Why Is My Pool Losing Water but No Leak? Destin’s Guide to Understanding Pool Water Loss

If you’re a pool owner in Destin, FL, noticing your swimming pool losing water can be alarming—especially when there’s no obvious leak. Understanding why your pool is losing water, even when a leak isn’t present, is crucial for maintaining a trouble free pool and avoiding unnecessary repairs or worry. At Santa Rosa Leak Detection, we help local pool owners get to the bottom of water loss, using advanced Leaktronics equipment for accurate leak detection and expert advice. This article explains the most common reasons for pool water loss, how to tell the difference between evaporation and a leak, and what steps you can take to keep your pool in perfect shape.

Is Some Water Loss in a Swimming Pool Normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal for a swimming pool to lose water over time. Everyday activities like swimming, splashing, and even backwashing your filter can cause a pool to lose water. On average, a pool can lose about a quarter inch to half an inch of water per day due to evaporation, depending on the size of your pool, weather conditions, and how often it’s used. This small amount of water loss is expected and not usually a sign of a leak.

How Does Evaporation Cause Pool Water Loss?

Evaporation is the most common cause of pool water loss that isn’t related to a leak. When the sun heats the pool water, it turns some of it into vapor, especially on hot, dry, or windy days. The rate at which water evaporates from a pool depends on factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and the pool’s surface area. Heated pools and those exposed to direct sunlight will evaporate even more quickly. Using a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use can help slow down evaporation and keep your pool water level steady.

How Much Water Can a Pool Lose to Evaporation?

The amount of water that evaporates from a pool varies, but most pools lose about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water per day due to evaporation—sometimes more in hot, windy, or dry conditions. For a typical backyard pool, this can add up to several inches per week, which is thousands of gallons of water per year. If your pool is losing water at this rate, it’s likely just normal evaporation and not a sign of a leak.

What Other Factors Can Cause Pool Water Loss?

Besides evaporation, other factors can cause your pool to lose water without a leak. Splash-out from swimmers, kids playing, or water features like fountains and waterfalls can remove a surprising amount of water from the pool. Backwashing your pool filter or cleaning the pool can also lower the water level. If you have a vinyl liner pool, heavy rain or storms can sometimes cause the liner to shift, leading to temporary water loss.

How Can I Tell If My Pool Is Losing Water Due to Evaporation or a Leak?

The easiest way to find out if your pool is losing water from evaporation or a leak is to do the bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step so the water level inside the bucket matches the pool’s water level. Mark both levels, then wait 24 hours. If the water in both the bucket and the pool drops by the same amount, the loss is due to evaporation. If the pool water drops more than the bucket, you may have a leak.

Why Does My Pool Lose More Water When the Pump Is Running?

If you notice your pool loses more water when the pump is running, it could point to a problem with the pool’s plumbing or equipment, such as a leaking valve, fitting, or backwash line. However, if the water loss is the same whether the pump is on or off, evaporation is the most likely cause. Always check for puddles or wet spots around the pool equipment pad to rule out equipment leaks.

Can Wind and Weather Increase Pool Water Loss?

Absolutely. Windy conditions, low humidity, and high temperatures can all speed up evaporation and cause your pool to lose more water than usual. Pools in exposed areas or those without a pool cover will evaporate faster. Even during winter, dry air and wind can cause noticeable water loss from your swimming pool.

What Should I Do If My Pool Is Losing Water Overnight?

If your pool is losing a lot of water overnight, it could still be normal evaporation—especially after a hot, windy day. However, if the water loss is more than half an inch in 24 hours, or you see other signs like wet spots, cracks, or air bubbles in the pump, it’s time to call a pool technician for a professional leak detection. Santa Rosa Leak Detection uses Leaktronics’ advanced equipment to accurately find leaks without draining your pool.

When Should I Worry About a Pool Leak?

If your pool is losing more than half an inch of water per day, or you’re constantly adding water to maintain the level, you may have a leak. Other warning signs include cracks in the pool shell, wet areas around the pool, or unexplained increases in your water bill. Don’t ignore these signs—early leak detection and repair can save you money and prevent bigger problems.

How Can Santa Rosa Leak Detection Help?

Santa Rosa Leak Detection is Destin’s trusted expert for finding and fixing pool leaks. Our certified technicians use Leaktronics’ industry-leading leak detection equipment to pinpoint leaks quickly and accurately, without damaging your pool or yard. We inspect every part of your pool, from the skimmer and main drain to the plumbing and pool liner. If you’re unsure why your pool is losing water, we’ll help you find the answer and get your pool back to a trouble free pool experience.

Key Points to Remember

• It’s normal for pools to lose 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water per day due to evaporation, especially in hot, dry, or windy weather.
• Splash-out, backwashing, and water features can also cause water loss without a leak.
• The bucket test is a simple way to tell if your pool is losing water from evaporation or a leak.
• If your pool is losing more than half an inch of water per day, or you see other warning signs, call a professional for leak detection.
• Santa Rosa Leak Detection uses advanced Leaktronics equipment to accurately find and fix leaks in Destin, FL.
• Regular pool maintenance and using a pool cover can help minimize water loss and keep your pool in top shape.
• Don’t ignore unexplained water loss—early detection and repair protect your pool and your peace of mind!‍

Contact our team today to learn more and get started!