Your pool’s water levels don’t just fluctuate for no reason—seasonal changes play a huge role in how much water your pool retains or loses. Whether it’s the hot summer sun, dry winter air, or the blustery spring winds of the Australian coast, different weather conditions impact water evaporation and can lead to noticeable drops in your pool’s water levels.
Understanding how each season affects your pool will help you take preventative measures and know when to call in experts to check for leaks.
Summer: The Sun Evaporates Water Quickly
During the hot summer, pool owners often see the most significant water loss. It’s not unusual for your pool to lose up to 5cm of water per week purely due to evaporation. This is because the heat from the sun increases water evaporation, especially when combined with low humidity. If you notice a quick drop in water levels, don’t panic just yet—this is typical in summer.
What You Can Do:
- Use a pool cover when your pool is not in use to minimise evaporation.
- Check water levels frequently, and make sure the pool water level never falls below your skimmer box.
Winter: Dry Air Still Causes Water Loss
Even though you may not be swimming as often, water loss in winter is still common. The cold, dry air during winter months balances out the moisture between the pool water and the air, leading to evaporation. While it may not be as severe as summer, pools can still lose water when it’s cold—especially if the pool is uncovered.
What You Can Do:
- Consider using a pool cover year-round to reduce evaporation.
- Maintain regular checks on your pool water levels, even in the off-season.
Spring: Windy Conditions Increase Evaporation
Spring in Australia, particularly on the north coast, is known for high winds. Wind not only pulls moisture from the surface of your pool but can also disturb the water, increasing evaporation rates. If you’re noticing that your pool’s water levels are dropping quicker than expected this spring, the culprit might be the wind.
How Much Water Loss is Normal?
It’s typical to lose 1-2 cm of water per week due to weather conditions like sun exposure and wind. However, if you notice your pool losing more than that, it may be time to investigate further.
One effective way to check if your water loss is due to evaporation or a leak is by performing the bucket/evaporation test. This simple test helps determine whether the water loss is a result of natural factors or something more serious, like a leak.
How to Perform the Bucket Test:
If you’re concerned about excessive water loss, visit our Evaporation Test Page for step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the bucket/evaporation test. This proactive measure can save you time and money by helping identify the root cause of the water loss before calling in a professional.
If the bucket test reveals water loss greater than normal evaporation rates, it’s a sign you may have a leak. At this point, calling a professional leak detection service is the next best step to avoid further damage.
By doing this test yourself, you’ll not only add value to your pool care routine but also have more insight when contacting a professional.
What You Can Do:
- If your pool loses more than 2cm of water per week, it may indicate a leak, and it’s time to call in a professional leak detection team.
- Regularly monitor your pool’s water levels and keep a close eye on them during windy and hot conditions.
Signs It’s More Than Evaporation
If you’re unsure whether the water loss in your pool is due to evaporation or a potential leak, look out for these other signs:
- Dropping Water Levels Despite Regular Refills: If you refill your pool and see it drop again rapidly, it’s likely more than just evaporation.
- Wet Spots in Your Yard: A common indicator of a leak is wet patches or soft spots around your pool area, which can suggest underground plumbing issues.
- Increased Chemical Demand: If you’re using more chemicals than usual to maintain the water’s balance, it might be due to untreated water replacing the treated water that’s leaking out.
When to Call in the Experts
While seasonal water loss is normal, too much water loss is not. If your pool is losing more than 2cm per week and you’ve ruled out weather conditions, it’s time to bring in a professional leak detection service. Early detection can save you from bigger problems down the line, including damage to your pool’s structure or surrounding yard.
Keep Your Pool in Top Shape Year-Round
No matter the season, your pool requires regular attention to stay in good condition. Knowing how weather impacts your water levels will help you prevent unnecessary water loss and save on maintenance costs. If you’re noticing unusual water loss, contact us at Able Leak Detection for a professional inspection. Whether it’s evaporation or a leak, we’ll help you find the source and take care of it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with the heat of summer, the dry air of winter, or the windy days of spring, it’s essential to understand how these conditions affect your pool. Knowing the typical water loss for each season will help you stay proactive and avoid more serious issues. Keep an eye on your pool’s water levels, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you think something’s not right. After all, staying on top of small issues can prevent costly repairs in the future!