Pool ignoramus here. In need of education and advice on plumbing and leaks.
Seattle rental house is cursed to have a pool. So much a rarity that pool service providers here have virtual monopolies on their business segment.
Tenant reported water loss last year (verified by water bill escalation). Property management (PM) hired a firm to investigate. Another firm hired to seal discovered leaks in pool walls (mostly around in water lights).
Fast forward to today, after about $2k expended, water level maintained better but still a slow leakage persists. Diagnosis is “water level stops at an odd spot; right below the skimmer's mouth. Because of this, it could either be in the pool, or in the pipes. If the water was sitting lower, we would know it's for sure in the pool. If sitting at the mouth base, possibly the pipes. “
PM wants another $1k to have same (and purportedly only) diving analysis biz come back out to find the presumably last leak. We asked “rather than another full inspection, can’t they conduct an isolated pressure test on the skimmer plumbing lines? ” Reply is that test alone runs $1k (by same service co) and no plumber has been found who’ll work on pool plumbing. So are we just out of luck and captive to this insane services market??
Would vastly appreciate knowledgeable opinions and shared experiences if possible. Feels like I’m drowning; thank the universe I don’t have a pool at my own home! TIA *10.