Sunnyside

Agreed, very hard to figure out what's going on without pictures. Personally, I've never seen a check valve fail to close if it's got the right spring in it. However, come to think of it, I can't say that I've really seen a check valve on a suction line... I've only seen a 'ball valve' installed in front of a pump when the pump was located many feet above the water level (so that the water wouldn't drain into the pool when the lid was opened. Three check valves? I'm curious to see what's going on with this setup ;-)

I have replaced many vinyl liners and have come across many unique situations. It's sometimes hard to offer sound advice when I'm not looking directly at the pool but here's what I think: Your old niche is useless to you because you can't find the type of light that will fit in it. There's also a good chance that with the water loss, your wall panel is rusted (most vinyl liners are installed over galvanized steel walls). Remove the liner and repair the rust damage (if any). Now measure the diameter of the hole and condemn it with a round disc 1/16th thick (preferable something stainless steel). We found some really good stuff at the dollar store (randomly) that we were able to use (kids round magnet board). Screw it into the pool wall use metal screws with a pan head. Any good hardware store would have some variation of what you need. You could even patch over the old hole with a new piece of metal with a hole cut out. Now you don't have to install a new light but if you do... you can simply dig a hole and cut a new hole of the correct size into a new location. A pool company should easily be able to do this. Dig a new trench for the electrical (get an electrician if you're not comfortable). Anyhow, like I said... too many unknown variables. Perhaps attach a few pictures of your setup? Bruce

I work in the swimming pool business but I'm NOT a builder of concrete swimming pools. I have read that it's not a great idea to empty your swimming pool for a long period of time. Ideally, you should be keeping it filled with water for the reason you suggested. However, my father lives in Florida for the Winter and moves back to Ottawa, Canada for the summer. In the Florida summer he covers his concrete pool for 6 months with a Winter Cover, anchored tightly with water bags. When he comes back in November he either pumps the dirty water off the cover or pumps it back underneath. During the summer months he asks a neighbor to pour some liquid chlorine on top of the cover from time to time to keep the 'top water' from going rancid. This costs next to nothing because a $2 jug of bleach can have quite an impact on such a small amount of water. The big question is whether or not you have a good winter tarp & water bags (or another way to anchor)... because if you don't this can get aggressive on your budget. Perhaps you could borrow a cover from somebody? Good luck! Bruce (SPAM REMOVED)