🌡️ Free Guide — South Florida Specific
Evaporation or
Pool Leak?
Answer 4 quick questions to find out if your pool's water loss is normal South Florida evaporation — or a real leak that needs Carlito.
Quick Leak Assessment
Answer these 4 questions honestly. Takes 30 seconds — and tells you exactly what your next step should be.
1. How much water is your pool losing per day?
2. Does the water loss continue even when the pump is off for 24+ hours?
3. Is the water level dropping at the same rate in both the bucket test AND the pool?
4. Do you notice any of these? (pick the most concerning)
Evaporation vs Leak — Side by Side
| What You See | ✅ Normal Evaporation | 🚨 Likely Leak |
|---|---|---|
| Daily water loss | ¼ inch or less per day | More than ½ inch per day |
| Bucket test result | Pool and bucket drop same amount | Pool drops more than bucket |
| Pump off test | Loss continues (weather-driven) | Loss stops or changes location |
| Water stops dropping | Never stops at a specific level | Often stops at skimmer or fitting |
| Pool chemistry | Stable with normal maintenance | Constantly off — needs frequent adjustment |
| Ground near pool | Dry and normal | Soggy, soft, or sinking spots |
| Water bill | Consistent month-to-month | Noticeably higher than normal |
| Pattern | Loss increases in hot/windy weather | Consistent loss regardless of weather |
How to Do the Bucket Test
1
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step so it sits in the water. This ensures the bucket experiences the same temperature as the pool.
2
Use tape or a marker to mark the water level inside the bucket. Also mark the pool water level on the bucket exterior (or on the pool wall).
3
Wait 24 hours without adding water. Turn the pump off if possible — or run it normally — but be consistent with your usual routine.
4
After 24 hours, measure both drops. Compare how much the pool dropped vs. how much the bucket dropped. Both should be exposed to the same evaporation conditions.
5
Read the result: If the pool dropped more than the bucket — you have a leak beyond normal evaporation. If they dropped the same amount — it's likely evaporation.
South Florida note: In Miami-Dade and Broward, normal evaporation can be up to ¼ inch per day due to heat, humidity, and wind. During summer peak (May–August), you may see slightly more on very hot or windy days. If your pool is losing more than 1 inch every 4 days consistently, that is almost certainly a leak — not evaporation.
South Florida Water Loss Reference
¼ inch/day or less — Normal South Florida evaporation
Expected loss in our climate. No action needed — just maintain normal water levels and chemistry.
¼ to ½ inch/day — Monitor closely
Could be normal during hot summer days or high wind. Run the bucket test to confirm. Call Carlito for a free screening if it continues.
½ to 1 inch/day — Possible leak
This exceeds normal evaporation in all conditions. A Leakalyzer® verification test is strongly recommended to confirm.
More than 1 inch/day — Significant leak, call today
At this rate you're losing thousands of gallons monthly. Structural damage, equipment failure, and soil erosion are real risks. Don't wait.
What Causes High Evaporation in South Florida?
Intense Heat
Miami-Dade and Broward average 250+ sunny days a year. High water surface temperatures accelerate evaporation significantly — especially May through September.
Wind & Humidity
Afternoon sea breezes common in South Florida pull moisture off the water surface. Low humidity days (rare but they happen) spike evaporation further.
Water Features
Fountains, waterfalls, spillways, and jets dramatically increase surface area exposure and can double or triple your evaporation rate.
Pool Activity
Active swimming, splashing, and pool parties displace significant water. A busy weekend can look like a small leak if you're not accounting for this.
6 Signs It's a Real Leak — Not Evaporation
💧 Pool drops more than bucket in bucket test
📍 Water loss stops at a specific level (skimmer)
🌱 Wet or spongy ground near equipment pad
💸 Water bill higher than same time last year
🧪 Pool chemistry constantly off balance
🔩 Cracks near tile line, coping, or fittings
Common Questions
In South Florida's climate, normal pool evaporation is up to ¼ inch per day — roughly 1 inch per week. If your pool is losing more than 1 inch every 4 days consistently, that strongly suggests a leak beyond normal evaporation. Use our Water Loss Calculator to quantify how many gallons that represents.
Yes — a few things can skew it. If the bucket is not placed in the water on a pool step (but left on the deck), temperature differences will make the result unreliable. Rain during the test period also invalidates it. If you get an inconclusive result, Carlito offers a free Leakalyzer® screening which is far more accurate than any bucket test.
Yes — significantly. Water features can increase evaporation by 2–3× by dramatically increasing water surface area and splash exposure to air. Turn off all water features for 24 hours when doing your bucket test to get a clean baseline reading of actual pool evaporation vs. leak loss.
Yes — this is a classic sign of a pressure-side leak. When the pump is running, water is pushed through the return lines under pressure. A crack or loose fitting in those lines only leaks when pressurized. This type of leak requires professional pressure testing to locate — it won't show up in a basic visual inspection.
Carlito's Way charges flat-rate pricing from $325 to $600 depending on pool size and complexity — with patches included and a 90-day warranty. Text a photo of your pool and equipment pad to (786) 382-3367 for an exact price before scheduling. This week: use code SAVE25 for $25 off.
Still Not Sure? Call Carlito.
Carlito offers a free Leakalyzer® screening — the most accurate test available. Same-day & weekend service across Miami-Dade & Broward.