Why Your Pool Might Be Losing Water (And It’s Not Just Evaporation)
Every pool owner in Northern California has looked at their water level at some point and thought, "Wait, wasn’t that higher yesterday?" Whether you're in Lincoln, Loomis, Penryn, Rocklin, or Roseville, water loss is a concern that can creep up on you fast. While evaporation gets blamed for most of it, it's not always the real cause. So before you top it off again, let’s look at some common culprits behind a disappearing pool.
Evaporation Is Real, But It’s Not the Whole Story
Yes, evaporation is a normal part of pool ownership, especially in the warmer months. When summer hits and the air gets dry, your pool water starts disappearing like magic. But even during the cooler months, wind and sun exposure can still cause a noticeable drop. On average, your pool might lose about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water per day to evaporation alone. If you notice significantly more than that, it might be time to dig deeper.
Splash-Out and Backwashing Add Up
If your pool gets a lot of action—think kids cannonballing every weekend or your dog treating it like their personal lake—you’re going to lose water from splashing. And it adds up fast. Then there’s backwashing your pool filter. This necessary task can send gallons of water down the drain if you’re doing it often. While both of these are normal, frequent water loss from these sources means your fill-ups might be more regular than expected.
Pool Leaks Can Be Sneaky
This is the one that no one wants to hear. Leaks are sneaky. They can hide behind tiles, beneath skimmers, inside plumbing lines, or in underground areas where you’d never think to look. Even a small leak can lead to hundreds of gallons lost over time, not to mention increased water bills and damage to surrounding landscaping or foundations. A bucket test (where you place a bucket of pool water on a step and compare water loss over 24-48 hours) can help you figure out if it’s evaporation or something more serious.
Cracks in the Pool Surface
Concrete pools are strong, but they’re not immune to cracks. Over time, weather shifts in Northern California can cause your pool surface to expand and contract, creating small cracks that slowly let water seep out. These might not be visible at first, but they worsen if ignored. Regular inspections can help catch these early before you’re left dealing with structural repairs.
Equipment Failures Can Cause Water Loss
Your pool pump, filter, heater, and plumbing are all part of a complex system. If any part starts to fail, especially in the plumbing or fittings, it could lead to slow leaks or water escaping while the equipment is running. This can be tricky to diagnose on your own, especially if the leaks are intermittent. If you suspect something’s off, it’s worth having a pool service technician do a full check.
Overflow Problems
Sometimes your pool has too much water. During a heavy rain—and yes, Northern California does get a few good downpours—your pool can overflow. If your overflow system isn’t working right or your water level stays too high for too long, it can slowly drain from unexpected areas. This isn’t a leak per se, but it is a form of water loss that shouldn’t go ignored.
Check Your Auto-Fill System
Auto-fill systems are a great convenience—until they mask a leak. If your pool automatically refills itself and you’re not keeping tabs on how often that’s happening, you could have a slow, steady leak that’s hidden by constant refilling. If your water bill is mysteriously high, this could be the culprit. Try shutting off the auto-fill for a few days and manually monitor the water level.
Proper Water Level Matters More Than You Think
You want your water level to be about halfway up the skimmer opening. Too low, and your pump can suck in air and damage itself. Too high, and the skimmer doesn’t work properly. Consistently maintaining the correct level helps your equipment work more efficiently and lets you spot unusual water loss quicker.
What Pool Owners in Loomis and Penryn Should Watch For
The local climate in Loomis and Penryn has its quirks—lots of sunshine, dry air in summer, and cooler, rainy stretches in winter. That combo makes water level swings more common. It also means mineral buildup, cracks, or leaks might show up faster than in other areas. Regular cleaning, inspections, and monitoring your pool's behavior can help you catch problems early.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve checked evaporation, tested for leaks, ruled out splash-outs, and still can’t figure out where your water’s going, it’s time to call in a professional. American Dream Pool and Spa Service helps homeowners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Loomis, and Penryn get to the bottom of mysterious water loss. Whether it’s a leak detection, plumbing inspection, or equipment check, we’ve got the tools and experience to keep your pool efficient, clean, and fun to use.
Don’t Let Water Loss Drain Your Peace of Mind
Your pool is supposed to be your backyard escape, not a constant guessing game. If you’re topping off your pool more than usual, don’t just assume it’s the summer heat or a little extra splashing. Take time to check it out—and if it seems like something bigger is going on, get help. American Dream Pool and Spa Service is here to help pool owners across Northern California stay ahead of costly surprises, one splash at a time.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
