A common question among Florida swimming pool owners is, “How much evaporation is normal?” Knowing this will help you determine whether your decreasing pool water level is a result of evaporation or a leak.
An uncovered swimming pool may lose about a quarter-inch of water a day. This is the general average for pool water evaporation. A covered pool will probably lose less on a daily basis if the cover is used at night. Pool water evaporation is minimal in a hot tub spa or pool that is always covered when not in use.
There are other factors that determine pool water evaporation during the Florida summer and winter.
- Sun and air temperature
- Humidity
- Wind velocity
- Rain and rare hail storms
People travel or move to Florida because the weather is generally mild and pleasantly warm. But this state is in the hurricane belt. The intense humidity and heavy winds that come with tropical storms also affect evaporation.
Stormy Weather
Pools should be tightly covered when a tropical storm is predicted. This protects the pool from debris and prevents excessive evaporation and flooding. Diving boards, waterslides, and other accessories should be removed if possible when the pool is in the projected hurricane path.
High winds can cause higher evaporation in dry weather. Your pool may lose more water to evaporation during windy weather when the humidity drops. Conversely, pool water evaporation may be less during high humidity.
Sun and the Wind
Summer weather in Florida is capricious. It is based on Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico conditions. Drenching rains can be followed by hot, dry weather after a storm system moves through.
Intense sunlight will lead to evaporation. Chlorine and other chemicals will also evaporate. Stabilizers help to prevent excessive chlorine evaporation in hot weather.
A pool that remains uncovered for 24 hours or more will lose a quarter-inch of water during hot, dry weather. Heat rises as the air cools at night. A good cover will hold in the heat and the moisture at night.
Drought conditions in Florida make refilling a pool expensive. A 14’x28′ pool will lose about 60 gallons of water a day due to evaporation. A 20’x40′ pool will lose about 125 gallons to evaporation. This can cost an additional $30 or more per month. This is the time to turn off decorative water features such as circulating waterfalls and fountains. You probably don’t need the heater since heat rises and results in faster evaporation.
Yards with windbreaks such as high fences or hedges may lose less water to evaporation from the wind. But sunlight and warmth will still cause water loss.
Always Look for Leaks
If your pool is losing more than one-quarter inch of water on hot days, check for leaks. Do not blame all of the water loss on evaporation. Check fittings and drains. Look for puddles of water around the pool deck. This is an indication of a plumbing leak.
1st Call Jupiter Pools is your pool is losing more than a quarter-inch a day on average to pool water evaporation. This is a sign that a problem is more serious than just the weather. We will find and repair the leak immediately, often with minimal disruption to the yard or deck. We serve Palm Beach and Martin County Florida.
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