How Often Should I Check My Pool’s Water Levels?

Check your pool’s water levels weekly, especially during hot weather or periods of heavy use.

Why Water Levels Matter for Your Pool

The water level in your pool plays a crucial role in how well your pool functions. Maintaining the right water level helps ensure the following:

• Proper filtration: The pool skimmer and pump rely on the correct water level to operate effectively. If the water level is too low, the pump may not be able to draw in enough water, leading to poor filtration.

• Prevents damage to pool equipment: If the water level is too low, the pump may run dry, causing damage to the motor. On the other hand, high water levels can interfere with the pool skimmer’s function and cause debris to be left in the water.

• Balanced chemicals: When the water level is off, it can affect the distribution of chemicals in your pool. Proper water levels help chemicals circulate evenly and maintain a balanced pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.

How Often Should You Check Your Pool’s Water Levels?

The frequency with which you should check your pool’s water levels depends on several factors, including the season, weather conditions, and how often the pool is used. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Check Weekly During the Swimming Season

During the peak swimming season, it’s essential to check your pool’s water levels at least once a week. This helps ensure that the water stays within the optimal range for both filtration and chemical balance.

• Why weekly checks are important: High pool use, along with evaporation, rain, or splashing, can cause the water level to fluctuate. A weekly check helps you spot any problems early and make adjustments before they lead to issues.

• How to check: Stand on the pool’s edge and look at the water level relative to the skimmer. The ideal water level is typically halfway up the skimmer opening.

2. Check More Frequently During Extreme Weather Conditions

If your area experiences heavy rain, strong winds, or high evaporation, you may need to check your pool’s water levels more often.

• Heavy rain: After a rainstorm, your pool’s water level can rise quickly, potentially overflowing or interfering with the skimmer’s ability to remove debris. Check the water level after any significant rainfall.

• Hot, dry weather: During very hot or dry conditions, the pool may lose water more quickly due to evaporation. In this case, you should check the water level more frequently to ensure it stays at the right height.

3. Check After Pool Cleaning or Maintenance

After cleaning the pool, checking and adjusting the water level is a good idea. Cleaning activities like vacuuming, brushing, or backwashing can lower the water level, and this is especially important if you’ve used the pool’s filtration system.

• When to check: After performing pool maintenance, check the water level to ensure it hasn’t dropped too much. If needed, add water to bring it back to the optimal level.

4. Check if You Notice a Drop in Water Flow

If you notice that your pool’s water circulation seems to be weakening or that your skimmer is not picking up debris as efficiently, it may be due to a low water level.

• Signs of low water level: If the water level is too low, the pool pump may run dry or start making a noisy, whining sound. The skimmer may also fail to pick up debris properly.

• Action to take: If you suspect the water level is too low, check it immediately. If necessary, top off the pool with water from a garden hose to restore the level.

5. Adjust After Pool Parties or Heavy Use

If your pool has been used by a large number of people, you may notice that the water level has dropped due to splashing and evaporation.

• How to check after heavy use: After a pool party or an intense swimming session, assess the water level. If it appears to be lower than normal, it’s a good idea to top it off.

What Happens if Your Pool’s Water Level is Too High or Too Low?

Maintaining the right water level is crucial, as both high and low water levels can cause problems:

1. Low Water Levels

When the water level in your pool is too low, it can lead to a variety of issues:

• Pump damage: If the water level drops too low, the pump may start running dry, leading to motor damage. This can be expensive to repair.

• Reduced filtration: Low water levels can cause the skimmer to work improperly, leading to poor filtration and an increase in debris.

• Chemical imbalance: When the water level is low, it can affect the chemical distribution, making it harder to keep the water balanced.

• How to fix low water levels: If your pool water level is too low, simply use a hose to add water until the level is restored to the halfway point of the skimmer.

2. High Water Levels

If your pool water level is too high, it can also cause several problems:

• Skimmer malfunction: When the water level is too high, the skimmer may be unable to remove debris effectively, leading to a buildup of leaves and dirt on the water surface.

• Overflowing: Excessive water levels can cause the pool to overflow, resulting in water loss and the potential to damage surrounding landscaping.

• Reduced circulation: High water levels can reduce the efficiency of the filtration system, as water may not flow properly through the skimmer and filtration system.

• How to fix high water levels: To lower the water level, you can use a submersible pump or allow water to overflow from the pool by leaving the pool cover off for a while.

Tips for Maintaining the Right Water Level

Here are some tips to help you maintain the proper water level in your pool throughout the year:

1. Use a Pool Cover

Using a pool cover helps prevent debris from entering the pool and reduces evaporation, especially during hot, dry weather.

• Benefits of a pool cover: A pool cover helps maintain consistent water levels, particularly in areas with high evaporation rates. It also keeps your pool clean and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

2. Monitor Evaporation

Evaporation is a natural process, but it can cause your pool water level to drop significantly during hot, dry periods.

• How to monitor evaporation: If you notice the water level dropping quickly, it’s likely due to evaporation. Keep track of your water levels during the summer and top off as needed.

3. Check for Leaks

Leaks can also cause a drop in water levels. If you notice that the water level is consistently dropping, check for leaks in the pool.

• How to check for leaks: Inspect the pool shell, plumbing, and filter system for signs of leaks. If you find one, it’s important to fix the leak as soon as possible to prevent water loss and equipment damage.

4. Regularly Inspect Pool Equipment

Your pool equipment plays a vital role in maintaining water levels and circulation.

• How to inspect equipment: Regularly check the pump, filter, and plumbing for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, repair or replace the necessary parts.

5. Use an Automatic Water Leveler

To make monitoring and maintaining water levels easier, consider installing an automatic water leveler.

• How it works: An automatic water leveler is a device that connects to your pool’s water supply and keeps the water level within a predetermined range. It can help reduce the need for frequent checks and ensure that your pool remains at the right level.