Evaporation and Your Swimming Pool: Why It Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to maintaining a swimming pool, most pool owners think about things like cleaning, balancing chemicals, and keeping algae away. But have you ever stopped to think about evaporation? This natural process plays a huge role in how your pool works and how much effort (and money) you spend maintaining it.

We believe understanding evaporation is key to being a great pool owner. Let’s dive into what evaporation is, why it’s important, and what you can do to manage it.

What Is Evaporation?

Evaporation is the process where water turns into a gas and escapes into the air. You see it happening all the time—like when a puddle dries up after a rainstorm. For your pool, evaporation happens when the surface water is exposed to the sun, wind, or even dry air.

Why Does Pool Evaporation Happen?

Several factors affect how much water evaporates from your pool:

1. Temperature: When the sun heats your pool, the water warms up and evaporates more quickly.

2. Wind: A breezy day can carry water vapor away from your pool, speeding up evaporation.

3. Humidity: In dry climates with low humidity, evaporation happens faster because there’s less moisture in the air.

4. Pool Usage: Splashing and playing in the pool causes water to spill out, which might not technically be evaporation, but it contributes to water loss.

How Much Water Does a Pool Lose to Evaporation?

On average, a swimming pool loses ¼ to ½ inch of water per day to evaporation. That might not sound like much, but it adds up:

• Over a week, your pool could lose 2–4 inches of water.

• Over a month, that’s about 300–400 gallons of water for a medium-sized pool!

This constant loss isn’t just about water—it affects every part of pool maintenance.

Why Is Evaporation a Big Deal?

1. Higher Water Bills

Every inch of water that evaporates has to be replaced. If you’re constantly refilling your pool, you’ll notice a spike in your water bill.

2. Harder Chemical Balancing

When water evaporates, the chemicals in your pool don’t disappear with it. This means the remaining water has a higher concentration of chemicals, making it harder to maintain the right balance.

3. Wear and Tear on Equipment

If your water level drops too low, it can damage your pool equipment. The pump and filter need a certain water level to function properly. Letting the water drop below the skimmer can cause the pump to suck in air, potentially leading to costly repairs.

4. Environmental Impact

Constantly refilling your pool isn’t just hard on your wallet—it’s hard on the planet. Water is a precious resource, and managing evaporation helps conserve it.

How to Minimize Pool Evaporation

The good news is, you can take steps to reduce evaporation and save water (and money).

1. Use a Pool Cover

Pool covers are one of the best ways to prevent evaporation. By creating a barrier between the water and the air, covers can reduce water loss by up to 90%! Solar covers are especially great because they also help heat the water.

2. Install a Windbreak

Adding a fence, hedge, or other windbreak around your pool can help slow down evaporation caused by breezy conditions.

3. Lower the Temperature

If you use a pool heater, try lowering the temperature when the pool isn’t in use. Warmer water evaporates faster, so keeping it cooler can make a big difference.

4. Keep Splashing to a Minimum

We know pools are for fun, but excessive splashing can lead to water loss. Encourage swimmers to enjoy the pool while being mindful of water conservation.

5. Use an Auto-Fill System

An automatic water leveler can refill your pool as needed, keeping the water at the perfect level without you having to constantly check it.

How Infinity Pool Solutions Can Help

At Infinity Pool Solutions, we specialize in helping pool owners manage evaporation and water loss. Here’s what we can do for you:

• Recommend and install high-quality pool covers.

• Set up an efficient auto-fill system for hassle-free water maintenance.

• Provide expert advice on water conservation and equipment care.

The Bottom Line

Evaporation is a natural part of pool ownership, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. By understanding why it happens and taking simple steps to reduce it, you can save water, money, and time.

If you’re ready to take control of evaporation and make your pool more efficient, Infinity Pool Solutions is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our water-saving solutions and enjoy a pool that’s as eco-friendly as it is enjoyable!