Why Is My Pool Water Level Dropping? The Ultimate Guide for Manitoba Pool Owners

Is your pool losing water faster than you expect? Noticing a mysterious water level drop in your swimming pool can be both frustrating and concerning. As Manitoba’s trusted experts in pool leak detection and repair, Leak Detection Manitoba knows how confusing and costly water loss can be—especially with our unpredictable Prairie climate. This is the article local pool owners need: we’ll break down the top reasons for dropping pool water levels, show how to separate normal evaporation from serious leaks, and reveal why professional detection (with tools like Leaktronics) is always smarter than endless guesswork or wasted water.

Why read on? Because the difference between normal water loss and a hidden leak could save you hundreds on bills, prevent damage to your pool structure, and ensure you keep your pool sparkling and safe all summer. Keep reading for actionable answers to one of the most common pool owner questions in Manitoba!

Why Do Pools Lose Water? (Key Causes Every Pool Owner Should Know)

You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my pool lose water so quickly?” In Manitoba, there are several typical reasons. The most common are evaporation, minor splashing or backwashing, and undetected leak issues.

While pool evaporation is perfectly normal (especially on sunny, windy Manitoba days), a significant daily drop could signal a much more serious problem. Don’t ignore sudden or ongoing water loss—sometimes the underlying cause can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.

How Much Water Loss Is Normal in a Pool?

Most pools can lose anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 inch of swimming pool water per day due to evaporation—that’s part of life in the summer, especially on Manitoba’s hottest afternoons. Factors like water temperature and the air (heat, wind, and low humidity) all accelerate evaporation rates.

If your average pool is losing more than half an inch per day, or if you’re topping up gallons of water every day, you may have a pool leak—not just evaporation.

Is My Pool Losing Water Due to Evaporation or a Leak?

Evaporation or a leak? This is the first question we always help local pool owners answer. Some clues:

• Evaporation: Higher on dry, windy, or hot days. Slower when humid or cloudy. Loss is usually even all around the pool.
• Leak: Water loss continues even when weather is calm or humid, and may be greater overnight. You may notice soggy spots around your pool or a constant need to refill.

Remember: Water loss can vary day by day, but a consistent, large drop in your pool’s water level is often a red flag.

How Can I Test If My Pool Is Leaking? (DIY Bucket Test Explained)

The simplest way is the classic bucket with water test:

1. Place a large bucket filled with pool water on the second step of your pool. Mark the water level inside the bucket and on the outside (pool side).
2. Wait 24 hours without running any pool features or adding water.
3. If the water level outside (pool) drops more than inside the bucket, you likely have a leak in your pool.

If you’re not sure, Leak Detection Manitoba can help confirm using professional methods.

Common Signs of a Pool Leak in Manitoba

• Water loss is greater than 1/2 inch per day, regardless of weather
• Air bubbles in the pool pump or skimmer
• Wet patches or constantly muddy soil next to the pool
• Cracks or gaps in the pool liner, stairs, or pool structure
• Needing to refill more than usual for the same amount of pool usage

Even small leaks can add up to huge repair costs or water bills over a summer. Many pool owners in Manitoba overlook these warning signs, leading to structural or equipment issues.

Where Do Most Pool Leaks Happen?

• Skimmers: Cracks or separation in the pool skimmer are a leading cause.
• Plumbing: Underground pipes, joints, return lines, or the pool pump.
• Liner: Tears in a vinyl pool liner, or cracks in the structure of concrete or fiberglass.
• Pool lights and fittings: The area around pool lights or jets is a common culprit.

Leaks may have a leak anywhere along these areas—even a minor one can drain thousands of liters each week!

How Can the Weather Affect My Pool’s Water Level?

In Manitoba, hot days, low humidity, wind, and high water temperature all increase water evaporating from your pool. Heavy rain may temporarily fill it back up, but a persistent pool losing water can’t be fixed by the next shower.

During dry stretches, water loss due to evaporation may rise—but always keep an eye on numbers that seem out of the ordinary.

How Can I Prevent Water Loss in My Pool?

A few Manitoba pool care basics can help:

• Use a quality pool cover on windy or hot days to prevent water loss.
• Repair cracks or tears as soon as you see them.
• Maintain regular pool maintenance and clean filters to avoid equipment backflow or overflows.
• Have professional pool leak detection done each season, especially if your pool is more than five years old or has seen major weather swings.

What If My Inground Pool or Pool Equipment is Leaking?

Leaks can occur in both inground pools and above-ground pools, but inground installations are more likely to conceal hidden leaks—especially in underground plumbing or fixtures. Aging equipment such as the pool pump or older returns can also spring leaks during heavy pool use or if Manitoba’s spring freeze-thaw cycle moves pipes out of place.

Don’t wait! Fast, professional repair prevents further damage to your pool’s structure—and saves money.

Why Trust Leak Detection Manitoba for Pool Leak Detection and Repair?

Leak Detection Manitoba uses state-of-the-art Leaktronics equipment to trace leaks in any kind of swimming pools and spas, pinpointing the exact trouble spot quickly and non-invasively. As Manitoba’s local leader, we know the province’s climate, pool types, and repair challenges better than anyone.

Our process is thorough, honest, and backed by years of expertise. Before you drain your pool or waste another dollar on water, let our team check for leaks and show you the smartest, most cost-effective repair options—keeping your pool water level where it belongs.

Key Takeaways: What to Do If Your Pool is Losing Water

• Normal evaporation is 1/8 to 1/4 inch per day in Manitoba’s summer.
• Water loss beyond this suggests a leak—especially if consistent over several days.
• Use the bucket test for a quick check, but trust pros for full audit.
• Common leak sites: skimmers, liners, plumbing, pool lights and fittings.
• Weather impacts evaporation, but major water loss is rarely just weather.
• Use pool covers, quick repairs, and routine maintenance to prevent water loss.

Leak Detection Manitoba will precisely locate and repair any leak with minimal disruption—using advanced Leaktronics technology.

Keep Your Pool Full & Fun All Summer!

If you’ve noticed that your pool is losing water—don’t guess. Accurate detection and prompt repair from Leak Detection Manitoba keeps your swimming pool, water bills, and summer fun right where they should be: in balance, in your backyard, and worry-free.