We figured it would come to this

It really sucks when the pool pump doesn't suck, but yeah we figured that was a problem all along.  Interestingly two different neighbors told us that the previous owner had some leaks in the pool pipes - and even as I was trying to get the pump to quit sucking air - it was still an ongoing problem - then we noticed that we were losing water, and determined that it was only when the pump was running.

Then last week we had two neighbor kids come over and ask to swim - they and another neighbor told us the pool has not been open for "Years"  (much more that two that we supposed) and, when they could come swimming ..."if they would skim the pool as the skimmer line has a leak in it"...so the problem has been there for a long time.

In this hot summer season the pool guys are 2 - 3  weeks out for repair, and some would not even come out - But Lance - Michelle's friend's father was able to make it and make the repairs.

They interestingly pressure test all the pipes with air - which shows the ones that leak.  Then they add water to the mix and listen...lay with an ear to the cement and if that fails..bring out the stethoscope...Pretty cool!

We had two leaks in the suction line from the skimmer and one in the return line to the pool.   he also realigned the pump and piped it correctly and like he said - It pumps like it is on steroids.

So the pool's working...just call first to see if it there is a vacancy : )

Nothing like peering into a hole in the concrete and seeing your pool from the inside out...I imagined a lot worse scenario!