Why Is My Pool Losing Water? Understanding Leaks and Water Loss in Birmingham, AL

Is your backyard pool losing water faster than normal? Have you noticed your swimming pool is losing water every day, or does it seem like your pool can’t keep its water level steady? You’re not alone—many pool owners in Birmingham, AL, share this concern, and understanding the reasons behind pool water loss is the first step to getting it fixed. In this article, we’ll explain why your pool may lose water, how to tell if it's evaporation or a leak, what steps to take for leak detection, and how Leak Rescue uses Leaktronics’ advanced equipment to deliver precise pool leak detection and repair.

How Much Water Is Normal for a Pool to Lose?

All pools lose water daily, but how much is normal? The average swimming pool loses about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day due to evaporation. This means, over a week, your pool may lose up to two inches of water just from regular conditions. If you notice your pool is losing more than this, it could indicate a leak or other problem.

Weather, temperature, humidity, and wind all cause water to evaporate. Monitoring your pool water level can tell you when water loss is normal, and when it’s time to investigate further.

What Causes Water Loss in a Pool?

There are two main reasons for pool water loss: evaporation and leaks. While evaporation happens every day, leaks are not normal and can quickly cause the pool water level to drop. Even a slow leak in your pool’s plumbing can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day.

Some other factors that cause water loss include splashing, backwashing, filtration cycles, and even running water features. Still, if the pool is losing more than half an inch of water per day, it likely has a leak somewhere along the pool structure or plumbing.

Why Does Evaporation Make Pools Lose Water?

Evaporation is a natural process that causes water molecules to leave your pool and rise into the air. Pool water evaporation speeds up in Birmingham’s hot summer months, especially on windy, sunny days or when the pool cover is off. Higher water temperatures and windy conditions boost evaporation rates, causing your pool to lose water faster.

If you only notice water loss on warm, breezy days, and water level drops are consistent and slow, evaporation is probably the main cause. But, if your swimming pool is losing water at night or when the weather is mild, you may have another problem.

When Is Pool Water Loss a Sign of a Leak?

If your pool is losing water every day—especially more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch per day—there’s a strong chance you’re dealing with a leak. A pool leak can be obvious, like a wet spot around the pool, or subtle, such as a slow water level drop with no visible signs. The key signals you may have a leak include:

• Rapid or unpredictable water loss
• Soggy ground or damp spots around the pool
• Air bubbles in the return lines or pool pump
• Pool water level falling below the skimmer or pool lights
• Needing to continually add water to keep your pool full

"Evaporation or a leak?" is the big question. If water loss is greater than normal evaporation, it’s time for professional leak detection.

What Are Common Pool Leak Locations?

There are several areas where your pool may be leaking:

• The pool skimmer: One of the most common sites for leaks in a pool.
• Pool pump and equipment: Pool pump leaks can cause water to drip or spray out of the system.
• Plumbing return lines: A leak in the return line can send water underground instead of back into the pool.
• Pool lights and fittings: Poor seals around pool lights or pool fittings can let water escape.
• Pool structure: Cracks in the pool shell, liner, or tile line can all be sources of a pool leak.

Pinpointing the exact location of the leak is crucial for effective repairs and stopping water loss.

How Can I Find Out if My Pool Is Losing Water Due to a Leak?

An easy way to check is the bucket test:

1. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool step. Mark the water level both inside the bucket and on the outside (pool level).
2. Let your pool run as usual for 24 hours.
3. If the pool water level drops more than the level in the bucket, your pool may have a leak.

If you suspect a leak, Leak Rescue can help with professional pool leak detection using advanced Leaktronics equipment designed to locate leaks quickly and accurately.

Can Pool Equipment Cause Water Loss?

Yes. Pool equipment like the pool pump, filters, and heaters can develop leaks over time. Worn-out seals, cracked pipes, loose fittings, or faulty valves can cause the pump system to leak or send water out of the pool unexpectedly. Equipment pad leaks may be subtle, only noticeable through water stains or wet ground.

If you notice a significant amount of water near your pool equipment, a professional pool service company should inspect and repair these issues before they cause excessive water loss.

Does Pool Structure Play a Role in Water Loss?

Absolutely. Cracks in the pool structure, shifting ground, or issues during pool construction can all cause your swimming pool to lose water. Inground pools, vinyl liners, and concrete pools each have unique vulnerabilities. For example, a leak in the vinyl liner or cracked tiles can send water into the foundation, leading to more expensive repairs if not caught early.

Regular pool maintenance and inspections can prevent these structural problems and help you keep your pool in top condition.

What Pool Care Tips Help Prevent Excessive Water Loss?

Stay ahead of pool water loss with these practical tips:

• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and heat loss.
• Check the water levels regularly and mark the water level for reference.
• Inspect your skimmer, pool pump system, and pool equipment often.
• Address plumbing leaks and structural cracks promptly.
• Keep up with regular pool maintenance, including cleaning and balancing water chemistry to preserve seals and pool surfaces.
• Schedule professional pool service from Leak Rescue to ensure your swimming pool is leak-free and efficient.

Why Trust Leak Rescue for Professional Pool Leak Detection?

Leak Rescue is Birmingham’s trusted source for pool leak detection and pool repair. Our technicians are trained in professional pool leak detection and use Leaktronics’ industry-leading equipment to find the exact location of the leak quickly and non-invasively. We specialize in both residential and commercial pool service, offering honest advice, fast repairs, and tips for reducing water loss.

Don’t let excessive water loss drain your wallet—let Leak Rescue rescue your pool with expert leak detection and repair!

Key Points to Remember

• Pools naturally lose 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day due to evaporation; more than this often means trouble.
• Significant or sudden pool water loss is a sign you may have a leak.
• Pool leaks can come from the skimmer, pump, plumbing, pool structure, or fittings.
• Use the bucket test to help determine if water loss is from evaporation or a leak.
• Pool equipment issues and structural cracks are major sources of water loss.
• Regular pool care and prompt leak repairs are essential for a healthy, efficient, and enjoyable pool.
• Leak Rescue leads Birmingham in accurate, non-invasive pool leak detection—using Leaktronics technology for your peace of mind.
• Don’t wait: Fixing leaks early saves water, cuts costs, and protects your pool investment.

If you notice that your pool is losing water every day, reach out to Leak Rescue for professional leak detection and repair—so you can enjoy every splash, worry-free!