We often hear from homeowners who are concerned about their pools losing water. It’s a commonly asked question, “Why is my pool’s water level going down? Is my pool leaking?”
There are a few things to consider when determining whether your pool’s decreasing water level is due to normal environmental factors, or it’s time for some crack repairs and a new surface.
In an uncovered swimming pool exposed to direct sunlight, it is normal to notice about a quarter inch of water loss per day due to evaporation. A pool or spa that is located out of direct sunlight, whether inside of a screened patio, under trees, or manually covered daily will lose less, sometimes almost no water at all.
Strong wind can also be a factor, as they can blow surface water out of the pool. When a heavy storm is predicted, pools should always be covered. This not only prevents possible damage from debris, but will help with high winds and flooding conditions interfering not only with water levels, but water quality as well.
The hotter the climate where you live, the more water loss that can be expected from your pool. Though hot summer sun, especially in drier climates can lead to this quarter inch daily water loss, covering your pool even if only at night and when not in use can help to hold in some of the heat and moisture as the temperature falls, helping to lessen the impact of those hot and dry daytime conditions.
If you notice more water loss than the quarter inch daily average happening regularly, check for leaks. Some indicators of a leak may be pooling water on your deck’s surface when there hasn’t been any rain recently, and loose fittings and drains. If you notice any of these problems, it might be time to consider resurfacing your pool with AquaGuard 5000.