Few things are more frustrating than waking up to discover that your once-pristine pool has mysteriously depleted its water level, leaving you to grapple with questions like “Where did the water go?” and “How can I fix this?”
If your pool loses more than a quarter-inch of water overnight due to evaporation, you might be experiencing a leak.
Every day, a small amount of water is lost to evaporation. If you lose a half-inch or more overnight, there’s a problem.
A covered hot tub or pool will lose very little water through evaporation in 24 hours. If you are going to cover your pool or spa tub and turn off its pump, ensure that the water level is correct. It will be easy for you to tell if the water level falls below normal.
Water loss over 24 hours can be measured using the bucket test. An uncovered bucket will lose about a quarter-inch of height. A significant water loss will detect a leak in the pool.
How Much Water Loss In a Pool Is Normal?
Water loss can differ significantly depending on whether you are experiencing rain or drought. You likely have a pool containing between 18,000 and 20,000 gallons of water.
The evaporation of groundwater can result in 60-120 gallons of water being lost daily in a drought. It is possible to lose water and end up with a high municipal water bill or overwork your water well’s pump due to loss of water.
In this situation, it’s understandable that you want to ensure there will be no leakage of this precious resource. You can reduce water consumption by turning off pool water features that cause more evaporation.
If your pool’s landscaping has changed recently, evaporation may have been affected.
It is possible to reduce your pool’s evaporation rate by using a fence and shrubs to protect it from windy conditions. You can also save water by adding a screen or shade to block out the sun’s rays.
Recommended Water Levels
In cases where the pool lost water overnight from the bucket test, the skimmer basket assembly is one place to look for a leak. Typically, two-thirds of the water level should be above the base of the skimmer for inground pools.
As the pool’s usage changes, the level may fluctuate. During this period of stillness, when the pump is off, and the water is still, the water should settle at this level.
Water should be above the intake line or pipe from the skimmer assembly to the filter and pump.
There is a risk that this suction line will allow air to come in if it is not filled with enough water. There is a possibility of air damaging the filter and the pump motor.
Be sure to check the water level at this fitting and add water if necessary. In addition, this step is essential for a spa tub. Ensure the intake lines and jets are covered with water.
Drains and Return Lines
If you own a pool, be sure to check the return line. Swimming pools are filled with clean, occasionally heated water.
Water may not be reaching the pool because there is a break in the return line. The pump will lose water while running, which will account for some of the water loss.
No other element is guaranteed to be pumped into the pool besides air. Moreover, it will damage the pump system as well.
Considering that the drain is located at the lowest part of the pool, it may be challenging to check it. A loose intake line from the drain may prevent water from entering the filter system.
Ensure the drain area at the bottom of the pool is clean by checking for excessive dirt. If there is dirt in the drain, the drain may not be working correctly.
Upon entering the drain return line, it meets the line coming from the skimmer. You might have a loose connection under your deck. Water on the deck can indicate a leak near the location of the connection.
Why Is My Pool Losing Water Overnight?
Some common scenarios and possible causes of water loss are as follows:
Pool Loses Water Overnight
In the swimming season, pool water evaporates overnight at varying rates. The temperature of your pool will drop at night, even though the weather might be warm during the day.
With a heater, your pool becomes warmer and dries out more quickly. In the summer, your pool is more likely to evaporate as the air stays warm overnight. It is possible to avoid water and heat escaping from your pool by covering it.
Pool Is Losing Water After Frequent Use
Also, you might be losing water simply because you are using your pool more. The splashing of the water on your deck and into the air can cause the water to spray into the air.
In the event that you only notice a drop in water level after a week of heavy pool use, there might not be any problem at all. Your filtration system will lose water if it requires backwashing maintenance.
You’ve switched from a monthly to a weekly backwashing schedule, right? What’s the best time to replace your filter?
Pool Is Losing 1 Inch of Water Per Day
A leak in your pool’s structure or pool pump likely indicates that you are losing more than ½” of pool water daily. Your pool service should conduct a leak inspection.
Your pool may be unable to hold up with refills now. A skimmer which starts absorbing air can damage your pump system.
Likewise, if water leaks from your pool and saturates the surrounding ground, it can even come out of the ground.
Pool Loses Water in the Winter
Evaporation of your swimming pool will be accelerated if your pool is heated in winter or cooler times of the swimming season.
To protect your pool when it isn’t being used, it is a good idea to cover it. Winterize your pool with the thermostat set lower when you don’t plan to swim to reduce water evaporation.
The pool Is Losing Water When the Pump Is On
Unless your pool structure is the cause, the water level in your pool is likely to drop only while the pump is running.
Pool pumps have piping and components on the pressure side that must be checked. The effects of leaks can be subtle. Make sure you look for puddles or areas of ground that are wetter than the surrounding area.
The pool Is Losing Water When the Pump Is Off
You might have a pool leak if you’ve turned off your pump daily and the level drops more than 1/4″ per day.
There is likely a leak somewhere in the pool infrastructure or on the suction side of the pool pump. If your pool pump is taking in water from the outside, inspect drains, skimmer, piping, and fittings around the intake side.
Pool Loses Water All Day
It is difficult to diagnose pool leaks as weather patterns change. You may need to adjust the water level of your pool because of afternoon thunderstorms.
A common problem with pool chemicals is that they evaporate quickly. If you want to prevent chemicals from escaping your pool, you can add stabilizers to the water.
You might have a leak when your pool leaks more than ¼” in a humid environment and 1/2″ in a dry environment. Performing the leak test at the end of this post will help you determine if your pool has leaks.
Common Areas Where Your Pool Might Be Leaking
A leak may be responsible for you losing water overnight in your pool. There are some common areas to look for leaks, even though any part of your pool holding water could leak.
Pool Structure
You can locate a leak in your pool’s structure in many ways. Alternatively, it is difficult. Inspecting the surface or tiling for leaks can sometimes catch them early.
Occasionally, a dye test is needed for other leaks. You can find a variety of products and advice at your pool supply store. Using a pool renovation company to repair or resurface an ageing pool could be wise.
Pool Lights and Jets
Any openings in the structure of the pool can leak at some point. Lights and jets in your pool may lose their watertight sealing over time.
Ascertaining any problems and resealing your fixtures can be handled by your pool service company.
Main Drain
Nothing is worse than hearing that your pool’s main drain is leaking. Leaks in main drains, which are located at the bottom of the deepest part of your pool, can be difficult to locate and fix.
You might want to talk to your pool builder about getting access and determining if your main drain is leaking.
Return Piping
Your pool’s return piping is another place where leaks begin. An underground pipe can be difficult to access. Look for soft, wet areas that can result from ongoing leaks in the ground.
Skimmer
The pool skimmer is normally the cause of pool leaks. Occasionally, skimmer materials may be damaged.
There is a possibility of leaking at the point of connection between the skimmer and the pool. Additionally, the piping exiting the skimmer can develop a leak. First, you should look at all these areas.
Final Words
You must understand what to do when your pool loses water to take the proper steps before the problem worsens. Professionals can also assist you and avoid any potential mistakes by overseeing your repairs.
