Better ideas for fixing leak right at the pool pump inlet (no room!)

Yep, the pool pumps I've worked with have all been above the water level of the pool, typically on flat ground with the water level a foot or so lower and they self-prime.

There is no other drain - so that is a logical conclusion that it's a drain hose bib (without the drain hose attached).

In fact the pump *should* be above the pool level so a leak at the pump/filter won't drain the pool.

Yeah. One by one, you disable each of the dozens of pipes which leak every year. You first gouge out a few inches, and then put two rubber plugs in the top, and two in the bottom using this $40 repair kit from Fafco:

Today I patched about a dozen leaks and then, after it sun dried, I added putty epoxy as shown in this picture below. I hope the disable of the pipe holds. If not, I'll look to the AquaSeal since I presume it can seal while wet (which is a major problem with this repair).

Hmmm... I 'like' this idea! The hot glue might push itself up the hole when I disable the tube by gouging it out and trying to plug it with the hot glue from the pressure of the water from the pump.

BTW, I learned my lesson today to use whiteout to mark the holes when they are wet - and then to let them sun dry to repair them with the glue/ epoxy.

T4-

You're adding words to my posts........

The OP used the word "normal", I never did. If I were to use the word "normal" I guess it would apply to the "typical" pool installation in service. Probably thrown together by someone of limited skill & knowledge and most likely leaking a tolerable amount. Representative of the poor workmanship that has become the norm is the US. :(

I merely suggested that if he's doing a repair he should shoot for no leaks.

Unfortunately the OP is working on a jacked up installation with what appears to minimal plumbing experience. The idea of attempting to seal a leak by drawing PVC solvent into the leak is pretty amateurish. That's not how PVC solvent cement is meant to work. But "hey, whatever works".

The installation he's dealing with is such a mess I suppose nothing really matters expect reducing the leak to an acceptable level. The overall, redesign, rebuild can wait for another day.

However, he did mention adding a 4th pump..........

With the pump below the pool water line leaks will drain the pool. With the pump above the pool water line, the pump prime might be lost.

Pools lose a lot water due to evap so a small leak probably won't use a great deal of additional water.

cheers Bob

air bleed, so you can burp it?

That valve is likely to help the pump to prime by reducing back pressure. If your pump has trouble priming, you can let the water out easily and after it primes, just close it. If it's just sticking up in the air, that seems a bad design. However, after looking at the photos you've posted... Phil

Unless he has something very unusual, all that's normally used on pool eqpt is a small valve to let air out at the top of the filter tank. No need for a