Swimming pools blog

I’ve determined that I have a pipe leak under ground on a return line. My
method was to measure the drop in water level over 24 hours ( 1/2 inch ). I
then put stoppers in the return outlets and closed the valve for the line
and measured the lost over 24 hrs. Blocking the perimeter jets resulted in
the continuing lost. Blocking the surface bubbler jets and the lost was
reduced to less than 1/8 inch. So far so good!!! ( Note: the return line
split in to two lines at the filter with two 1 1/2″ lines running back to
the pool, one line serves the perimeter jets the other the surface jets )
Now the problems and questions:
Problems :
The faulty line runs directly under one of my wife’s prize flower beds
The distance from the jets to the pump is about 35 feet.
Since I want to live to continue enjoying the pool I need to rule out
digging up the flower bed.
( on the up side the pipe does not run under any concrete)

I have dug up and determined that the leak is not at the interface of the
pipe and the pool wall.
Questions:
1. What’s best way to deter main where in the line the leak is ? If I dig
holes down to the pipe how far will the water migrate to the hole ? ( soil
is heavy clay )
2. . If I do end up replacing the full line can I use polypropylene pipe,
as used in sprinkler systems? The pipe run requires a long curving arch and
I figure ploy pipe could make that curve with out any couplings.
Any other suggestion would be appreciated
Bob Nogueira .
o