Why is the water level in my pool dropping?

Author: Kendra Konopelski  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Typically, pools lose water for one of two reasons: Evaporation or a leak. Evaporation naturally occurs in any body of water, but it may increase under certain conditions, such as hot, humid weather. Leaks, however, indicate a bigger problem that a professional may need to address.

What to do if pool is losing water?

What to Do If You Think You Have a Pool Leak
  1. Turn off your auto-fill system if you have one.
  2. Turn off your pool pump.
  3. Fill your pool to the proper level.
  4. Mark the pool water level on the skimmer.
  5. Fill a bucket near the top.
  6. Mark the bucket water level.
  7. Place the bucket on your first pool step.

How can I tell where my pool is leaking?

Common Signs Of A Leaking Pool
  1. Water Level Changes. Dropping water level is the clearest sign a pool is leaking, but it's important to determine if the water loss is due to evaporation or a leak. ...
  2. Cracks or Falling Tile. ...
  3. Wet Spots in Yard. ...
  4. High Water Bills. ...
  5. Water Under Equipment. ...
  6. Air or Dirt Blown Into Pool. ...
  7. Algae Growth.

How much water loss in pool is normal?

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.

Why does my pool lose water overnight?

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.

Chasing pool leaks, Don't call a leak detection company until you watch this

How do I know if my pool is leaking or evaporating?

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.

Where do most pool leaks occur?

A pool leak isn't typically an easy-to-find issue but they most commonly occur in corners, at the tile line, near pipe openings, around lighting or at the throat of the skimmer.

How often should I add water to 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.

Why does my pool lose so much water in the winter?

Another reason for a pool to lose water over the winter is due to the harsh elements. Ice, snow, and water can accumulate on top of the pool cover. When too much weight forces the pool cover into the surface of the pool, water may rise up and over the pool sides. This is called displacement.

Why does my pool water evaporate so fast?

Evaporation occurs whenever you expose wind or air to the surface of your pool. So in short, this applies to every pool, all the time. Water molecules rise to the surface, form into a vapor and eventually get released into the air. Heated pools on cool nights experience evaporation more rapidly.

How do I maintain the water level in my pool?

How to Lower Your Pool Water Level
  1. Start with your pump OFF.
  2. Open the two-way valve if there is one.
  3. Move the multiport valve to "WASTE".
  4. Turn the pump ON and run until you reach the desired water level.
  5. Turn the pump OFF.
  6. Move the multiport valve back to "FILTER"
  7. Close the two-way valve if there is one.

How much water should a pool lose in a week?

The average pool water evaporation rate is about a quarter of an inch of water per day or more than two inches in a week, which on a 33′ x 18′ swimming pool (an average pool size) is more than 2500 liters or approximately 600 gallons a week; this may vary depending on your climate and the factors listed above.

How much water should a pool lose overnight?

The differential that occurs between the pool water temperature and the air temperature on late summer nights causes water to evaporate at an accelerated rate. In some cases you might see a water level difference of 1-3 inches overnight. Depending on the size of your pool, that can be over 500 gallons of water loss!

What happens if my pool is too full?

You don't need to drain your pool, as there is no risk to your pool by it being full. The only thing you lose with a pool filled to the rim is your skimmer's surface cleaning action. Overall, it still draws water and the equipment is just fine.

Do pools evaporate more in fall?

If your pool's water level is looking low, this may be why. Water evaporation occurs year-round, no matter what season it is. However, it can be intensified by the elements in colder seasons, like fall and winter. Yes, even in Texas!

Why is the water level in my pool rising?

Pool water levels can rise due to recent heavy rain, underground water leaks, and errors with the autofill system. Owners need to monitor their water regularly to keep the water level above the middle of their skimmer.

Why is my above ground pool losing water?

Filter leaks, holes in the liner, evaporation, or splashing out are some of the most common causes. Here are some tips: Splashing out: This is the most common if your pool is heavily used and there are a lot of people in the pool. Simply re-fill the pool and watch your water level.

How high should the water be in my inground pool?

The level at which pool skimmers function properly is between one third and about half way up the opening of the pool skimmer. If the water level is too high the debris floating next to the opening may pass by without being pulled into the skimmer.

Where is the overflow drain on a pool?

Swimming pool builders often install overflow drains near the rim of the pool that prevent flooding most of the time. If you don't have an overflow drain, or if it is clogged, it is possible for periods of unusually heavy rain to overflow your pool.

Can you add water to a pool?

You can fill your pool with a hose from the tap, just like you would with city water. But remember that you'll be moving many thousands of gallons of water through your softener system, so be sure to factor in the cost of salt and the electricity required to pump the water to your pool.

Should I add water to pool in winter?

The reason you don't want to completely drain your pool during winter is because the dry, freezing air can cause rips, cracks and tears in your liner. By allowing pool water to cover the liner, you're preventing the liner from drying up and getting damaged.

How do you keep pool water from evaporating?

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.

Should I turn off pool pump when raining?

To prevent potentially dangerous electrical issues, it's imperative that you turn off the power to your pool equipment — such as pumps, motors, filters, heaters, chlorinators, and lighting fixtures. Even if you turn off the power to your pool equipment, it can still be damaged by wind, rain, and debris.

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