Choose a reference you can use again
Record the level from a visible, safe point, with the date and time. A photograph taken from the same position can help. The value lies in comparing situations, rather than looking for a universal figure for acceptable loss. Environmental conditions and use vary between pools.
Include whether the pool was covered, whether there was wind or rain and whether it was used actively. Also record any known water top-ups. Without this information, a level similar to yesterday’s could hide the fact that water was added, while a single drop may coincide with a maintenance operation.
Always use the same visual reference and avoid comparing a photograph taken during swimming with one taken when the water is still. The notes should make the context of each observation clear.
Ask which operations have been carried out
If someone else looks after the pool, ask whether the filter was washed, cleaning involved discharging water or any other work took place. Do not change valves to recreate the effect. The aim is to reconstruct events and avoid conclusions based on a period for which information is missing.
If there is automatic filling, mention it when requesting the inspection. Do not disable the system yourself to run an improvised test. The professional may need to determine how to check the installation without compromising the operating conditions of the pump and other equipment.
Water beside equipment also needs context
Photograph stains or damp areas from an accessible position, noting whether they appear continuously or at particular times. Water does not always have the same source. For example, a heat pump can produce condensate while running; that does not mean every nearby puddle is normal.
If water is present in an area containing electrical components, do not enter or handle connections to investigate. Request an inspection and describe what you see. A useful record does not require opening equipment, excavating around pipes or entering spaces where it is unsafe to work.
Avoid confirming a cause from a single sign
A visible crack, ageing joint or stain may warrant investigation, but does not prove where water is escaping. Equally, loss that seems greater on hot days does not rule out other factors. Observations guide the checks; they do not replace their findings.
Do not empty the pool or apply sealants as a first step. Work undertaken without a diagnosis may make assessment harder or fail to address the real cause. First agree which checks are needed and how the installation will be prepared for them.
Prepare a brief, complete enquiry
An ordered sequence is easier to assess than numerous undated photographs. Summarise when you first noticed the drop and whether it differs from previous seasons. Red Málaga can assess the pool’s inspection and repair needs, defining the work according to what is found.
- Dated water-level references and conditions of use.
- Known top-ups and the presence of automatic filling.
- Recent maintenance operations and equipment that was running.
- Photographs of visible moisture and available pool documentation.
More common questions
Does a cover prevent every drop in water level?
It can reduce evaporation, but does not remove every possible cause of a falling level. Use, maintenance and the condition of the installation must also be considered.
Sources and technical reading
Some source documents are available in Spanish.