Why is the water level in the pool dropping?
Owning a pool is a source of joy, relaxation, and recreation. However, unexpected problems, such as a dropping water level, can cause significant concern. This comprehensive blog post aims to explore the most common causes behind a decreasing water level in your pool, explain the involved factors, and offer practical solutions to manage and prevent this issue effectively.
Evaporation: the invisible culprit
One of the most frequent causes of a dropping water level in yourpoolis evaporation. This natural process involves water turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere. Pools, with their large water surfaces, are particularly susceptible to evaporation, especially in hot and dry climates. While evaporation is an inevitable process, it is crucial to understand its role in water loss to manage it effectively. Water molecules on the surface gain enough energy from sunlight and surrounding air temperature to break the surface tension and transform into gas, allowing them to rise into the atmosphere. Factors affecting the rate of evaporation include water temperature, humidity, wind speed, and the pool's surface area.
Solution:Regularly refill yourpoolwith fresh water to compensate for the effects of evaporation. Use a hose or an automatic filling device to maintain the water level within the recommended range for optimal function and aesthetics. Installing a pool cover can also significantly reduce evaporation by creating a barrier between the water surface and the air, preserving both water and heat.
Climate and weather conditions
Environmental factors play a significant role in pool water evaporation. High temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions markedly accelerate the evaporation process. If you live in an area with a hot and dry climate, or if you experience long periods of intense heat, the risk of faster water loss is higher and requires extra attention. Wind can carry away moist air above the pool and replace it with drier air, driving evaporation. Similarly, low humidity reduces the saturation level the air can reach, allowing more water to evaporate from the pool.
Solution:Adapt your water maintenance routine based on current weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, it is important to carefully monitor the water level and increase the frequency of refilling to maintain the desired level. Considering planting bushes or building windbreaks around the pool can reduce wind impact and thereby decrease evaporation.
Leaks: the silent culprit
Undetected leaks constitute a major contributing factor to a dropping water level in pools. Leaks can occur in various parts ofthe pool, including pipes, the pool shell, and around fittings and accessories such as skimmers, return inlets, and lights. Quickly identifying and addressing leaks is of utmost importance to prevent continued water loss and potential damage to the pool's structure and surrounding property. Small, initially insignificant leaks can grow over time and cause extensive problems.
Solution:Conduct a thorough inspection of your pool to detect visible signs of leakage, such as damp areas aroundthe pool, a continuously running pump, or a sudden decrease in water level. A simple bucket test can be performed to distinguish between evaporation and leakage. If you suspect a leak, you should consult a professional pool service to conduct a comprehensive leak detection test with specialized equipment and ensure proper action, including repairs to pipes, liner, or other structural components.
Splashing and water play
Activities in the pool, particularly energetic swimming, diving, or playing with water toys, can lead to significant splashing and water displacement. Over time, these activities can contribute to a gradual but noticeable decrease in water level, requiring regular attention. Every time water splashes outside the pool edge, it is permanently lost from the system.
Solution:While it is important to enjoy your pool, it can be beneficial to introduce certain rules to minimize excessive splashing, especially at the pool edges. Additionally, be attentive to water levels and adjust them as needed after periods of increased activity to maintain the optimal level. Encourage children in particular to be aware of how their play affects the water level.
Inadequate filtration and overflow
If your pool's filtration system is not functioning properly, or if the water level exceeds the pool's maximum capacity, excess water can overflow the pool edge. This overflow can be mistakenly perceived as a dropping water level, even though the problem actually lies in an initially too high water level. A improperly adjusted filter system can sometimes lead to water being pumped out of the pool instead of recirculated, or the drainage system not handling the flow correctly.
Solution:Regularly check and maintain your pool's filtration system to ensure optimal function. This includes cleaning the filter, checking the pump's operation, and inspecting the piping system. Also, be mindful of the pool's water capacity and ensure it is not exceeded during filling to avoid unnecessary overflow. Ensure that return inlets are correctly positioned and functioning efficiently.
Backwashing and cleaning measures
Backwashing, a process where the pool filter is reversed for cleaning by pumping water backwards through the filter media and sending it out to the drain, can lead to water loss if not handled correctly. Additionally, excessive backwashing or draining the pool for cleaning purposes can contribute to a noticeable decrease in water level, requiring careful attention. Every time backwashing is performed, a certain amount of water is lost from the pool.
Solution:Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how often backwashing should be performed, which is usually based on filter pressure or a fixed time interval. Avoid unnecessary draining of the pool. If you need to lower the water level for cleaning or maintenance, do it carefully and monitor the process closely to minimize water loss. Consider using water-saving filter types that require less frequent backwashing.
Structural issues and settling
Over time, the ground around the pool can settle, which can cause a gradual shift in the pool's structure. This settling can cause the pool shell to sink slightly, which in turn results in a lower water level and potential structural challenges. Ground movement, improper foundation, or the soil's natural composition can contribute to the pool's frame shifting, creating stresses and potential cracks that lead to leaks.
Solution:Regularly inspect the pool area for signs of settling or ground shifting, such as cracks in the pool coping, the deck around the pool, or the foundation. If you detect any irregularities, you should consult a pool professional or a structural engineer to assess and address the structural issues in a professional manner. This may involve soil stabilization, repair of the pool's frame, or reinforcement of the foundation.
Improper water chemistry
Imbalances in water chemistry, such as a high concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), can potentially lead to water loss. Elevated TDS levels can cause water to be drawn out of the pool in an attempt to equalize the concentration through osmosis, affecting the water level. High TDS levels can also make the water "heavy" and less effective for disinfection, which in turn can lead to an increased need to replace parts of the pool water.
Solution:Regularly test and balance the water chemistry inthe poolto maintain optimal levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. If TDS levels are consistently high and other causes of water loss have been ruled out, a partial draining and dilution with fresh water may be necessary to restore balance. Regular water analyses are crucial for identifying and correcting chemical imbalances before they lead to more extensive problems.
Conclusion
Adropping water level in your poolcan be due to a range of different factors, from natural causes like evaporation to more serious issues like leaks and structural deficiencies. Understanding the underlying causes of water loss is the first step toward effectively remedying the problem.
Regular maintenance, attention, and prompt actions are crucial for preventing and managing a dropping water level. By implementing a comprehensive pool care routine, carefully monitoring environmental conditions, and immediately addressing any signs of leaks or structural problems, you can ensure that your pool remains a source of enjoyment, relaxation, and refreshment for many years to come. If in doubt or with persistent issues, it is always wise to consult a professional pool service to maintain the pool's integrity and handle any underlying concerns in a professional manner.
