Understanding Evaporation Rates
How much water should your pool lose naturally in Central Florida's climate? Learn what's normal and how to tell evaporation from a real leak.
What's Normal in Florida?
In Central Florida, a pool typically loses about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per day to evaporation. Loss beyond that — especially on cooler or humid days — may point to a leak. Confirm with our 24-hour bucket test.
What Affects Evaporation?
Evaporation is natural, but the rate changes with the weather. Here are the four biggest factors that decide how much water your pool loses on a given day.
Temperature & Sun Exposure
Hot, sunny days speed up evaporation. A pool in full sun can lose more water than one in the shade.
Wind Across the Surface
Wind blows warm, moist air away from the pool and replaces it with dry air, increasing evaporation.
Water vs. Air Temperature
When pool water is warmer than the air above it, evaporation happens faster — common after a sunny afternoon.
Humidity Levels
Dry air pulls more moisture from the pool. Humid Florida days slow evaporation; dry fronts speed it up.
Evaporation vs. a Leak: How to Tell
The simplest way to separate normal evaporation from a leak is the bucket test. You fill a bucket with pool water, set it on a step, and mark both water levels. After 24 hours, if the pool dropped more than the bucket, you have a leak.
Other clues that point to a leak rather than evaporation: wet spots near the equipment pad, air bubbles at the return jets, or cracks in the tile line. Learn more in our common pool leak signs guide, or explore your pool's anatomy in our pool systems & parts guide.
Losing More Than Evaporation Explains?
If your pool is dropping faster than the weather can explain, our team can pinpoint the source — fast and without digging up your yard.
Related Resources
Keep learning about your pool with these helpful guides from Florida Leak Locators.
The 24-Hour Bucket Test
Find out if your pool is losing water from evaporation or an active leak with this simple DIY test.
Read MoreGlossary of Pool Terms
A handy reference for understanding skimmers, return jets, main drains, and more.
Read MorePool Systems & Parts Guide
Learn about every part of your pool system and where leaks commonly develop.
Read More
Losing Water in Your Pool?We Pinpoint & Fix Leaks Fast
Don't let hidden leaks raise your water bills or damage your pool. Call our Central Florida experts today for fast, reliable leak detection!