It is quite common for a pool to lose water over the winter. There are several reasons why a pool could lose hundreds of gallons of water gradually over the colder seasons. If the pool water continues to gradually decrease, the first and most common reason may be a small hole or tear in the pool liner.
An uncovered pool will lose water in the winter to evaporation in the same way it does during the summer. But the water loss is only about a quarter-inch on average during a 24-hour period when the pool is not in use. An uncovered or covered pool can have problems in the plumbing lines or pump.
In-Season Water Loss. During the pool season, water loss can occur from many things. Filter leaks, holes in the liner, evaporation, or splashing out are some of the most common causes.
Keep the water level in the pool no lower than about 15 inches from the top of the pool coping. With not enough water in the pool solid covers fall in the pool, and safety covers are at risk for damage.
Pool Collapse – An above ground pool collapse is often caused by the results of ice damage, but it can also happen when there is too much snow accumulated on top of the pool and the frame cannot handle the weight.
On average, swimming pools lose about a quarter of an inch of water each day, yet variations in wind intensity, humidity and sunlight can drastically change water loss rates. Some of the strongest and most intense wind in the country can be found in mountainous regions.
If the water loss is larger when the pump is running, the likely culprit is the underground return line. However, a leak in the return or jet fitting will also leak at a greater rate when the pump is on (there is pressure in the system).
An easy way to determine if you have a pool leak or evaporation issues is to do a bucket test. Simply fill a 5 gallon bucket about 3 inches from the top of the bucket and place it next to the pool. With electrical tape or another easily removable tape mark the water line on the pool and the bucket.
You can do the “bucket test” on your pool to measure evaporation. Place a bucket of water beside the pool and mark both the water in the bucket and the pool water level. Wait 24 hours then check the loss of both. If the pool loses more water than the bucket, then you have a leak.
How often should I have to fill my pool? This will vary depending upon several factors including: weather, if the pool is covered or not, bather load, and if it is heated or not. With pools that are covered, a good rule of thumb is that they should not have to be refilled more often than once every 2 weeks.
If your pool lost water overnight and it is more than the quarter-inch due to evaporation, you probably have a leak. Evaporation accounts for a minor amount of water lost each day. Losing a half-inch or more overnight indicates a problem.
If you still haven't found a hole, it's time to play manta ray. Very carefully and slowly swim around the bottom of your above ground pool and search for holes. In an area, you suspect a leak, utilize the dye to confirm the leak is indeed there.
Lower Your Water Temperature
As the temperatures drop, the warm water evaporates even faster. In warm water, molecules turn into mist, which evaporates quickly. This process accelerates when the temperature of the pool water is higher than the air's temperature. Cold water is more resistant to evaporation.
Quick answer: You can expect to lose between 2 mm to 2 inches of water in your pool per week due to evaporation, depending on the various factors we'll get into in this article.
Most pools experience between 3mm - 7mm of water loss each day, depending on where you live.
Losing more than ½” of pool water per day indicates you likely have a leak in your pool's structure or your pool pump system. You should call your pool service for a thorough leak inspection. You might not be able to keep up with refilling your pool at this point.
Your pool also loses water in summer, up to 2 inches per week, due to the heat of the air. You can employ a swimming pool cover to protect the pool from these powerful rays. A pool cover will also keep heat in your pool when the weather is cold. In summer, the air around the pool is hotter than the pool water.
Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years. This should be done during mild weather so that your pool surface is not at risk from strong sunlight and heat. Your pool maintenance company can recommend when it is time to drain your pool.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO MINIMIZE WATER LOSS
The number-one way to combat evaporation is with a pool cover. It's estimated that a pool cover will reduce evaporation by 95 percent. Solar covers can heat your pool in the off-season, too. A pool cover reduces the pool's chemical consumption and reduces your cleaning time.
There are several common ways an above ground pool can develop a leak. If your swimming pool water level is dropping begin your leak hunt by checking the most common areas where a pool leak starts.
Add a couple drops of red food coloring. When the water quiets, place a drop or two of colored water into the pool. Start near the steps and work your way around the pool. Water follows the path of least resistance, so if there's a leak, you will see the colored water leaving the pool as it flows out of the leak.
Once you've ruled out evaporation and determined you have a leaky pool, you can use some food coloring or a special pool leak detection dye to locate the leak. Since you may need to swim to the bottom of your pool, wearing goggles will be helpful to see what's happening.