A Houston Skimmer Throat Leak and a Failing Multiport Valve

Some pools lose water in more than one way. On this concrete pool, a Houston skimmer throat leak was the main source, and the multiport valve at the equipment pad failed its pressure test too. Our technician found both in a single visit.

Here is how we tested the pool, what each finding means, and what happened next.

Every line under pressure

We started with the plumbing. Our technician sealed off each line and pressurized it to 12 psi. Then we watched the gauge for any drop.

The pool returns held. So did the cleaner line, the skimmer line, the main suction drain and the common line. The spa return and jets, the spa suction drain and both water feature lines passed as well. In short, nine lines, nine passes. That ruled out a buried pipe leak and spared the owner any digging.

Checks on the shell and lights

Next, we turned to the structure. The lights passed, and dye and visual checks on the pool and spa surfaces found no issue. A hydrostatic test on the sheer descent came back clean too. At that point, only two places were left to explain the water loss.

Finding the Houston skimmer throat leak

The far skimmer told a different story. Its throat, the opening where pool water flows into the skimmer, was leaking where the skimmer meets the wall. That joint takes stress every time the shell and deck shift. Once it opens up, water slips behind the skimmer instead of flowing into it.

Our technician sealed the throat with pool putty on the spot. Putty works underwater, so it slows a leak right away. Because it is a surface seal, though, it is worth keeping an eye on that skimmer over the coming months.

The multiport valve at the pad

Leak detection includes the equipment, not just the pool. When we pressure-tested the system at the pad, the multiport valve failed. This valve sends water to the filter, to waste or to backwash, depending on its setting. When its internal seal wears out, water can slip past and leave through the waste line.

The owner chose to take care of the valve on their own, and we noted it in the report so nothing gets forgotten.

Why we test everything

If we had stopped at the skimmer, the valve would have kept failing. On the other hand, if we had only checked the pad, the skimmer would have kept leaking. Because we tested the whole system, the owner got a clear list with no loose ends. That list also lets them plan each fix on their own schedule, starting with whichever matters most to them.

Signs of a skimmer throat leak

For example, the level may stop falling once it drops below the skimmer opening. You might also see a gap, crumbling grout or a crack where the skimmer meets the tile. In addition, water loss that continues with the pump off often points to the structure rather than the equipment. Still, only a full test tells you for sure.

Learn more about pool leak detection in Houston, see how we handle skimmer leak repair, or read about equipment and valve leak repair. Read firsthand accounts from local owners on Google.

Why test the equipment if the leak is in the pool?

Because the pad can leak too. On this job, the multiport valve failed while every pool line passed.

Does a skimmer throat leak mean the plumbing is bad?

Not necessarily. Here, the skimmer line held 12 psi. The water escaped at the throat joint, not inside the pipe.

Does your pool keep needing a top-off? Schedule a visit with us and we will check the pool, the plumbing and the equipment in one visit.