How The Change from Winter to Spring Affects Your Pool’s Water Level & What to Do About It

Owning a pool in Central Florida is a luxury, but keeping it properly maintained can be a challenge—especially as the days get warmer and the air is still mostly crisp and dry. Many pool owners notice that their water levels drop more quickly in the transition from Winter to Spring. But is it just evaporation, or could it be a leak? Understanding how warmer weather affects your pool’s water level can help you take the right steps to prevent costly issues and keep your pool in top shape all season long.

Why Does Your Pool’s Water Level Drop in Warmer Weather?

As spring brings in warmer days in Central Florida, it is common for pool owners to see a noticeable drop in their water levels. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Evaporation

Evaporation is the most common cause of water loss in pools, especially in warm, sunny climates. When temperatures rise, water naturally evaporates at a faster rate. Wind, humidity levels, and direct sunlight all play a role in how much water your pool loses.

• High Temperatures: Warmer air increases evaporation rates, leading to more noticeable water loss.
• Low Humidity: When the air is dry, water evaporates more quickly than on humid days.  
• Wind: Wind can accelerate evaporation by moving warm air over the pool’s surface, carrying away water molecules.
• These factors are particularly noticeable in the beginning of Spring and the end of the Fall, with the combination of warmer temperatures, low humidity and more wind.

2. Increased Pool Usage

As temperatures rise, so does pool activity. When more people are swimming, splashing, and jumping into the pool, water is lost due to displacement.

• Splash-Out: Water is displaced when swimmers enter or play in the pool, and it doesn’t always make its way back in.
• Towel Drying: After swimming, water clings to swimmers’ bodies and towels, leading to gradual water loss over time.

3. Pool Equipment Issues

If your pool’s water level is dropping quickly, your filtration system, pumps, or plumbing could be the cause. A malfunctioning pump or filter can lead to leaks, wasting water without you even noticing.

• Leaking Equipment: A worn-out pump seal, filter seal, or above-ground plumbing fittings can cause water loss.  Look for pooling water around your pool equipment on a dry day after your pump area has been running for a while.  You can skip hiring Aaron’s and get right to having these visible leaks repaired by your trusted pool professional.
• Cracked Pipes: Underground leaks in the pool’s plumbing system require a professional to detect but can significantly affect water levels over time.

How to Determine If It’s Evaporation or a Leak

If you’re seeing a significant drop in water levels, it’s important to determine whether it’s natural evaporation or a sign of a leak.

We’ve written an entire blog post explaining how to take high-quality, reliable measurements.  To read the post in its entirety, click here.

We’ve also created a “leak measurement guide” for download, which is available here.

In summary, measuring your water loss is simple.

Here’s a brief overview of the process:

1. Fill the pool to the normal level, which is the middle of the skimmer face. Be careful not to overfill the pool, as the highest portions of most pool tile lines are not always water-tight (which is normal). 
2. Turn your pump off for a few minutes to allow the water surface to settle. You’ll need a flat and still water surface to draw an accurate starting line. 
3. Open your skimmer lid, and use a pencil to mark the current water level on the canister wall. This is your reference point.
4. Turn your pump back on and let it run as scheduled. This is day one of your test.
5. Let the pump run on its usual schedule for the next 48 hours. 
6. Turn your pump off for a few minutes to allow the water surface to settle, then use a ruler to measure the difference in inches between your pencil mark and the new water level. This represents your total water loss.

If you suspect a leak, it’s best to get a professional pool leak detection service to pinpoint the problem.

What to Do About Pool Water Loss in Spring Weather

If your pool is losing water due to evaporation or frequent use, there are several ways to slow down the loss and keep your water levels more consistent.

1. Use a Pool Cover

A highly effective way to minimize evaporation is by covering your pool with a pool cover. Covers help retain moisture by limiting exposure to the sun and wind, reducing water loss by up to 90%.

2. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Keeping your pool chemicals balanced helps minimize unnecessary water loss due to excessive backwashing or refilling. Proper maintenance also prevents damage to your pool’s surface and plumbing, reducing the risk of leaks.

3. Turn Off Heaters and Water Features

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Water features and heaters significantly increase your pool’s water loss through evaporation.  Consider reducing how much your water features and heaters are running.

4. Fix Any Leaks Immediately

If you suspect a leak, don’t wait. Leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water and lead to costly damage over time. A professional pool leak detection service can identify and repair the issue quickly, saving you money on water bills and pool repairs.

Get Expert Pool Leak Detection in Central Florida

If your pool’s water level is dropping faster than usual, Aaron’s Leak Detection is here to help. Our expert team specializes in residential pool leak detection in Central Florida, using state-of-the-art technology to find and fix leaks before they become bigger problems. Don’t waste time guessing—Contact us today for a professional inspection and ensure your pool stays full and functional all season long! For more information, visit Aaron’s Leak Detection and keep your pool in top condition.