Should My Pool Lose Water Everyday?

Have you noticed your pool’s water level dropping? Maybe you’re even hearing some weird gurgling noises? Don’t panic just yet! It’s a pretty common worry for pool owners, but let’s figure out if it’s just good ol’ evaporation causing your pool to lose water, or if you’ve got a leak on your hands.

How Much Should Your Pool Lose Water Over Time?

First things first – it’s normal for a pool to lose water over time. That is normal. Think about it: your pool is basically a giant bathtub sitting outside. The sun, wind, and even the air’s humidity common to the Fort Myers, FL area are all trying to steal your pool water. When seasons change or the humidity drops your pool’s gonna lose water faster than when the humidity is high. Makes sense, right?

Let’s get down to the numbers. The average swimming pool holds about 18,000 to 20,000 gallons of water. On a hot, dry day, you could be losing anywhere from 60 to 120 gallons. I know it sounds like a lot! But spread across your whole pool, it’s not as bad as it seems.

What Can I Do About My Pool Losing Water?

There are a few simple ways you can try to reduce water loss from evaporation.

Here are a few tricks to try.

1. Turn off those fancy water features. Yeah, they look cool, but they’re basically water evaporation machines.
2. Build a windbreak. A fence or some bushes can help keep the wind from whisking away your water.
3. Throw some shade. Literally. A pool cover or even a shade sail can block some of that thirsty sunlight.

Common Water Loss Scenarios

Okay, let’s talk about when water loss might be more than just Mother Nature doing her thing:

1. Your pool’s losing water 24/7: Could be the weather, or chemicals evaporating. Try adding some stabilizers to your pool water. But if it seems excessive, might be time to check for leaks.
2. Nighttime water loss: This one’s tricky. Pools with heaters tend to lose more water at night. Try covering your pool when you’re not using it, especially on cool nights.
3. Losing water when the pump’s off: This could mean you’ve got a leak in the pool structure or on the suction side of your pump system. Time to check those drains, skimmers, and pipes.
4. Losing water when the pump’s on: Flip side of the coin – might be a leak on the pressure side of your pump system. Take a look at your piping and pump parts.
5. Winter water loss: Yep, it happens in winter too, especially with heated pools. Warm water + cold air = more evaporation. Keep it covered and turn down the heat when you’re not using it.
6. Losing an inch a day: Whoa there! That’s definitely more than evaporation. Time to call in the leak detection professionals at Benjamin Franklin.
7. Water loss after a pool party: All that splashing and backwashing can lower your water level. But if it keeps dropping, there might be something else going on.

Common Areas Where Your Pool Might Be Leaking

Leaks can happen in various parts of your pool, and here are some common places where they tend to develop:

• Skimmer: This area often experiences leaks due to the connection points where the skimmer attaches to the pool or where pipes meet. Cracks or wear and tear in these areas can lead to water loss.
• Return Piping: Leaks in underground pipes may show up as wet spots in the yard around your pool. If you see damp areas that seem unusual, especially after a dry spell, check your return piping for leaks.
• Main Drain: The main drain can be a hard-to-detect source of leaks, but it’s important to address. This is another area where a professional’s help is often needed.
• Pool Lights and Jets: The watertight seals around pool lights and jets can deteriorate over time, allowing water to escape. If these fixtures are older, it may be time to check and replace the seals.
• Pool Structure: Cracks in the pool’s surface or tile can also cause leaks. A simple dye test can help identify areas where water may be leaking out.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Pool Leak

If you suspect your pool has a leak, you can perform a bucket test to confirm it:

1. Turn off your pool’s auto-fill system and pump.
2. Fill the pool to its usual level and mark the waterline.
3. Fill a bucket with pool water and mark the water level in the bucket.
4. Place the bucket on a pool step so it is partially submerged in the water.
5. Wait 24 hours and compare the water levels. If the pool water has dropped more than the bucket water, there’s likely a leak.
6. If the results are unclear, repeat the test with the pump running to get a better sense of where the leak might be.

When to Call in the Pros from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

If your DIY test indicates a leak, call in the leak detection professionals from Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Fort Myers, FL. Don’t let a small drip turn into a big, expensive problem.

Remember, a leak isn’t just about wasting water – it can cause some serious damage to your pool if left unchecked. So if you’re losing water and can’t figure out why, don’t hesitate to get some help. Better safe than sorry, right?