There are two ways in which a pool can lose water. The first is through normal operation, evaporation and bather use. The second is due to a leak.

There are ways to ensure that your pool loses a minimal amount of water during everyday operation. Through “normal” use you should expect to lose no more then 1 inch of water a week (expect greater evaporation rates with high water temperature, or devices like fountains or waterfalls). Covering a pool during the evening and at night (when the difference between the water temperature and the air temperature is the greatest) will slow evaporation significantly. (Note: it is not advisable to cover a pool during the day as it increases the risk of algae growth.) Daytime evaporation can be prevented with a liquid solar blanket. It forms a one molecule thick invisible layer that prevents evaporation. Aside from water loss, evaporation is also the largest cause of heat loss. Using a liquid solar blanket and pool cover will help to maintain a comfortable bathing temperature and reduce the cost of running a gas or electric heater or a heat pump.

Significant water loss (an inch or more a day) can likely be attributed to a leak. There are two possible sources: a leak in the pressure side of the circulation system (a leak in the suction side allows air to enter the system, not water loss), or a leak in the structure of the pool (vinyl liner, main drain, walk-in steps, skimmer and return faceplates). To determine the cause of a leak you should use the on/off test before making arrangements for a repair or attempting a repair:

1. Top water up to its regular level and mark the top of the water level on your skimmer faceplate with a pencil. 2. Run the system for 24 hours. Measure the amount of water lost, and top the pool back up to your pencil mark. 3. Shut the system off for 24 hours and measure the amount of water lost. If the pool loses water in both cases then there is most likely a leak in the structure of the pool. Beechmount Pools provides under water leak detection and repair services. If you can easily identify the location of the leak, we also sell patch kits for underwater repairs. If the pool loses water only while running then there is likely a leak in the circulation system. Beechmount Pools provides pressure testing services for underground lines, and replumbing services. Identifying the source of a leak will reduce the time needed to locate and repair a leak and ultimately save you money.