Is your pool losing water due to evaporation or a leak?
Swimming pool water loss is going to happen no matter how hard you try to stop it, but you need to determine whether it’s due to a pool leak or evaporation. Today, we’re going to take a look at the most common causes of each one, along with step-by-step instructions on how to perform a bucket test so you can figure out which one you’re dealing with.
Causes of Evaporation
Pool water evaporation is a natural process. Although there are a few ways that you can reduce it, there’s nothing to worry about when it happens. These are the primary causes of water loss due to evaporation:
- Temperature — This one’s a no-brainer. As the temperature rises, the amount of water that evaporates will increase.
- Lack of Humidity — When the air is dry, it absorbs more water. One way you reduce the effect is by covering the pool.
- Sun Exposure — Water evaporates more quickly if your pool is exposed to the sun. As above, keep the pool covered to lessen the effect.
Causes of Pool Leaks
Although there are ways to reduce evaporation, many homeowners aren’t too concerned with it because it’s a natural process. Pool leaks, on the other hand, can quickly get out of hand and should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible. Here are a few reasons why your pool may be losing water due to a leak:
- Cracks in the Shell — Pools are extremely sturdy, but cracks may develop in the shell over time. This can be detected with the use of test dye and fixed with pool putty.
- Tears in the Vinyl — You can also use test dye to detect a tear in the pool vinyl lining. If this is the problem, pick up a patch kit to fix it.
- Skimmer Leaks — The most common type of leak in most situations is due to the plastic skimmer separating from the concrete pool. If this occurs, it’s time to call a professional swimming pool installer.
- Tile Line Leaks — Although not too common, it’s possible that the pool bond beam may crack behind the tile. Luckily, they make a patch kit for this problem, too.
- Plumbing Issues — It’s rare for a leak to be due to an underground plumbing problem, but you can test for it by shutting off the pump and plugging the lines. If the leak stops, then it’s time to hire a professional to get it fixed.
Turn to the Bucket Test
The easiest and most effective way to determine if you have pool leak or evaporation issues is the bucket test. This can be done in less than a day by following these steps:
- Fill a five-gallon container with water, leaving a few inches at the top, and place it next to the pool.
- Mark each water line with a piece of removable tape, such as electrical tape.
- Switch the pool off and let both of them sit for 18-24 hours.
- If they lose the same amount of water, then the loss is due to evaporation. If the pool loses more water than the bucket, this indicates a leak.
Contact Larsen’s Pool & Spa to Assist You with Pool Leak or Evaporation Issues
Determining whether you have pool leak or evaporation issues will make a huge difference in how you tackle the problem.
If you’re looking to build a pool on your property, Larsen’s Pool & Spa is your best option for quality installation. As the most popular custom pool builders in Tampa, Larsen’s Pool & Spa will help you design and install a pool that meets your unique needs and design preferences. If you have any questions or would like a free, no-obligation quote, give us a call at (727) 786-POOL (7665) today.