It is completely normal to top off your pool during the hot summer months. But if you find yourself running the garden hose more often than usual, you might be dealing with a bigger issue. Finding out that your pool losing water at an unexpected rate can be stressful, but it does not have to ruin your summer.
Understanding whether the water drop is normal or a sign of damage is the first step to protecting your backyard oasis. In this guide, we will cover how to tell the difference between evaporation and a leak, common warning signs to watch for, and exactly what to do when you notice your pool losing water.
Is Your Pool Losing Water to Evaporation or a Leak?
A standard swimming pool naturally loses about a quarter of an inch to half an inch of water per day due to evaporation, direct sunlight, and wind. If your pool drops more than two inches in a single week, you likely have a leak.
Try the simple bucket test
The easiest way to check if your pool losing water is due to a leak is the bucket test. Fill a plastic bucket with pool water and set it on the second step of your pool so it is partially submerged. Mark the water level on both the inside of the bucket and the outside (the pool water level). Wait 24 hours. If the pool water level drops noticeably more than the water inside the bucket, you likely have a leak rather than normal evaporation.
Common Causes of a Pool Losing Water
If the bucket test points to a leak, the next step is narrowing down the source. Pool leaks generally fall into a few main categories.
Equipment and plumbing issues
The mechanical components that keep your water clean are common culprits. Inspect your filter, pump, heater, and chlorinator. Check the O-rings, valves, and pipe connections for moisture or steady drips. Underground plumbing can also develop leaks, which are much harder to spot but can cause significant water loss over time.
Structural damage and surface wear
Over time, the materials making up your pool can break down. Concrete pools can develop structural cracks in the shell or around the tile line. Vinyl liners are prone to small tears or punctures from sharp objects, pool toys, or general aging. Even fiberglass pools can suffer from shifting soil that compromises their structural integrity.
Skimmer and fitting leaks
The areas where plastic meets concrete or vinyl—like skimmers, return jets, and underwater lights—are notorious for leaks. The seal between these different materials can weaken over the years, creating a direct path for water to escape the pool shell.
Visible Warning Signs to Watch For
Sometimes, the signs of a pool losing water go beyond the water line itself. While inspecting your pool area, look out for these visual clues:
- Soggy patches in the yard: If the grass around your pool or equipment pad is constantly wet, squishy, or unusually green, an underground pipe may be leaking.
- Cracks in the pool deck: Shifting soil caused by underground water loss can cause concrete decking to settle, crack, or sink.
- Loose or falling tiles: Water getting behind the tile line can cause the tiles to loosen, shift, and fall off entirely.
- Persistent algae growth: Constant water loss requires constant refilling. This dilutes your pool chemicals, making it much harder to keep the water balanced and fight off algae.
Why Early Action Matters When Your Pool Is Losing Water
It is easy to ignore a small drop in water, especially if throwing the hose in for an hour fixes the visual problem. However, ignoring a pool losing water can lead to severe and expensive consequences.
When water escapes into the ground around your pool, it erodes the supporting soil. This can lead to sunken pool decks, cracked structural shells, and ruined landscaping. Additionally, running a pool pump when the water level drops below the skimmer can burn out the pump motor, adding a costly equipment replacement to your repair bill. Acting quickly protects your property and your wallet.
Solve Your Pool Losing Water With Patriot Pools
A backyard pool should be a source of relaxation, not a constant cause for concern. If you have noticed the water level dropping faster than normal, it is time to get a professional opinion before a small leak turns into a major structural problem.At Patriot Pools, we specialize in helping homeowners diagnose and repair leaks quickly and efficiently. Our experienced team knows exactly where to look and how to fix the issue so you can get back to enjoying your summer. If you suspect your pool losing water is more than just normal evaporation, contact Patriot Pools today to schedule a comprehensive leak inspection and secure your backyard oasis.