If you own a swimming pool, your water level drops occasionally. But how much water loss is normal, and when should you be concerned? While some loss is expected, an excessive drop in water level could signal a problem. Let’s dive into the details so you can keep your pool in top shape and avoid potential issues.
How Much Water Loss Is Normal?
Your pool naturally loses water through evaporation, splashing, and routine maintenance. It’s normal to lose about 1/8 to 1/4 inches per day, which adds up to roughly 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches per week, depending on the weather, pool usage, and other environmental factors.
If your pool is losing significantly more, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
What Causes Pool Water Loss?
#1 - Evaporation
The biggest culprit behind water loss. The rate of evaporation depends on:
- Temperature: Hot, sunny days speed up evaporation significantly, especially in dry climates.
- Humidity: Drier air pulls more moisture from your pool, causing higher evaporation rates.
- Wind: A breezy day can accelerate evaporation by carrying away water vapor.
- Pool Temperature: Heated pools lose water faster due to increased evaporation.
#2 - Splashing & Swimmers
Every splash contributes to water loss, whether cannonballs, pool games, or kids running in and out. Heavy pool usage during parties or high-energy activities can significantly increase water loss beyond normal levels.
#3 - Backwashing & Filtration
Regular backwashing removes water from your pool if you have a sand or DE filter. The more often you backwash, the more water is lost. Additionally, pool equipment leaks or malfunctioning auto-fill systems can cause unexpected water loss.
#4 - Leaks
You might have a leak if you’re losing more than 2 inches per week. Leaks can be caused by:
- A crack in your pool shell or a leak in your swimming pool light
- A tear in your pool liner, a leak in your skimmer throat, or a crack in your skimmer housing
- Leaking pool equipment, such as your pool pump seals, filter, heater, or Jandy valves
- Underground plumbing leaks, which may require professional leak detection services
How to Check for a Leak
Do you think your pool is losing too much water? The easiest way to measure water loss is by using a simple mark-and-measure method:
- Use a piece of tape, a marker, or a grease pen to mark the current water level on the pool wall. If you have a vinyl liner swimming pool, you can mark this on your pool tile or fiberglass stairs.
- Wait precisely 24 hours.
- Measure how much the water has gone down with a ruler.
- Repeat this test for a couple of days to ensure consistency and clearly understand your pool’s actual water loss.
If your pool is losing more than 1/4 inch per day or more than 2 inches per week, it may indicate a leak that needs further investigation. A professional leak detection service can help locate and resolve the issue before it becomes costly.
Tips to Minimize Water Loss
- Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, especially in a hot, dry, or windy area.
- Block the wind with landscaping, fences, or windbreaks to reduce excessive evaporation.
- Keep chemicals balanced to prevent damage to your pool liner, concrete pool shell, or pool equipment that could lead to leaks over time.
- Monitor pool usage and be mindful of excessive splashing and water displacement.
- Check your pool’s filtration system for leaks or issues causing unnecessary water loss.
- Regularly inspect your pool and pool equipment for visible cracks, damaged seals, or loose fittings that could indicate a slow leak.
Final Thoughts
A little water loss is normal, but if your pool loses more than 2 inches weekly, it’s time to investigate. Using the mark-and-measure method and monitoring environmental conditions can help you determine if your water loss is expected or if you need to call a professional. Staying proactive in monitoring your pool’s water level will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Understanding normal water loss and implementing simple preventative measures can keep your pool in optimal condition and avoid unnecessary water waste.
In Conclusion
If you live in Jupiter, Florida, and suspect your swimming pool is losing more water than usual, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Precision Leak Detection is here to help!
Our expert team specializes in identifying and resolving pool leaks quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your pool stays in great shape year-round.
