Cracked PVC Pool Pipe: Temporary Repair

matt151617

I had a heat tape installed on an above ground pool lower pipe. There's no shut-off on the pipe so I had to leave it full of water. The heat tape was on a timer and apparently needed to run 24/7, because the pipe cracked, probably due to ice.

How can I repair this so it stops leaking? I can't cover it with a rubber sleeve since the heat tape will still need to be over it all winter. The pool will drain if I don't do anything. Replacing the pipe is not an option till spring, since it would involve getting into the pool and plugging the drain hole.

Lightfoot

is the water coming from a main drain at the bottom of the pool?

if so, you could cover the drain with a sheet of heavy gauge plastic film or a rubber mat bigger than the size of the drain. The weight of the water should seal it off, at least temporarily while the pipe is repaired. I'd put a shutoff on there while i was at it. That way you could pressurize the line with air until you see bubbles come up in the pool then shut it off to hold the water back, leaving only (or mostly) air in the line during the winter.

matt151617

It's not really a drain... it's a pipe on the bottom of the side of the pool that draws water into the pump along with the skimmer. I plan on installing a shut off and new pipe in the spring, but in the mean time, I can't do anything. The top few inches of the water are frozen and the cover is also frozen in place.

joecaption

You can cut it and instal what's called a test plug, Or a rubber cap that slides over the outside of it and is attached with a hose clamp

plummen

So why didnt you drain,winterize the pool?
Water thats not constantly moving will freeze very easily

matt151617

That's how you winterize pools. Draining would just ruin the liner. The water freezes, the top few inches, like a lake does.

I'll try the rubber sleeve. Hopefully the heat tape isn't too much for the rubber.

plummen

okie dokie!

danfaub

Same issue. Check out McMaster part #74635A65. Might work for ya. 74635A65
2" Width X 5 Feet Length, Pipe Repair Tape
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