Need Advice Today 6/6

[Sumo1]

Upon firing up pump#2 in our renovation of the church pool,we discovered that we have a leaking return line. Fortunately it is under the new wooden deck we built 3 weeks ago. Last night we cut the deck and followed the water to the leak. It seems to be a crack in a straight run but it is under another straight run. My current plan is to remove a section of the upper pipe, plug it, cut, plug and repair the offending lower pipe, then repair the upper. Even with all returns and skimmers plugged, it likely will be a mess. Sorry there are no photos, my photo program is down. I've got both Oatey rain-n-shine glue and PoolTite blue glue. Is either better than the other? If I can't get the pipes dry, is there a way to prime them? Given the limited amount of info, what might you do in this situation? Thanks
Hal

[JohnT]

Remove the eyeballs if equipped, and plug both returns at the pool with winterizing plugs or expanding test plugs. Cut the pipes and add expanding plugs to the pump side to contain the water from the filter. The lines should drain pretty quickly.

[NEPApoolguy]

Hello Sumo1.....sounds like to me that you want to remove all the water from the pipes that you will be cutting as to not make a muddy mess where you'll be making the repairs......is this correct?. If so....disconnect the lines that you'll be cutting at the filter system.....usually there are some type of union or means of seperating the plumbing at the filter. Then use a powerful enough shop vac to blow out the water from the pipes. If the vac is strong enough.....you should be able to blow the lines even if the returns or skimmers are under water. Once you see alot of air from the openings.....usually takes a minute or so to do.....plug the openings with expandable rubber plugs. You may get alittle wet while doing this. Then you should be able to cut the pipes without the mess. Hope this helps.

[Sumo1]

Thanks, fellas! I'll let you know how it goes.
COVER ME!! I'M GOING IN......
Hal

[Sumo1]

Thanks for your help. Made the repair, but it was UGLY. Had to cut it and repair it AGAIN. Thank God it's over. One step closer to opening the pool!

Hal