Why Your Pool’s Water Level Drops Faster in September

In Loomis, Jason noticed something odd in September: his pool seemed to drop two inches of water every week. At first, he blamed the kids for splashing too much during late-summer pool parties. But even after quiet weekends, the waterline kept creeping lower. He wondered — was this just normal evaporation, or was there something more serious happening?

For Northern California pool owners, this is a common late-summer and early fall puzzle. Evaporation, wind, heat, and even soil conditions all play a role. Sometimes it’s harmless. Other times, it’s a warning sign of leaks or equipment issues. Knowing the difference can save you gallons of water and thousands in repair bills.

Normal Water Loss from Evaporation

Pools naturally lose water every day, especially in hot and dry climates. In Lincoln, Roseville, Rocklin, and Granite Bay, September still brings heat waves and low humidity. That means:

  • Warm air pulls moisture from the surface.

  • Wind accelerates evaporation.

  • Higher water temps increase loss.

On average, pools in Northern California lose between ¼ and ½ inch per day during peak heat. That adds up to several inches a week without a single splash.

When Evaporation Isn’t the Whole Story

While evaporation is normal, water loss beyond an inch or so per day should raise concern. Excessive loss may come from:

  • Plumbing leaks: Underground return lines, skimmer lines, or drains can develop slow leaks.

  • Cracked decks: Settling or shifting soil allows water to seep away.

  • Backwashing: Overdoing filter cleaning drains more water than most people realize.

  • Equipment issues: Faulty pump fittings or seals leak quietly but constantly.

How to Tell the Difference

Pool owners can use a simple “bucket test.” Fill a bucket with pool water, set it on a step, and mark both the bucket waterline and pool waterline. After 24–48 hours, compare the drop. If the pool waterline falls more than the bucket, you may have a leak.

Why It Matters in Northern California

In areas like Loomis and Sheridan, water restrictions are common during dry months. Every wasted gallon counts. Losing water to leaks also affects pool chemistry, forcing you to add more chemicals to rebalance. Left unchecked, it can damage plaster, tile, and equipment.

Professional Help Before Damage Grows

At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help pool owners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Sheridan, and Penryn track down water loss issues. Whether it’s normal evaporation or a hidden leak, our team diagnoses the cause and prevents small problems from becoming costly repairs.

Contact American Dream today to schedule a service if your pool’s water level seems to be dropping faster than it should.

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.

Next
Next

Why Ignoring Pool Deck Cracks Can Lead to Bigger Problems