Pool Losing Water? Leak vs. Evaporation
Normal Water Loss: What’s Evaporation?
All pools lose water naturally due to evaporation. Factors that influence how much include:
- High heat and low humidity
- Wind exposure
- Sunlight and lack of shade
- Pool temperature vs. air temperature
- Frequent use and splash-out
On average, you can expect 1/8” to 1/4” of water loss per day—more during hot, windy weather or if your pool lacks a cover.
When to Suspect a Leak
Evaporation happens slowly. If you’re seeing a drop of more than 1/2” per day, or need to top off more than once a week, it’s worth investigating further.
Signs of a leak include:
- Soggy or eroded areas around the pool deck
- Air in the pump or bubbles in return jets
- Cracks in the tile line, skimmer, or pool shell
- Water loss even when the system is off
- Algae growth in isolated areas from fresh water intrusion
Leaks can occur in the plumbing, fittings, equipment pad, or even within the pool walls. Left untreated, they can cause major damage—from soil erosion to structural shifting.
The Bucket Test: A Simple At-Home Check
To separate leak from evaporation:
- Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a step or shelf (partially submerged).
- Mark the water level inside and outside the bucket.
- Wait 24–48 hours (with the system off if possible).
- Compare the drop: If the pool level falls more than the bucket, you likely have a leak.
It’s not a perfect science, but it gives you a useful baseline.
How We Detect and Repair Leaks
If you suspect a leak, don’t delay. Our experienced team offers:
- Pressure testing and line isolation
- Underwater dye testing
- Skimmer, light, and tile line inspections
- Subsurface leak detection for hardscaping and plumbing
- Accurate pinpointing without unnecessary digging
From minor surface cracks to deep plumbing issues, we specialize in permanent solutions for Concrete, Fiberglass, and I-Beam pool systems.
