It’s Summer, I’m Doing Everything Right! Why Is My Pool Losing Water?
Summer is here. The sun is shining, your pool chemistry is balanced, your filter is running, and yet—you notice the water level is dropping. Don’t panic! You’re not alone. Water loss is a common concern for pool owners during hot months, and there are a few key reasons why it might be happening—even if you’re “doing everything right.”
☀️ 1. Evaporation: The Summer Culprit
In warm weather, evaporation is the number one cause of water loss. On average, your pool can lose ¼ to ½ inch of water per day due to heat, sun exposure, and wind.
Factors that increase evaporation:
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High temperatures
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Low humidity
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Wind blowing across the surface
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Extended filter pump run times
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💡 Tip: Try using a solar cover or liquid solar blanket to reduce evaporation by up to 50%.
🩱 2. Splash-Out and Swimmer Activity
The more fun you’re having, the more water you might be losing. Jumping, splashing, and playing can cause measurable water loss over time—especially during parties or when kids are using the pool daily.
💡 Tip: Consider turning down the excitement just a notch—or plan to top off your pool more frequently during high-use weeks.
🧼 3. Backwashing and Filter Maintenance
If you’re backwashing your filter frequently or for long periods, you’re draining water each time. While necessary, this can contribute to a noticeable drop in water level.
💡 Tip: Only backwash when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 psi over normal and for no longer than needed (usually about 2 minutes).
🧯 4. Leaks (Even Small Ones)
If you’re losing more than ½ inch per day consistently, and it’s not from evaporation or activity, you may have a leak. Leaks can occur in:
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Skimmer lines or returns
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Underground plumbing
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Pool light niches
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Vinyl liners or concrete cracks
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💡 Tip: Try the Bucket Test: Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step. Mark the water level in the bucket and in the pool. Wait 24 hours. If the pool water drops significantly more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak.
🧰 What to Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you’ve ruled out evaporation and splash-out and your water level keeps dropping:
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Check for visible signs – soggy spots, wet decking, or bubbling in return lines.
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Call a pro – Leak detection requires special equipment and expertise.
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At Dingman Pools, we offer expert inspection and repair services to pinpoint and resolve leaks fast—so you can get back to enjoying your pool worry-free.
✅ In Summary
Water loss is normal to a point—but not all water loss is created equal. If you’re seeing more than half an inch a day, it’s time to investigate.