Opened pool lost 10,000 gallons of water?

Question

We live in NJ, we opened our inground vinyl lined pool yesterday. To our surprise the water level was below our walk out steps. If you stood in the low end the water would be up to your ankles. Tested the main drain and it worked. Any ideas on how we lost atleast 10,000 gallons of water? Liner seemed fine, didn't see any leaks. We do have a light in the deep end, the water level was below the light.

Answer 1

Same thing happened herein NH. with big above ground pool. In our case, the pool fiberglass stairs had caused a slight tear (minute) holes, hardly noticeable in the liner. Water level of course was almost all gone when cover was removed. Pool company found these minute pin holes by seeing bubbles when liner was stepped on and patched them with quick seal vinyl patches. Fine now. Recommended pad under pool stair legs in future. Funny, but no sign of water anywhere. As far as in ground. Same, where'd the water go ? Guy told me he regularly patched in ground pools too. Used scuba gear to locate leaks. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think you have a small tear in the liner to lose that much water . they are difficult to find. I am sorry and good luck . we had the same type problem 2 years ago put in a new liner and the following year there was a tear and had to replace it

Answer 3

I have one simple question. Was the water level on the pool cover at it's normal spring level? If it was, have a look at your pool cover. It has a hole. You pumped out pool water with the cover water.

If it wasn't and was close to your present water level (within a foot or so) then yup you have a leak in the liner. Look at your current water level. Bet you find the leak somewhere there.

It won't be the pool light. Your water level is below that.

Answer 4

most likely the meeting point between the electric conduit (pipe) and cone end of the light broke.  this can be fixed with epoxy that can be bought at any hardware store.  you can use food dye to inspect  for leaks once you bring the water level above the suspected leak point.