Too much water loss? Possible leak?

[schuetteknight]

Hello all, I have a new inground pool. I am having to add water about once a week. At first I thought this was just from slashing and such but now I'm wondering if there is possibly a leak.

Yesterday I attached a scale in my pool and to track the change in water level. It looks like the level dropped about 1/8" in about 12 hours over night. With one one getting in the pool over this time. The surface area is 350sqft so this equates to 27gal over night loss.

Is this normal for evaporation? I am going to continue to monitor over the next few days. (Cold front so no one will be in pool) and see how much it continues to drop.

 

[schuetteknight]

Pictures of the scale

 

[mknauss]

I assume the water temperature is higher than your overnight air temperature? That enhances evaporation.

If you really want to check for a leak, read Leak Detection - Trouble Free Pool

I suspect you are seeing evaporation. In my desert climate, I can see up to 1" per day of evaporation.

 

[schuetteknight]

I did a little more research and found some Math guidance from the EPA and AHRAE

Based on the calculated rate for my weather and pool condition. This is spot on.

How to Calculate Water Evaporation Loss in a Swimming Pool

If left unchecked, evaporation affects a pool's chemical balance and the integrity of the pumping and filtration systems. Here are several ways that you can estimate your pool's evaporation rate.

dengarden.com

 

[sktn77a]

This is a good theoretical estimate but a more definitive estimate can be obtained with a bucket test.

 

[Richard2020]

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