Your pool water level is important. Too much water and you have serious problems. Too little water and you are not going to enjoy your pool experience. Most pool owners do not pay enough attention to this important aspect of their pool. Even worse, they might not be aware of the fact that their pool requires constant care and maintenance to function at its best. In this article, we will discuss the main reasons why your pool water level might be low and how you can fix this issue.
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The Most Common Reasons For A Low Water Level
There are several reasons why your pool water level might be low. A few of the most common ones are discussed below.
Dry Season
During the dry season, your pool requires less water to maintain a desirable depth. This is because there is less of a demand for water during this time. If you live in an area where there is regular precipitation, then the opposite is true. Your pool will require more water during the wet season. To keep your pool water at the desired level and avoid any related issues, pay close attention to how much you are using and adjusting your inputs accordingly (e.g. adding more water during the wet season). During the long, hot Australian summer, when there is very little precipitation, it is a common practice to drain your pool completely in order to save water. This is usually done in the winter months when temperatures are low and there is more of a demand for water. During the winter, it is recommended to install a pool ladder so that you can easily access the water regardless of its depth. As a general rule of thumb, have at least a couple of gallons of water in your pool at all times during the year. This will ensure that you do not run out of water even when there is a demand for it which there will always be during the summer.
Temperature
Your pool temperature affects how fast your pool water will evaporate and how high it will rise. A hotter pool requires more water to maintain the same level as a cooler pool. This is because hotter temperatures cause more of your pool water to evaporate. You need to regularly test the temperature of your pool water. A good rule of thumb is to keep your pool water between 77-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Too warm and you have the risk of overheating and possibly causing serious damage. Also, a hot pool will attract pests such as small insects and mosquitoes which could potentially cause you some health problems. When you notice that your pool water is getting warm, then it is time to open up your pool for a quick clean out and change the water. A rule of thumb for all outdoor pools is to open up the area above the water line by at least six inches so that when the wind blows, it can easily flow under the overhang. This prevents overheating and possible damage to your pool from extreme temperatures. When installing an outdoor pool, bear in mind that it will be a lot warmer than your indoor pool. In most cases, your outdoor pool’s heating should be set at a level that keeps the water at the desired temperature without overheating.
The pH Balance
If you have a slightly alkaline pH balance in your pool, then this will raise the rate at which your pool water evaporates. A pH balanced pool will not be affected by the rain because the water easily mixes with the air around it so that all areas are evenly buffered. However, if your pH balance is high then this can cause damage to your pool from excessive evaporation. The air surrounding your pool will become damp because the water keeps on evaporating, causing excessive amounts of mildew to grow and possibly even mold. To maintain a healthy balance between your pool’s pH and ensure that it does not become too high or low, then test the pH of your water on a regular basis and make any necessary adjustments. There are several easy ways to do this including using the kits that come with your multigal container or buying pH-balanced pool salt from your local pool store. If you want to add a bit more stability to your pool’s pH meter then you can collect some pool water in a container and use this as a baseline for further tests. Remember, a healthy balance between pH levels will result in a sweet smelling pool without all of the risks that come with either extreme conditions. The last thing that you want is an indoor pool that smells musty or an outdoor pool that has a strong odor.
Chemicals And Weed And Spores Control
Certain chemicals are used for preventing algae blooms and algae growth in general. Some of these chemicals are not healthy for the environment and can be toxic to animals. The good news is that most of these chemicals are cheap and easy to purchase and use. Your pool will require about a month of consistent weekly treatment to see noticeable results.
Filtration
Your pool’s water is going to be dirty to some extent, no matter how clean your pool’s water is initially. This is because there is always something floating around in the water. Fish poop, food particles, and algae are only a few examples of dirt that you will find in your pool. To keep this dirt from building up over time, it is important to have clean water flowing through your pool on a regular basis. The best way to achieve this is through proper filtration. You can use a sand trap or a gravel trap to do this. Either one of these will help keep your pool clean by preventing large amounts of dirt and debris from flowing into it.
Saltwater Needs To Be Re-circulated
Saltwater that is not recirculated is going to become contaminated with algae and other bacteria which can quickly multiply and cause some serious damage. Algae spores are nearly impossible to remove from water because they are extremely durable. This is why you should never let your saltwater sit stagnant for more than a few hours at a time. Instead, you should always be testing the level and getting it refilled when necessary. In most cases, this requires about a complete pool drain and refill. Changing the water in your pool every couple of weeks is not recommended because these bacteria and algae quickly establish a foothold in your pool when given the opportunity and can cause major damage before you know it.
Drainage
Drainage is very important if you want a trouble-free pool. Your pool will quickly become a drain if there is no outlet for the water that it collects. If there is no place for the water to go, then it simply stays and eventually makes its way to the plumbing system where it might cause costly damages. To prevent this, make sure that your pool is regularly drained so that all of its water can be removed. Check for signs of blockages in your pool’s plumbing system and get this fixed as soon as possible. Most homeowners end up spending several hundred dollars on repairs because of a poorly drained pool. Poor drainage is also the main reason behind some of the problems that your pool might have.
Maintenance
Maintaining a clean and attractive pool is a lot of work which you should be doing on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum your pool at least once a month, clean the filter every three months, and change the water’s pH balance every six months.
As you can see, there are several ways in which your pool’s water level can be low. The good thing is that all of these issues can be easily fixed so that you can enjoy your pool experience without all of the hassle. You just need to be careful and do your research before you buy any products or make any major adjustments. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure so make sure that you are doing everything in your power to keep your pool clean and healthy throughout the year. You will be proud to show off your sparkling pool to your friends and family.