Normal Pool Water Loss vs a Real Leak (Florida Guide)

Quick Answer: What’s “Normal” Water Loss in Florida?

In most Florida pools, it’s common to lose around 1/8"–1/4" of water per day
just from evaporation when it’s warm, dry, and a little breezy. That can add up to roughly
1–2 inches per week with no leak at all.

• Per day: About 1/8"–1/4" is usually normal.
• Per week: About 1–2" of loss can be normal in Florida heat.
• More than that: If you’re seeing over 2" per week with normal use, start treating it as a potential leak.

Every backyard is different, but if you’re refilling the pool every few days just to keep it swimmable,
that’s usually a red flag.

What Actually Affects Normal Water Loss?

Florida pools live in an extreme environment: hot sun, humidity, afternoon storms, and plenty of wind.
All of that changes how fast water leaves the pool.

• Temperature: Hotter days and warm nights speed up evaporation, especially during long stretches
  of sunny weather.
• Wind: Even a light breeze pulls water off the surface, especially in open yards without fences,
  screens, or landscaping blocking the wind.
• Water features: Spillways, bubblers, rock waterfalls, and spa spillover all churn the surface
  and dramatically increase evaporation.
• Use: Kids, guests, and cannonballs push water out of the pool onto the deck, grass, and screens.

Quick Self-Check: Is This Amount of Loss Reasonable?

Ask yourself a few simple questions before you panic:

• Are we running water features or spa spillover every day?
• Has it been especially hot, dry, and windy this week?
• Are kids or guests using the pool a lot (splashing, games, jumping in and out)?

If the answer is “yes” to most of those and you’re losing around 1–2" per week,
that can still be within the normal range—especially in the middle of a Florida summer.

Red Flags That Point to a Real Leak

Normal evaporation is slow and steady. Leaks usually come with extra clues that something is off.
Watch for signs like:

• More than 1/2" per day of water loss, even on mild, cloudy, or cooler days.
• Soft, squishy spots in the yard or along the deck that stay damp.
• Constantly wet soil or mulch in the same place, even when it hasn’t rained.
• Equipment issues: Air bubbles in the pump basket, gurgling noises, or a pump that struggles
  to prime and stay running.
• Visible damage: Cracks around the skimmer throat, tile line, returns, or pool lights.

The bigger the daily drop and the more of these symptoms you see, the more likely you’re dealing with
an actual leak—not just evaporation.

The Bucket Test: Easy Home Leak Check

When you’re not sure, the classic bucket test is the fastest way to separate normal
evaporation from a leak.

Step-by-Step Bucket Test

1. Fill a plastic bucket about 3/4 full with pool water.
2. Set the bucket on the second step so the water in the bucket and pool stay at similar temps.
3. Make a small mark inside the bucket at the water level.
4. Make a matching mark on the pool tile or inside the skimmer at the pool water level.
5. Leave the pool equipment running as you normally would and wait 24 hours.

How to Read the Results

• If the pool and bucket dropped the same amount, it’s likely just normal evaporation for your conditions.
• If the pool water level dropped significantly more than the bucket, you almost certainly have a leak.

For borderline cases, repeat the test with the pump off for 24 hours. If the water drops more
when the system is running, you may have a plumbing or equipment-side leak.

How Autofills Can Hide a Leak

Autofill systems make leaks much harder to catch because they quietly keep topping off the pool.
Instead of seeing the water line drop, you just see an elevated water bill.

If you suspect a leak, temporarily turn the autofill off while you:

• Mark the water level on the tile or skimmer.
• Run a 24-hour bucket test.
• Check how far the level drops without any help from the autofill.

If the pool level drops quickly with the autofill off, that’s a strong sign the autofill has been hiding a leak.

When It’s Time to Call a Leak Detection Pro

You don’t have to wait until things are out of control. It’s smart to call a pro when:

• You’re losing more than 1/2" per day with normal use and typical weather.
• You notice soggy areas, settling, or lifted decks around the pool.
• The bucket test shows the pool level dropping faster than the bucket.
• Your autofill runs constantly and your water bill keeps creeping up.

Need help finding someone near you? Check out our
Florida pool leak detection guide by county
to connect with pros who handle your area.

Why Catching Leaks Early Matters

Small leaks don’t stay small forever. Over time, extra water can:

• Wash out soil and create voids under your deck or shell.
• Crack concrete and pavers as things start to sink or shift.
• Damage screen enclosure footers, fence posts, or nearby structures.
• Waste thousands of gallons of treated, heated water each season.

A professional leak detection visit is almost always cheaper than dealing with structural damage,
deck repair, and ongoing water and chemical waste later.

Bottom Line

Some water loss is completely normal—especially in the Florida heat. But if you’re constantly dragging
out the hose, the bucket test shows the pool dropping faster than the bucket, or your yard is staying soggy,
it’s time to treat it like a leak and get answers.

The sooner you confirm what’s going on, the sooner you can stop wasting water,
protect your deck and yard, and get back to simply enjoying the pool again.