The water level in your swimming pool can vary for a variety of reasons. If you are the person taking care of your pool for your family, it’s important that you have accurate information before tackling this issue. It’s also less expensive to take care of minor problems yourself. 

If you’re asking “Why is my pool water level low?”, this article will discuss the two main reasons for water loss in your pool, along with other related issues you might see over the years of pool care. 

 

Causes Of Low Water Level In A Pool

The average swimming pool contains between 18,000 to 20,000 gallons of water and all that water comes with a price tag. It’s important that you keep as much of that water in your pool so you don’t have to replenish it more often than necessary.

Let’s dive into the two primary reasons a swimming pool loses water:

 

Evaporation

Evaporation is a natural cycle that circulates water between the earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land. The water in your swimming pool becomes part of this cycle, so it’s inevitable that it will continually lose some of it from the water’s surface to the air around the pool. How much water is lost depends on the temperature of the water, the air temperature, how humid it is, and the air that passes over the water’s surface. 

Evaporation can lead to 25,000 gallons of water lost in a year. You will need to add two to four inches of water each week, depending on the weather and how much the pool is used.

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This cycle isn’t the problem. The problems occur when your pool is losing water at a higher rate than is normal. A pool loses about  ¼” of water a day if you live in a humid environment and ½” in a drier climate. It might be a bit more during those times of high use with lots of splashing, so consider that, too. But what if it’s consistently more than that? 

 

Leaks

If evaporation isn’t the culprit, there may be a leak in your pool somewhere. Some common causes for leaks include:

– Leaks in the pool plumbing, such as damaged pipes, cracks in the pool’s return lines, or loose connections, can cause problems.

– Faulty pool equipment such as worn-out seals around skimmers, return jets, or pool lights.

– A torn or cracked liner.

– Damage to the structure of the pool, often caused by ground movement.

– Improper construction of the pool.

Chemical imbalance can lead to shorter liner life.

If you determine your pool’s water loss is higher than can be attributed to evaporation, it’s necessary to look for a leak.

 

How To Identify A Pool Leak

There are several specific things you can do to identify a pool leak:

Track the Rate of Water Loss

The first task is to monitor the drop in the water level. You’re looking for a consistent drop even when the pool isn’t being used.

  

Inspect Pool Surfaces

Next, thoroughly inspect all the pool surfaces. Look for signs of wear, cracks, tears, or areas of seepage.

 

Do Dye Test

Get a leak-detection dye from your pool store. Put it around any suspicious areas and follow the directions to identify any potential leaks.

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Check Water Bill

Look for sudden and unusual increases in your water bill. This can indicate a significant leak.

Now that you’ve identified that you probably have a leak, what’s next?

 

How To Fix Low Water Level Problems In A Pool

To address a low water level in your pool, here are some initial things to do:

– Add water regularly.

– Install a pool cover.

– Adjust chemical balance.

– Repair or replace broken/damaged pool equipment.

– Repair leaks.

If you decide the leak involves a simple repair, you might try packing a pool putty or a water-resistant sealant around the suspected leak. You may need replacement parts, such as filter valve components or skimmer gaskets. And in many cases, cracks can be fixed with commercial patch kits.

 

Effective Solutions for Low Water Levels Are Available

Evaporation and leaks are the top two reasons swimming pools lose water. Evaporation is normal and can’t be stopped. If your pool has a leak, though, it’s important to first identify the leak and then either repair it or seek answers and assistance.

Now that you know the potential causes of low water levels in your pool, it’s time to take action. Our video series here at Pool School Videos provides expert guidance on maintaining crystal-clear, clean water year-round. Dive into our videos now and enjoy a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Pool School Videos was created by pool expert Mike Steele. With over 30 years of experience in professional swimming pool maintenance, Mike’s goal is to make pool care as simple and effective as possible. Once you purchase the video series, you’ll also gain access to our exclusive Facebook group. There, you can ask any pool-related questions and you’ll receive personalized answers within 24 hours. 

Get started today and save hundreds of dollars on pool care each year with the help of Pool School Videos!