just 4 screws. I think I'm going to wait for them to come out.

Would a cracked face plate be the most likely cause of the air bubbles? I'd hate to take everything apart and replace a part that might not be the issue.

Also, how good is Lexel for a temporary fix for pool leaks? It says that it's good for waterproofing but not really for use underwater. I was initially hoping to get buy until next spring with it, but the more I thought on it, the more I decided to try to get it fixed properly now rather than next season.
Denniswiseman
Pool Industry Leader
Pool Industry Leader
Posts: 2616
Joined: Tue 06 Sep, 2011 05:48
My Pool: 10k inground fibreglass, Telescopic Cover, Hayward Powerline pump, Quality filter with glass media, 27kw output heat pump, K-2006C test kit
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Leak from closed return jet

Postby Denniswiseman » Mon 09 Oct, 2017 02:11

When replacing it I would remove one screw and put a nail with the head cut off through the hole
Do each in turn, replace the face plate and reninstall the screws (that would stop the liner moving)
I don't know if the cracked face plate would cause this leak but it isn't going to get any better
I can't comment on Lexel but if they say it isn't suitable for underwater use, then it isn't
I would get it fixed now as if it does leak and freeze it will be more of a problem

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