How High Should Your Pool Water Level Be? A Guide for Northern California Pool Owners
Mike had been a pool owner in Roseville for years, but one day, he noticed something odd—his pool water looked lower than usual. He thought, Maybe it’s just evaporation? A few days later, his skimmer wasn’t working properly, and the pump started making weird noises. Turns out, his pool water level had dropped too much, and it was starting to cause issues with his equipment.
If you’ve ever looked at your pool and wondered, Is my water level too high or too low?, you’re not alone. Pool water level plays a bigger role in your pool’s health than you might think. Keeping it at the right height ensures your filtration system works properly, prevents costly damage, and helps you avoid unnecessary headaches.
So, how high should your pool water be? Let’s break it down.
The Ideal Pool Water Level
Your pool water should sit at the midpoint of your skimmer opening—not too high, not too low.
Too low and your pump could suck in air, causing it to overheat or burn out.
Too high and your skimmer won’t work effectively, leading to poor circulation and dirty water.
This simple guideline applies whether you have an inground pool, above-ground pool, saltwater pool, or chlorine pool. Keeping your water at the right level makes sure your pool operates efficiently and stays clean.
What Happens if Your Pool Water Level Is Too Low?
A low water level might seem harmless at first, but it can cause some serious problems:
Pump damage – When the water drops below the skimmer, your pump sucks in air instead of water, which can cause overheating and burnout.
Filtration issues – Without enough water, your filter can’t circulate and clean properly, leading to cloudy water or algae buildup.
Chemical imbalances – If water levels drop too much, your pool chemicals become more concentrated, which can throw off your pH and chlorine balance.
What Happens if Your Pool Water Level Is Too High?
While high water levels aren’t as immediately damaging as low ones, they can still cause issues:
Ineffective skimming – The skimmer won’t be able to pull debris from the surface properly, leading to dirtier water.
Water waste – If your pool overflows after heavy rain, chemicals and heated water can get washed out, requiring more frequent adjustments.
Deck damage – If water continuously spills over, it can lead to erosion, staining, or damage to surrounding pool decks.
How Often Should You Check Your Pool Water Level?
Checking your pool water level should be part of your regular maintenance routine. A quick glance every few days can prevent bigger problems down the road.
In summer, water evaporates faster, so check every 1-2 days.
In winter, rainfall can cause overfilling, so monitor after storms.
After heavy pool use, swimmers splashing can lower water levels faster than usual.
Why Is My Pool Losing Water?
If you’re refilling your pool more than usual, you might have an issue beyond normal evaporation. Here are some common culprits:
Evaporation – Warm temperatures, direct sunlight, and wind can cause pools to lose up to ¼ inch of water per day.
Splash-out – If kids (or adults) are making big waves, expect to lose water faster.
Leaks – A slow, steady drop in water level (even when the pool isn’t in use) could indicate a hidden leak.
Backwashing too often – If you backwash your filter more frequently than necessary, you’re losing water unnecessarily.
How to Add or Remove Water from Your Pool
If your water level is too low:
Use a garden hose to slowly refill the pool to the proper level.
Monitor while filling to avoid overfilling.
Test and balance chemicals afterward, since adding fresh water can dilute them.
If your water level is too high:
Use your pool’s waste line or drain setting to lower the water level gradually.
Manually siphon excess water with a submersible pump if your system doesn’t have a drain setting.
Test and rebalance chemicals, as draining water can throw off the balance.
How to Maintain the Right Water Level Year-Round
Keeping your pool at the right level doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some ways to make it easier:
Install an automatic water leveler – This device keeps your pool water at the right height without you having to think about it.
Use a pool cover – Covering your pool when not in use slows evaporation and prevents rain from overfilling it.
Check for leaks – If your pool consistently loses water, a professional leak detection service can save you from costly repairs.
Monitor during extreme weather – Northern California gets its fair share of heat waves and storms—check your pool more often during these times.
Keep Your Pool’s Water Where It Belongs
If you want to avoid pump damage, poor circulation, and chemical imbalances, keeping your pool water at the right level is key. Whether it’s hot and dry in Rocklin or rainy in Lincoln, checking your water level regularly will help prevent problems before they start.
Need help keeping your pool in top shape? American Dream Pool & Spa Service is here to assist homeowners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, and the surrounding areas with professional maintenance, cleaning, and repair services. Contact us today to keep your pool running smoothly all year long!
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
