How far from the returns is the water level?
Check inside the skimmer for cracks.
The plaster is what makes a gunite pool water tight. A broken line is another possible cause.
How old is the plaster finish?
Did you experience a sustained freeze?

Scott

Hi Scott...

The water level is about 8" below the return skimmers.
Skimmers appear to be fine, with the exception of some blockage in the line at the farthest return from equipment. There have been no history of sustained freezes here(TX).
I guess I mispoke earlier, it is the plaster as you mentioned that looks to be compromised not the gunite...I hope. The leaking seems to be evenly distributed all around the outer area of pool.
the soil is wet for about 3-4 feet from the pools' kooldeck perimeter.

The tiles are also falling away on the wall b/w the spa and pool.

Is it possible to repair the plaster in just the area that appears top be leaking(approx 12-14") along the inside perimeter of pool all the way around?
thanks again
jan

if there is water all the way around the perimeter, something serious is going on that needs to be addressed. I know you just had some significant rains too. Pictures of the area(s) you suspect will help. In fact, posting pictures of the pool and the equipment pad can help.

How old is the pool?

Has there been any changes to the landscape in a 400 yard perimeter such as a new house or anything?

Is the coping still solidly attached?

Tiles falling off usually means water got behind them and caused the thin set to deteriorate.

I am assuming the pump was running when the water level dropped overnight. This is indicative of a failed return line.

You may have several issues happening that need to be addressed. Waiting will not make it cheaper. Patching often makes costs for proper repairs go up, adding to the costs associated.

A plaster leak is not normally so dramatic in such a short time.

Do you have a multiport on your filter? It may be leaking out the backwash line.

I'm guessing pool is about 25 years old. I've been here for 12 of those years. The surface of the pool under the water has become more and more coarse and brittle over time. The top step of the pool has even begun to chip away the last time I took a SS brush to it.
It seems the area of the pool that was not under water(like that top step) for several months(ie: exposed to sun) is the area that is leaking.
The leaking occurs even when the pump is not running.
It just seeps through the walls at the top 12" of entire pool.

The DE filter is not multiported.

If the top 12" of the plaster can't be repaired without doing the entire pool, we probably will be forced to demo the pool altogether since it's repair and constant upkeep are too much of an expense now due to the economy and other more pressing financial obligations. It rarely was ever used the past 6 years.

Why are you using a S/S brush? Well, its pretty moot.

From the sound of what you say, a proper plaster and tiling job are in order. Don't demo the pool. That will cost at least as much and you will literally have nothing to show for the money. Then move to a home without a pool.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh but it may be time. I hope you're not in Vegas or other similarly depressed real estate market.

Scott

Thanks Scott.
LOL...if I'm able to move to another house it most definitely would be without a pool.
That or I'd have a budget for someone to maintain it properly.
What's odd about this pool is that the kooldeck slopes downward toward the house from the coping.
Seems like it's become worse through the years, I'm thinking the house may have subsided a bit.
Heavy rains funnel the water towards the house which eventually leads to water in the house...so yes it's been a real PITA to say the least.

On the bright side it is now a very "natural" looking lagoon.
We went from a plague of frogs that frequently got relocated to new habitats, to now just one very large frog that patrols the lagoon.

Your description fits the parameters of a light niche or light conduit leak. Take the light out and pump in as much silicone as you can into the conduit.