Needing to add water to your pool once a week or more is not normal maintenance. It is a sign that something is wrong.
Some water loss is expected in South Florida. Evaporation, splash-out, backwashing, and occasional topping off are part of owning a pool. But if you are adding several inches of water every week, or if the autofill is running constantly, the pool is likely losing water somewhere it should not be.
A simple bucket test can help separate normal evaporation from active water loss. If the pool loses more water than a bucket sitting on the step over the same 24-hour period, a leak is likely present.
Where Pool Water Goes
- Evaporation and splash-out -- normal in small amounts
- Skimmer leaks -- common source, especially in older pools
- Pool light niche or conduit
- Fittings, returns, or main drain
- Underground plumbing lines
- Shell cracks or failing finish
- Equipment pad leaks
If the autofill is hiding the problem, you may not notice the loss until the water bill climbs or the autofill runs dry. Do not wait -- a leak that keeps going wastes water, wastes chemicals, and can cause deck or soil movement over time.
Leak and Subsurface Locators can evaluate the pool, test the plumbing and equipment, and help you find out where the water is going before more money is wasted.
Free tools from Leak and Subsurface Locators:
Free Guide: Stop Guessing Pool Leaks → Free Evaporation Calculator → Free Leak Analyzer →