Question 1

How much water loss is normal for a swimming pool per day?

Accepted Answer

Most open swimming pools lose between 0.125 inches (1/8 inch) and 0.25 inches (1/4 inch) of water per day through natural evaporation. In hot, windy, arid climates like Arizona or Texas, daily evaporation can reach 0.375 to 0.5 inches during peak summer months. Any daily drop exceeding 0.25 inches in moderate weather warrants a bucket test.

Question 2

What should I do before starting the 24-hour bucket test?

Accepted Answer

Turn off your automatic water leveller or float valve completely. Ensure nobody swims or splashes water out of the pool during the test. Choose a 24-hour window without forecasted rainfall, as rain will distort the water level marks in both the bucket and the pool.

Question 3

Why is my pool losing water only when the pump runs?

Accepted Answer

Pressure leaks occur on the discharge side of your pool system, which includes the lines between the pump, filter, heater, salt cell, and pool return eyeballs. When the pump is running, line pressure forces water out through cracked fittings or broken pipe joints underground.

Question 4

Can evaporation alone cause one inch of water loss in a week?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Losing 0.25 inches per day adds up to 1.75 inches of water loss over seven days. During warm summer periods with low humidity and sustained breezes, open pools regularly drop 1 to 2 inches per week purely from environmental evaporation.