It’s normal for every pool to lose a little water over time, especially during a hot Minnesota summer. But if you’re adding water more often than usual, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right. The key is figuring out whether you’re dealing with normal evaporation or a leak.
Normal Evaporation
Warm temperatures, sunny days, and even a little wind can cause your pool to lose up to a quarter-inch of water per day. If your water level drops gradually and everything else seems normal, evaporation is often the cause.
How to Tell If It’s a Leak
A simple way to check is with the bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step so the water inside the bucket is at the same level as the pool. Mark both water levels and wait 24 hours. If the pool loses significantly more water than the bucket, you may have a leak.
Common Causes of Pool Leaks
Leaks can happen in several places, including:
- Vinyl liners with small tears or punctures
- Plumbing lines underground
- Pool pumps, filters, or other equipment
- Skimmers, pool lights, or other fittings built into your pool
- Loose fittings or aging seals
Sometimes the problem is easy to spot. Other times, it takes specialized equipment to find.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
A leak won’t usually fix itself. Left alone, it can waste water, increase chemical costs, and put extra strain on your pool equipment. Catching the problem early often makes repairs simpler and helps prevent bigger issues later.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve ruled out evaporation and your pool continues losing water, it’s a good idea to have it inspected. At All Poolside, our experienced service team can help identify the source of the problem and recommend the right repair, so you can get back to enjoying your pool instead of constantly reaching for the garden hose.
