Brad wrote:
I will check to see where the water comes back into the pool. There
is no drain in the pool so it is not left open.

There HAS to be a drain. It will usually be in the deepest part of the pool
if it's a diving pool, and/or the part of the pool farthest from the inlets.
Otherwise the pumps etc. would have no place to get water for the
circulation of water.

Also, I neglected to
mention that all the pumps and such are above the pool level so I
don't see any way for the water to siphon out at the pump.

You're right, that's pretty unlikely. One thing to keep in mind is: Always
check water level at the actual water, NOT on top of any cover. I've seen a
lot of people think their pool has a leak because the cover seems to be
going down farther, but in reality it was just the cover letting water
"leak" through on top of it, in which case the cover sort of "sinks" but the
actual water level doesn't change.
I'm not saying this is your problem; simply to be sure you measure the
water level against the side of the pool and not based on the cover itself
in any way.


I have seen a couple other posts from people who loose water in the
winter but not in the spring/summer. I have not seen a good
explanation as to why.

Ice movement, once it forms, can do strange things to pools. You never
mentioned a pool liner, but your description of the pool sounds like it
should be the type tha tuses a liner. IFF it has a liner, that's where the
water leak is going to be, and pretty hard to locate so next spring is
actually your only choice for fixing it.

So far I have had to replace about 18" of water. Is there any
chemical treatment required of the new water I am putting in? The
water out of the tap tests fairly neutral.

Proper water level is about a foot below the water inlets or the strainer
basket opening, whichever is lower. If you get a lot of winter rain, maybe
even lower but it shouldn't be any lower than about half the height of the
shallow water walls, in order to keep them in position.

I'd have to agree that it's worth having a pool company take a look at the
situation if your'e really losing water, for your own comfort and for the
reasons mentioned by the poster below.

Also, to prevent freezing and breaking, all water inlets, strainer and
return lines (from the drain) should be plugged at BOTH ends to keep water
out of them. Normally the plugs will be put into the pool side, antifreeze
put into the pipes, and then the pump-ends plugged also. If there is water
in those pipes underground, it will be an expensive spring.

Since the previous owners would have had little reason to do an outstanding
job of closeing the pool, I'd again suggest having it inspected by a pro for
the winter. Also I wouldn't be shy about asking the previous owners for
instructions on what they did when they closed the pool. It might be an eye
opener.

You never mentioned where you are, so if you won't get a hard freeze over
the winter it's going to be a non issue anyway. Assuming you have four
steps, just keep the leve up to the second step and below the
inlets/outlets.

HTH
Pop`



Thanks again,
BRAD


On Nov 29, 9:34 am, "wayne" wrote:
it is possible when it was winterized they left a stopcock or drain
plug a little open. I would have a pool company come out and check to
make sure the pool was winterized properly and that they can't see
any leaks. It will make any claim against the seller much easier if
you have it checked now vs going back in the spring!