Why Does My Pool Lose Water Over the Winter?

Spring is near and you are getting ready to uncover your pool to find that it has lowered several feet. It is quite common for a pool to lose water over the winter. There are several reasons why a pool could lose hundreds of gallons of water gradually over the colder seasons.
If the pool water continues to gradually decrease, the first and most common reason may be a small hole or tear in the pool liner. Finding a hole in a pool liner can be extremely challenging, but it is essential to prevent the tear from becoming larger or causing further damage to the pool. Perform a visual inspection of the pool liner. Look at the pool bottom and walls of the pool for any abnormalities. If you find an abnormality, hire a pool professional like the Liner Specialists to take care of the problem for you. We have a professional leak detection company that can find almost any leak in the liner, niche, steps or plumbing. This company is proficient in liner pools as well as gunite.

The second reason is due to damage to the pool cover. Pool covers are typically made of vinyl material that prevents falling leaves, debris, and other things from contaminating the pool. Branches, rocks, and sticks can fall onto the pool cover, resulting in a hole. As you pump the water off of the pool cover, you may be actually pumping out the water from the pool via the hole in the cover. Examine the pool cover for any rips or holes to prevent the pool from losing any more water. Cut a rounded patch large enough to overlap the hole, and glue it in place over the pool cover. Allow the patch to dry for at least an hour before placing the cover back onto the pool. If this is not an option, buy another cover.

Another reason for a pool to lose water over the winter is due to the harsh elements. Ice, snow, and water can accumulate on top of the pool cover. When too much weight forces the pool cover into the surface of the pool, water may rise up and over the pool sides. This is called displacement. To remove snow, ice, and water from the pool cover, wait for a warm day and pump off the pool cover. Do not try to remove the ice yourself, as the sharp edges can puncture the pool cover.

Lastly is a dry winter. Mesh safety covers are porous and do allow for evaporation. Remember, you can lose 1-2 inches of water in the summer, but it is also very dry with less humidity in the winter. This is probably the least common due to all the snow we get in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

It is a common occurrence for a pool to lose water anytime of the year, including winter. If the problem persists and you are not able to determine the cause of the lowering water in the pool, consult a pool professional like the Liner Specialists to help you.

Do you need help with pool leaks? Call The Liner Specialists today toll-free at 1-888-242-POOL (7665), 1-845-462-2669 or 1-845-225-4124 to schedule a consultation with one of our swimming pool consultants.

At The Liner Specialists, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Contact us first, and you'll see why it's the only call you need for your swimming pool!

Our areas of service in New York are; Westchester, Putnam, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange county. Connecticut areas are Fairfield, Lichtfield and New Haven County. We also service the Northern Half of NJ.