If you’ve noticed your pool water level dropping faster than usual, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns homeowners contact Tanner & Son's Pool Services & Repairs about — and for good reason. A pool that loses water consistently isn’t just inconvenient. Left unaddressed, a leak can damage your equipment, erode the surrounding deck, and quietly drive up your water bill. The good news is that with a little know-how, you can begin to identify whether you’re dealing with simple evaporation or something that needs professional attention.
How much water loss is normal in Yorba Linda?
Southern California’s warm, dry climate means pool evaporation is a real factor — especially during the summer months. In Yorba Linda, it’s common for a pool to lose anywhere from a quarter inch to half an inch of water per day due to evaporation alone. Heat, wind, low humidity, and direct sun all accelerate the process. If you’re losing water at or below that rate, evaporation is likely the culprit.
However, if your pool is dropping more than half an inch per day — or you’re consistently adding water more than once or twice a week — it’s time to investigate further.
How do I test whether I have a leak?
A simple at-home test can help you tell the difference between evaporation and a leak. Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on your pool step so it sits partially submerged. Mark the water level inside the bucket and on the pool wall. After 24 hours, compare the two. If the pool has lost significantly more water than the bucket, you likely have a leak somewhere in the system.
Where do pool leaks commonly occur?
Leaks can originate from several areas, and they’re not always obvious. Common sources include:
- Plumbing lines and fittings — Underground pipes or return line fittings can crack over time, especially as the ground shifts.
- The pool shell itself — Hairline cracks in plaster or gunite can allow water to seep out slowly.
- Equipment connections — Pumps, filters, and heaters all have seals and fittings that can deteriorate and allow water to escape.
- Skimmers and returns — The areas where pool fittings meet the shell are frequent leak points, particularly in older pools.
Should I try to find the leak myself?
Basic observation can help narrow things down — check for wet spots around equipment, look for cracks along the waterline, and pay attention to whether the pool loses more water when the pump is running versus when it’s off. That last detail can actually tell a technician a great deal about where the problem originates.
That said, accurately locating and repairing a pool leak usually requires professional equipment and trained eyes. Attempting DIY repairs without fully diagnosing the source can lead to more expensive problems down the road.
When should I call Tanner & Son's Pool Services & Repairs?
If your bucket test confirms a leak, or if you’re noticing soggy ground around your equipment pad, unexplained spikes in your water bill, or air bubbles coming from your return jets, it’s time to call (714) 269-6479. The team at Tanner & Son's Pool Services & Repairs serves Yorba Linda homeowners with comprehensive pool leak detection, equipment inspection, plumbing repair, and shell restoration. We’ll pinpoint the source of the problem and give you an honest recommendation on the most cost-effective fix.
Don’t let a slow leak become a major repair — contact Tanner & Son's Pool Services & Repairs today and keep your Yorba Linda pool in the shape it deserves.