It can be disconcerting when you notice your pond water level decreasing day after day. Many people worry about a hidden water leak. In reality, the water loss from your pond is likely the result of several minor causes. Some are natural, and others need fixing. This guide presents the seven common reasons why water features lose water. It will assist you in determining whether the water loss is normal or not.
How Much Water Loss Is Normal for a Pond?
Understanding normal water loss is the key to less stress when maintaining your water feature.
Normal Evaporation vs. Problem Water Loss
Ponds lose water. Evaporation, or the transformation of water into water vapour through exposure to warm temperatures and air currents, is the normal water loss. In warm and windy weather, the water level can drop ¼ inch every day. This is normal and not a problem.
Shallow ponds lose water faster than deep ones. In full sun, water loss is also faster. Water features with waterfalls and/or fountains lose water faster than the others. This is because the water is moving and therefore exposed to more air.
Normal water loss occurs slowly and uniformly. If the water level is dropping uniformly, the water loss is likely due to evaporation.
Acceptable Daily Water Level Loss
A simple test can help you determine whether your water loss is normal. Mark the water level on the edge of your pond. Check the water level the following day with the pump operating. Then, mark the water level and check the level the following day with the pump switched off.
If the water level drops the same amount with the pump on and the pump off, the water loss is normal.
This test alone may give the owner of a fish pond that is losing water a sense of relief.
7 Common Reasons Why Your Pond Is Losing Water
Here are the most common reasons why a water feature or a fish pond losing water occurs, listed from least to most serious.
1. Evaporation (Not an Emergency)
This is the most common reason why a water feature or a fish pond losing water occurs. The sun's heat, the dryness of the air, and the blowing wind are the three main reasons why evaporation occurs.
There's nothing wrong with the water feature or the fish pond losing water in this case.
The solution to this problem is to refill the water feature or the fish pond as needed.
2. Splashing from Waterfalls or Fountains (Low Urgency)
If you have a waterfall or a fountain in your fish pond, it's possible that the waterfall or the fountain is causing the water to splash out beyond the pond's edges without you noticing it.
If the areas surrounding the fish pond are wet, then this is likely the reason why your fish pond is losing water.
3. Wind Drift from Spray Features (Low Urgency)
If you have a fountain or solar fountain pump in your fish pond, it's possible that the spray from the fountain is being blown away by the wind.
To fix this problem, you should lower the spray to a lesser height.
4. Pump or Hose Leaks (Medium Urgency)
A pump uses a hose or a tube to carry water from the source to the water feature or the fish pond.
If the hose or the tube loosens or separates from the pump or the water feature, then the water feature or the fish pond will lose water.
If the fish pond only loses water when the pump is working, then it's possible that there's a hose or a tube leak.
5. Wicking from Plants or Rocks (Low Urgency)
Wicking occurs when the water from the fish pond seeps through the plants or the rocks surrounding the fish pond.
If the stems surrounding the fish pond are long, then it's possible that the water loss occurs because of the stems or the plants surrounding it.
6. Damage to the Liner (Medium Urgency)
Animals may scratch, shift, or puncture the liner (the waterproof layer of the pond). This may lead to slow leaks.
Look for damp soil or muddy areas around the pond's edges.
7. Liner Tears or Soil Settlement (High Urgency)
The soil may settle over time. There may also be sharp stones beneath the liner. The sharp stones may weaken the liner. This may lead to steady leaks.
This is the most critical of the reasons for a fish pond losing water.
How to Fix and Prevent Pond Water Loss
After identifying the cause of the water loss in the fish pond, it is easy to fix the problem. The steps below will help in fixing and preventing a fish pond from losing water.
Reduce Evaporation and Splashing
- Add some shade plants or floating plants.
- Reduce the height of the fountain.
- Make some changes to the waterfalls so that the water flows towards the inside of the pond.
These steps will help reduce evaporation and keep the fish pond looking great.
Inspect Pumps and Hoses
- Inspect the hoses regularly. If your setup includes a pond filter system, check its tubing and connections as part of the same inspection.
- Check the hoses at the start of every season.
- Tighten any loose parts.
Water loss through small leaks can be considerable.
Stop Wicking Issues
- Trim the plants.
- Ensure fabrics, grass, and roots are not touching the water's surface.
- Arrange the stones so that the water flows back into the pond.
Protect and Repair the Liner
Having a strong liner is essential. The installation of a pond liner and underlay (a soft material put beneath the liner) is very important. It prevents the liner from being punctured by sharp objects. You can find out more about liners and underlays [here].
Underlay will significantly extend the life of the liner, as well as reducing future problems with leaks.
Plan for Long-Term Stability
- Take out sharp objects.
- Compact the soil well.
- Allow for natural ground movement.
Good planning prevents problems from reoccurring.
Conclusion
Do not worry if you see the water level falling in your water feature. Most times, the water loss is not a problem but just evaporation or splashing. Being aware of the seven major causes will give you the confidence to take action if you suspect a problem. Most water problems are easy to fix if you catch the problem early.
Poposoap is dedicated to helping you create a pond that is easy to build and maintain. Ponds are not a problem but a source of relaxation.
For more detailed guidance on fixing serious water problems, the next article might be helpful: Pond Leak Repair Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know if You Have a Problem with Water Leaking from the Pond, or if the Water Is Just Evaporating?
To know if you have a problem, try the pump on/off test: if the water level goes down faster when the pump is on, you probably have a problem with leaking water.
Is It Normal to Refill the Pond Water Every Day During Summer?
Yes, the summer weather will cause the water to evaporate more quickly, so you will have to refill the pond water every day.
Do Fish Cause Water Loss from the Pond?
No, the fish will not cause water to leak from the pond, but the splashing will cause the water to evaporate more quickly.
