Fixing my leaking swimming pool

We arrived home from holidays and one of the first things I like to check after unpacking the car is the swimming pool.

As home maintenance goes the swimming pool can be a big drain on time and money. Over the years lots of things have needed fixing and replacing.

In an attempt to save money, I try to do as much as possible myself.

I noticed before we went away the water level needed topping up, I just put it down to normal use and evaporation as there was no visible leaks or wet ground.

Lucky I am in the habit of turning the pool off when we are away and adding some extra chlorine.

Arriving home to the water level at least 300mm lower than normal had me feeling thankful I turned the pump and chlorinator off but concerned to where I was losing water.

With no visible leaks or wet ground. I decided to do an evaporation test. Set up a bucket next to the pool. Over night the pool dropped another 10 millimetres and the bucket between 0 and 1 millimetres.

Next was to start googling for information. With no cracks it could only be the light or valve/drain at the bottom of the pool.

I never fully understood the valve at the bottom of the pool but it is there to let any excessive ground water into the pool instead of cracking or lifting the pool. Seems like over engineering but it must be a thing.

These hydrostatic relief valves are supposed to be tested yearly and replaced every 5 or 6 years. No wonder I was having a problem, I had not touched mine in over 20 years.

The automatic pool cleaner does get stuck on it sometimes which probably help wear it out too.

Being the middle of our winter I was not that excited about getting in the pool and swapping it out, but the thought of paying someone else had me getting out the old wet suit.

It took me a couple of goes and I had to make a removal tool to be able to get the screw in valve out and order a replacement.

The first removal tool, I made up out of an off cut of 63mm plastic electrical conduit and a heat gun to mould it, which worked but it did flex and did not grip perfectly.

My second attempt was a lot better and worked a treat after I found a bit of 70mm stainless steel tubing which just needed a few slots cut in with a 5 inch grinder.

A very satisfying feeling with the job done and the pool refiled once more ready for use. Total cost $32 aud thought it might cost a bit more in excess water charges and some extra chemicals.