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Is Your Pool Water Disappearing Too Fast? Understanding Normal Evaporation

Is Your Pool Water Disappearing Too Fast? Understanding Normal Evaporation

Every pool owner can expect some degree of water loss. But seeing the water level dropping rapidly is cause for concern. In most cases, you’ll be able to blame the increased water loss on normal evaporative processes that increase in the summer. But using this guide can help you enjoy greater peace of mind by exploring how and why the water seems to disappear overnight.

Know the General Normal Evaporation Rate

Most pools lose around a quarter of an inch of water each day. If your pool is in an extremely hot climate or sunny area, you can expect to need to add more water frequently. The humidity outside can also influence the water evaporation process. Paying attention to the weather can help you find the most common reason for the levels to drop. If you feel parched and hot outside, it’s likely the pool is also experiencing the effects of high heat and low humidity.

Is Your Pool Water Disappearing Too Fast? Understanding Normal Evaporation

Learn What’s Typical for Your Pool

As a new pool owner, you can expect a general learning curve. If the pool was recently installed, it’s less likely to have a leak than an old pool is. But it’s also possible for a faulty piece of equipment to spring a leak. Or damage might have occurred due to a recent storm or landscaping in the yard. Over time, you’ll get to know what the normal rate of water loss is for your pool. Until then, you can always call for an inspection to make sure there isn’t an issue.

Practice Good Pool Maintenance

Leaks can happen if the pump and hoses develop clogs or cracks. Your pool could also begin to leak if the pipes corrode or break. Vinyl pools could leak through tears in the material, and a hard surface, like what you’ll find in a PebbleTec pool, can also crack. While you don’t have to inspect every component each day, you’ll want to be wary if you’ve let maintenance lapse. Damage can occur within a short time. If your pool has been sitting unattended for a while, it might be best to check for new issues.

Check for Water Leakage Around the Pool

If you’ve hosted a pool party recently, you might expect some extra water on the ground. Kids can also splash and cause excess water to fly out of the pool. In these cases, you may find water evenly distributed around the pool. Splashes from normal swimming should dry quickly. You should be concerned if you notice a puddle of water in one place or waterlogged grass that seems to have happened over a period of time. These are signs there could be a hidden leak that needs repair.

Inspect Aging Pools Regularly

For peace of mind, it might be best to arrange for regular inspections of older pools. Aging can cause the materials in your pool to slowly break down. Receiving the all-clear from your pool inspector can help you worry less about rapidly evaporating water. 

If you haven’t had your pool built yet, reach out to San Diego Pools, the pros with decades of experience. We’re one of the premier San Diego pool builders, and our team of pool design and construction experts is dedicated to building exactly the pool you want and providing you with the highest-quality service in the industry. To get started on building the pool of your dreams, call us today.

About the Author

Josh Lawson

Josh Lawson is the President of San Diego Pools and has been part of the company since 1996. He began his career in pool service before moving into project management, design, and leadership, gaining hands-on experience in every phase of the pool construction process. Today, Josh leads San Diego Pools’ Commercial Division and remains closely involved in the design of both residential and commercial pools throughout California. With decades of industry experience, Josh approaches pool design with a focus on longevity, craftsmanship, and how a space makes people feel. He believes the most successful pools are not defined by size or features, but by their ability to create a sense of relaxation, escape, and connection to everyday life. His work reflects a thoughtful balance between architecture, environment, and lifestyle, resulting in pools that feel timeless, immersive, and built to last