Need advice on how to tackle this leak

jaye31987

Active member
Jun 17, 2019
43
orlando
I believe I have a leak at my skimmer. The issue is that I don't see any active leaks, so I assume it's leaking through the screws between the liner and the wall.

So far, I've tried the following:

1st attempt: Installed a new butterfly gasket—still leaked.
2nd attempt: Added pool sealant between the gasket, screws, and skimmer—still leaked.
3rd attempt: Repeated the second attempt and used tape, as you can see in the "middle view," to ensure it wrapped around the edge of the skimmer pool wall—still leaking.

I'm considering two more attempts:

4th attempt: Add thick, waterproof membrane tape, wrapping the edge of the skimmer wall to the liner.
5th attempt: Apply a 1.5 x 1.5 ft liner patch and check for leaks before cutting a new hole. Something like this:



Side note -
The middle view picture is how my pool currently looks. It doesn't drop below this level.
the skimmer itself looks fine. There is nothing wet exterior.
 

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Last edited:
Look under the skimmer lid for Make and Model.

Most skimmers have seals that sandwich the vinyl (one under the vinyl, one over the vinyl, then the seal plate) See Front & Rear. Some only have "front" gasket.

You need the part number for the skimmer to get the right gasket(s) and quantity.

1740613638328.png
 
I believe I have a leak at my skimmer. The issue is that I don't see any active leaks, so I assume it's leaking through the screws between the liner and the wall.


Side note -
The middle view picture is how my pool currently looks. It doesn't drop below this level.
the skimmer itself looks fine. There is nothing wet exterior.
The Lowe’s tape gasketed portion might be an area to look more closely at.
 
Look under the skimmer lid for Make and Model.

Most skimmers have seals that sandwich the vinyl (one under the vinyl, one over the vinyl, then the seal plate) See Front & Rear. Some only have "front" gasket.

You need the part number for the skimmer to get the right gasket(s) and quantity.

View attachment 629916
I just noticed my post was screwed up there is more details to it but I did order the right gasket according the description. To be on the safe side, I decided just to buy a whole new skimmer just to completely rule it out.
 
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The Lowe’s tape gasketed portion might be an area to look more closely at.
I just realized my post didn't upload correctly. Regarding the Lowe's Tape.

3rd attempt: Repeated the second attempt and used tape, as you can see in the "middle view," to ensure it wrapped around the edge of the skimmer pool wall—still leaking.

During this attempt, the goal was to seal the liner to the pool wall skimmer hole. so there was no way the leak would happen between the liner and pool wall. The only way possible at least from what I'm thinking is water leaking through the screws which eventually goes between the pool liner and pool wall. I did add sealant but maybe it wasn't enough.

My idea was to do the following :
4th attempt: Reattempt number 3; but use a thick, waterproof membrane tape, wrapping the edge of the skimmer wall to the liner.
5th attempt: Apply a 1.5 x 1.5 ft liner patch and check for leaks before cutting a new hole. Something like this:

To be on the safe side, I just ordered a completely new skimmer. With the way my luck has been going; watch it still leak.
 
UPDATE: I sealed the skimmer and return and it still leaks! The duck tape to the bottom blue tape is a difference of 6 days roughly with a pool cover on. I find it weird that it just stops leaking at this level which is just below the skimmer entrance . Anyone had any idea why it would just stop? I sealed the skimmer with pool Liner. I'm completely lost atm. Next step is just to dive into the water and look. I just find it weird that it alway stops at this level. 1000022012.jpg
 
UPDATE: I sealed the skimmer and return and it still leaks! The duck tape to the bottom blue tape is a difference of 6 days roughly with a pool cover on. I find it weird that it just stops leaking at this level which is just below the skimmer entrance . Anyone had any idea why it would just stop? I sealed the skimmer with pool Liner. I'm completely lost atm. Next step is just to dive into the water and look. I just find it weird that it alway stops at this level. View attachment 637994
Stopping at the bottom of the skimmer leads to a leak likely near bottom of the skimmer
 
Definitely going to check the pool walls today. Just incase I explained wrong, their is currently no pool skimmer or return jet attached to the pool. I mended a peice of liner to the hole of the pool skimmer and return jet. I'm assuming you thinking that there is a leak just below the pool skimmer somewhere around the pool wall.
 
Definitely going to check the pool walls today. Just incase I explained wrong, their is currently no pool skimmer or return jet attached to the pool. I mended a peice of liner to the hole of the pool skimmer and return jet. I'm assuming you thinking that there is a leak just below the pool skimmer somewhere around the pool wall.
Or your patch.