Is Your Pool Losing Water? How to Tell the Difference Between Evaporation and a Leak in Scottsdale
If you own a swimming pool in Scottsdale, you've probably noticed that the water level doesn't always stay where you left it. One week everything looks normal, and the next you're wondering why the pool seems to need another refill.
In Arizona, losing water is a normal part of pool ownership. Between our intense sunshine, dry desert air, summer temperatures, and occasional windy weather, evaporation can remove a surprising amount of water from a backyard pool.
But how much water loss is normal? And when should you start wondering whether your pool has a leak?
Understanding the difference can help Scottsdale homeowners avoid unnecessary worry, conserve water, and identify potential pool repairs before they become more expensive.
Here's what you should know.
Why Scottsdale Pools Lose So Much Water
Arizona's climate is one of the biggest reasons swimming pools lose water throughout the year.
Unlike more humid parts of the country, Scottsdale has extremely dry air for much of the year. When you combine that low humidity with warm temperatures, sunshine, and wind, water evaporates from the pool's surface.
Several factors influence how quickly this happens.
High summer temperatures
During Scottsdale's hottest months, pool water can become quite warm. Higher water temperatures generally increase evaporation, especially when the air is dry.
Low humidity
Arizona's famously dry climate allows moisture to evaporate readily. Even on days that don't feel particularly hot, evaporation can continue.
Wind
Wind removes the humid layer of air sitting just above the pool's surface, allowing more water to evaporate.
This is why homeowners sometimes notice greater water loss after a particularly windy week.
Water features
Waterfalls, fountains, spillways, and other decorative features can increase evaporation by exposing more water to the air. Splashing can also contribute to water loss.
A pool with an active waterfall may lose water differently than a similarly sized pool without water features.
How Much Water Loss Is Normal in Arizona?
There's no single number that applies to every Scottsdale swimming pool.
Water loss depends on the time of year, weather, pool temperature, surface area, wind exposure, and whether the pool has additional water features.
During hot, dry, or windy conditions, evaporation can be substantial. Some Arizona pools may lose around a quarter-inch of water per day or more during periods of high evaporation, although actual amounts vary considerably.
That might not sound like much, but consider a pool measuring 15 feet by 30 feet.
A quarter-inch of water across that surface represents approximately 70 gallons.
Over several days, the amount can add up quickly.
This is one reason regular pool maintenance in Scottsdale includes paying attention to water levels. A small change is normal, but understanding your pool's usual pattern can help you recognize something unusual.
Signs Your Pool Might Have a Leak
Because evaporation is so common in Arizona, detecting a pool leak isn't always straightforward.
However, certain changes deserve attention.
You're adding water much more frequently than usual
If your pool suddenly needs significantly more water than it normally does under similar weather conditions, that may indicate a problem.
The water level drops unusually quickly
A noticeable drop over a short period, especially when the weather doesn't explain it, is worth investigating.
You notice wet areas near the pool equipment
Water collecting around pumps, filters, valves, or plumbing connections can sometimes indicate a leak.
Keep in mind that not every wet spot means something is wrong. But persistent dripping or pooling water should be checked.
Your pool seems to lose water even during cooler weather
Evaporation doesn't stop in winter, but if water loss remains unusually high despite cooler temperatures, it's worth taking a closer look.
You notice cracks or changes around the pool
New cracks, shifting surfaces, or persistent wet areas near the pool may sometimes accompany leaks.
Not every crack means a pool is leaking, but unusual changes are worth discussing with a qualified professional.
The Simple Bucket Test: A Helpful Way to Check for a Pool Leak
One of the easiest ways to distinguish normal evaporation from a possible leak is something called the bucket test.
It's inexpensive, straightforward, and something many homeowners can do themselves.
Here's how it works.
Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a stable pool step, with the bucket rim above the surrounding pool water.
Adjust the water inside the bucket so it's approximately level with the pool water outside.
Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level outside.
Leave the bucket in place for about 24 hours, keeping the pool circulating normally and avoiding swimming or adding water.
Compare how much water the pool lost with how much the bucket lost.
If the pool level drops noticeably more than the water inside the bucket, it may indicate a leak rather than evaporation alone.
For the most useful results, perform the test when rain, splashing, and automatic refilling won't affect the measurements. Temporarily disable an autofill only if you know how to do so safely, and never allow the pump to run without adequate water.
The bucket test isn't a professional leak diagnosis, but it can be a helpful first step.
