Pool water naturally evaporates — often faster than homeowners expect. Many new pool owners are surprised by how much water their pool loses each week, especially during hot or windy weather. This article explains what water loss levels are normal, and how to tell whether your pool may actually have a leak. We also explain AQUAVIX Pools’ policy on handling suspected leaks — designed to protect both you and us from unnecessary service costs.
Water Evaporation Is a Normal Part of Pool Ownership
Every swimming pool loses water due to natural evaporation — especially in the climate of South Florida. The combination of sun exposure, air temperature, humidity, and wind causes water to evaporate from the pool surface continuously.
Many homeowners are surprised at how noticeable this water loss can be — and may worry that there is a leak. In reality, normal evaporation can account for up to about 1 inch of water loss per week in a typical pool. In periods of hot weather, windy days, or low humidity, evaporation can be even higher.
What Factors Affect Evaporation Rate?
Several common factors influence how quickly pool water evaporates:
- Sun exposure — more direct sun means more evaporation
- Wind — moving air across the water surface increases evaporation
- Humidity — dry air accelerates evaporation; humid air slows it down
- Water temperature — warmer water evaporates faster
- Pool surface area — larger surface = more evaporation
- Water features — waterfalls, fountains, bubblers increase surface turbulence and evaporation
How Much Evaporation Is Normal?
In South Florida, evaporation rates of up to 1 inch per week are common — even higher during periods of strong sun and wind.
Here are rough guidelines:
| Condition | Typical Water Loss |
|---|---|
| Calm, humid weather | ~1/2 inch per week |
| Normal sunny, breezy days | ~3/4 to 1 inch per week |
| Hot, windy, dry period | up to 1.5 inches per week |
Note: these are averages — actual conditions vary.
Why Leaks in Newly Built Pools Are Very Unlikely
At AQUAVIX Pools, every pool we build undergoes rigorous pressure testing of all plumbing lines — and we carefully inspect and verify the integrity of all shotcrete and waterproofing steps during construction.
Thanks to these strict quality standards, it is exceptionally unlikely for an AQUAVIX pool to develop a leak — in fact, to date, none of our newly built pools have ever experienced a leak after delivery.
How to Check for a Leak — Our Process
When homeowners contact us with concerns about water loss, we follow this process:
- Initial explanation — We explain that evaporation of up to about 1 inch per week is normal, depending on weather.
- Bucket test — If the homeowner is still concerned, we recommend performing a simple bucket test to compare pool water loss with evaporation.
- Professional leak test (if needed) — If concerns remain after the bucket test, we can schedule a professional leak detection test.
Our Leak Test Policy
Professional leak detection is performed by an independent specialist.
- The cost of the test is $350, initially paid by the pool owner.
- If the test confirms there is a leak, we will refund the full cost of the test and correct the problem under warranty (all AQUAVIX pools are warranted against leaks for 3 years).
- If the test finds no leak, the test cost remains with the owner.
We want every AQUAVIX customer to feel confident in their pool — but we also want to avoid unnecessary costs based on common misunderstandings about evaporation. This policy ensures that genuine warranty issues are fully covered — while also protecting both our clients and AQUAVIX from unnecessary testing due to normal evaporation.
How to Perform the Bucket Test
If you suspect your pool is losing too much water, the bucket test is an easy way to compare evaporation with water loss:
- Fill a bucket with pool water (about 3/4 full).
- Place the bucket on a pool step or ledge so that the rim is above the water level, but the bucket itself is partly submerged.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket (use tape or a pencil).
- Mark the pool water level on the pool tile or skimmer throat.
- Leave the pool running normally for 2 to 3 days (don’t backwash or add water during the test).
- After 2–3 days, compare the water loss inside the bucket to the water loss in the pool.
If the pool water level drops more than the bucket water, there may be a leak. If both water levels drop by about the same amount, it’s normal evaporation.
Final Advice for Pool Owners
If you’re concerned about water loss from your pool:
- Monitor weather — note sunny and windy days
- Measure evaporation — use the bucket test
- Contact us if needed — we’re happy to advise and assist
As always, AQUAVIX Pools is here to help you enjoy your pool with complete peace of mind.