First time pool owners are often more focused on the enjoyment they can get out of their pool rather than maintenance details. However, pools need to be maintained properly, and that includes keeping the water level correct.
Of course, outsourcing this tedious work to an Atlanta pool company is usually the best bet. This frees up your time to do what you truly love.
However, it’s important to know when your water needs to be topped off, whether you plan on refilling it yourself or having a professional do it.
So let’s answer this common question of “how full should my pool be?”
What's the optimal water level for a pool?
The first way you can check for the best water level is using the pool skimmer. Typically, you want the water level to equal about 2 / 3rds of the height of the skimmer.
So if you were looking for a direct answer to “how high should a pool be filled” then that’s a good start. As a quick rule of thumb, use the screws that hold the skimmer in place.
If the water falls below this level, you could have a leak, and you should get that checked out immediately.
Additional info: measuring the water level with a skimmer
You don’t want the skimmer to be too high, because you don’t want to damage the water. If you’re going to use a skimmer, you want to be able to see the water level.
You don’t want the skimmer to be 100% covered by water. There should be airspace that traps debris.
If the skimmer assembly is covered with too much water, it’ll take too much liquid in. Additionally, a skimmer can’t clean the debris if the water level is too low. Sucking in too much air will cause a gurgling sound.
That’s a telltale sign that you need your pool water topped off. Otherwise, you could be dealing with pump system damage.
If you don’t have a professional to handle the situation quickly, you could be looking at an expensive pump replacement.
How high should pool water be? – Additional tips
If your pool filter uses backwashing, then you need to refill the pool to the correct level after that process is finished. For instance, an above-ground pool should always be filled enough to keep the pool in place.
In addition, an in-ground pool could buckle under surrounding ground pressure if there’s not enough water. Concrete pools require the right water level in order to protect the surface. Many pools today come with decorative tiles that give you hints as to the correct water level.
Commercial pools typically have drains around the side of the pool. These drains keep the water level from getting too high naturally.
How to keep your pool level high
While you’re going to need to replace your pool water, occasionally there are some ways to limit how frequently you need to do it. For instance, you can use a pool cover when you’re not using your pool.
This prevents the water from evaporating. Now, if you’re using a pool cover and you still notice that your pool water level is lower, that could be a sign of a leak.
Water displacement
One of the fun parts of owning a pool is splashing around, doing cannonballs, and doing other activities. However, keep in mind that this will cause water displacement.
So if your pool is getting a lot of athletic use, you’ll need to replace the pool water more often. Your pool water should maintain its level fairly consistently.
Keeping the right pool water level the easy way
Instead of constantly asking yourself, how high should my pool water be, contact the Atlanta pool company experts at Absolute Pool and Spa Care today.
Get a pool level measurement, as well as tips on how to maintain your pool for the long term. That way you can spend less time worrying about leaks, and more time enjoying your swimming pool.