Why Small Pool Leaks Are Worth Addressing
A small pool leak might not seem urgent, especially when the pool still looks beautiful and functions normally.
However, an ongoing leak can create several problems.
First, there's water waste. Even a relatively small leak can add up to a significant amount of water over time.
Second, constantly adding fresh water changes the pool's chemistry. Scottsdale's mineral-rich fill water can contribute to increasing calcium hardness and other water balance challenges.
Third, some leaks can affect nearby soil, decking, plumbing, or equipment depending on their location.
And finally, a leak that starts small may become more difficult to repair if left unaddressed.
This is why timely pool repair in Scottsdale is often about preventing larger problems, not simply fixing something that's already broken.
What About Automatic Pool Fillers?
Many Scottsdale homeowners have automatic water-leveling systems that replace water as it evaporates.
These are convenient, particularly during summer when water loss can be significant.
However, they can also make leaks harder to notice.
If your pool automatically adds water whenever the level drops, you may not realize how much water is being replaced.
Pay attention if your autofill seems to run constantly or much more frequently than usual.
An unexplained increase in your water bill may also be worth investigating, although household water use can change for many reasons.
An automatic filler is a wonderful convenience, but it shouldn't replace occasionally checking for unusual water loss.
How Regular Pool Service Helps Identify Problems Early
One benefit of having a consistent weekly pool service is that your technician becomes familiar with your particular pool.
Over time, they learn what normal looks like.
They may notice when:
The water level seems unusually low
Equipment is leaking
A pump is pulling in air
Water flow has changed
Plumbing connections show signs of trouble
The pool is requiring unusual adjustments
Not every leak is visible during routine service, and some require specialized leak-detection equipment.
But regular inspections and good communication between homeowners and pool technicians can help identify warning signs earlier.
At The Good Pool Company, our weekly Scottsdale pool cleaning and maintenance visits include visual equipment checks and attention to changes that may affect your pool's performance.
Arizona's Hard Water Makes Water Conservation Even More Important
There's another reason Scottsdale homeowners should pay attention to water loss: our local water conditions.
Arizona water often contains substantial dissolved minerals, including calcium.
As pool water evaporates, those minerals remain behind. Adding fresh water introduces additional minerals, and over time, calcium hardness can increase.
Excessive calcium levels, combined with unfavorable water balance, can contribute to scale buildup on tile, surfaces, and equipment.
This doesn't mean homeowners should avoid adding water when their pool needs it. Maintaining an appropriate water level is essential.
It simply means preventing unnecessary water loss is one more way to support good Arizona pool care.
Simple Ways to Reduce Pool Water Loss
Although you can't eliminate evaporation entirely, a few practical habits may help reduce unnecessary water loss.
Consider a pool cover
A properly fitted pool cover can significantly reduce evaporation when the pool isn't in use. Choose a cover appropriate for your pool and household, and remember that ordinary floating covers are not substitutes for certified safety covers or secure pool barriers.
Adjust water features when appropriate
If you have waterfalls or fountains running for long periods, consider whether they need to operate continuously.
Reducing unnecessary run time may help limit water loss.
Keep your pool equipment maintained
Leaking plumbing connections, valves, and equipment components can waste water over time.
Routine inspections help identify visible problems.
Watch your water level
Getting familiar with your pool's normal water level is one of the easiest ways to notice changes.
Address suspected leaks promptly
If you believe your pool is losing more water than normal, don't wait months to investigate.
A little attention now can prevent unnecessary water waste and potentially more complicated repairs later.
A Healthy Pool Starts With Paying Attention to the Small Things
One of the things we love about pool ownership in Scottsdale is how much enjoyment a backyard pool can bring throughout the year.
But Arizona's climate does create some unique maintenance challenges.
Water evaporation is normal. Dust is normal. Hard-water minerals are normal. Seasonal changes in pool chemistry are normal.
The key is understanding what's typical for your pool and recognizing when something changes.
If your pool seems to be losing more water than usual, start with a simple observation or bucket test. And if something still doesn't seem right, have a professional take a closer look.
At The Good Pool Company, we help Scottsdale homeowners keep their pools clean, properly maintained, and running smoothly throughout the year.
Whether you need weekly Scottsdale pool cleaning, routine pool maintenance, or help identifying a potential pool repair, our team is happy to answer questions and help you find the right solution.
Call or text Justin at 480-294-0055 to learn more about The Good Pool Company and our pool services in Scottsdale and surrounding communities.