Noticing that your pool water level is dropping unexpectedly can be frustrating. If you’re sure there’s no leak, you might be wondering why your pool is losing water. While a leaking pool is often the first culprit that comes to mind, there are other factors that could be causing the water loss. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons your pool might be losing water, even when no leak is visible, and provide tips on how to troubleshoot the issue.
Common Causes of Pool Water Loss
Before you panic and think the worst— that you have a leaking pool— it’s important to rule out some common causes of water loss. Below are several reasons why your pool might be losing water without a visible leak.
- Evaporation: The Most Common Culprit
One of the most common causes of water loss is evaporation. Pool water naturally evaporates, especially during hot, sunny days. As temperatures rise, more water can evaporate from the surface of the pool, particularly in areas with low humidity. On average, a pool can lose about 2 inches of water per week due to evaporation, which can often be mistaken for a leak.
Evaporation is more pronounced in the summer, but it can also happen during the winter months, especially if the air is dry and windy. If your pool water is losing more than 1/2 inch per day, it’s worth investigating other potential causes before assuming it’s just evaporation.
- Splash Out and Water Features
Another common reason for water loss in pools is splash out. Every time swimmers enter and exit the pool, or when kids play and splash around, some water will be displaced. Water features like waterfalls, spillways, and fountains, can also contribute to water loss.
This kind of water loss is entirely normal, though it can accumulate over time. If you’re seeing a steady drop in water level but haven’t had many people using the pool, this could be the issue. It’s a good idea to monitor water loss over the course of a few days to determine whether splash out might be the cause.
- Heavy Rain
You might be surprised to know that heavy rainfall can also lead to pool water loss. After a big storm, it’s normal for the pool water level to rise. Many pool owners will drain excess water to prevent damage to the pool structure or equipment. However, if your pool’s drainage system isn’t functioning properly, the water level may continue to drop even after the storm has passed.
If your pool is equipped with a vinyl liner, there’s an additional concern. In some cases, heavy rain can cause the liner to shift, leading to damage. A vinyl liner that’s come loose can also create a gap, allowing water to escape.
- Backwashing the Filter
Backwashing the filter is another common reason for water loss, especially in pools with sand or DE filters. Backwashing is a process used to clean the filter by reversing the flow of water. This process forces dirty water out through the waste line, which can result in significant water loss. If the backwash valve is left open or the multi-port valve is leaking, the pool may lose water unexpectedly.
This issue can often be corrected by making sure the valve is fully closed after backwashing. If the backwash process is done too frequently, it could also lead to excessive water loss. In such cases, adjusting the backwashing schedule might help to keep the water levels stable.
- Low Humidity and Wind
If you live in an area with low humidity and frequent winds, these environmental factors can significantly affect the water level in your pool. Wind increases evaporation rates by stirring up the water’s surface, leading to faster water loss. When combined with low humidity, the water evaporates more quickly than it would in a more humid environment.
This is particularly common during dry, windy winters, even when the pool isn’t in use. Installing a pool cover or adding natural wind barriers, such as shrubs or a fence, can help reduce the effect of wind and evaporation.
How to Detect Water Loss Due to Evaporation
If you suspect that your pool is losing water every day due to evaporation, you can conduct a simple test to rule it out. The “bucket test” is an easy way to determine if water loss is due to evaporation or a leak.
- The Bucket Test
Begin by ensuring your pool is filled to its usual water level. If your system includes an automatic fill feature, temporarily disable it to avoid skewing the results.
Next, take a clean bucket—preferably 5 gallons—and position it on one of the shallow steps of your pool, ideally the first or second. Add pool water to the bucket until the water inside aligns as closely as possible with the water level of the pool outside the bucket.
Using waterproof tape or a marker, clearly indicate the water level inside the bucket and the surrounding pool water level on the bucket’s outer surface. It’s important that the bucket remains partially submerged to ensure consistent conditions.
Allow the setup to sit undisturbed for a full 24 hours. After that time, compare the two water levels. If the pool’s water has receded more than the water inside the bucket, it’s a strong indication that your pool may have a leak. However, if both levels have dropped by a similar amount, then natural evaporation is likely the cause of the water loss.
This straightforward method helps differentiate between water loss due to environmental conditions and potential structural or plumbing issues within the pool system.
If the water levels inside and outside the bucket are about the same, the water loss is most likely due to evaporation. This test will help rule out a pool leak and confirm if environmental factors are at play.
What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you’ve ruled out evaporation, splash out, and other non-leak causes, it’s time to check for a pool leak. The best way to detect a leak is to inspect the pool’s equipment, plumbing, and liner for damage. If you notice any wet spots around the pool equipment or find any obvious signs of damage to the liner, there’s a good chance you have a leak.
However, many leaks are small and difficult to detect. For a thorough inspection and repair, it’s best to reach out to professionals who specialize in pool leak detection.
How to Get Help with Your Leaking Pool
If you’re struggling to pinpoint the cause of your pool’s water loss, our team at Mr. Pool Leak Repair is here to help. We offer expert pool leak detection services in Texas and can quickly identify any leaks or issues in your pool. With over 13 years of experience, we are dedicated to quickly locating and resolving pool leaks, allowing you to relax and enjoy your pool with peace of mind. We also offer the longest warranties in the industry, ensuring peace of mind for all our customers.
If you’re experiencing pool water loss, don’t wait. Contact us today for a professional evaluation and expert service.
