How to Reduce Pool Water Loss in the High Desert

Water matters in New Mexico, and pool owners here watch the level drop faster than almost anywhere. Some of pool evaporation is unavoidable — but a lot of it isn't. Here's how to tell normal evaporation from a real problem, and how to cut the loss.

Why evaporation is so high here

Four things drive evaporation, and Rio Rancho has all four: low humidity (dry air pulls moisture aggressively), intense sun at elevation, wind (moving air sweeps humid air off the surface and accelerates loss dramatically), and big day-night temperature swings. Losing a noticeable amount of water each week in summer is entirely normal here.

Evaporation or a leak? The bucket test

Before assuming the worst, do this simple test:

1. Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a step so it's partially submerged, with the water inside the bucket level with the pool water outside it.
2. Mark both levels.
3. Turn off any autofill and leave everything alone for 24–48 hours.
4. Compare.

If both dropped about the same, it's evaporation. If the pool dropped noticeably more than the bucket, you likely have a leak worth investigating.

How to reduce evaporation

Use a cover. By far the most effective thing you can do — a cover can cut evaporation dramatically, because it stops the surface exchange entirely. It also keeps dust out and retains heat.

Reduce water features when not enjoying them. Fountains, waterfalls, and spillovers are beautiful and they massively increase evaporation by exposing more water surface to air. Running them only when you're actually outside saves a surprising amount.

Block the wind. Wind is a bigger evaporation driver than most people realize. A fence, hedge, or strategically placed landscaping upwind meaningfully reduces loss.

Don't overheat the pool. Every degree warmer increases evaporation. Lowering the heater setting a couple degrees or turning it down when the pool isn't in use helps.

Keep the level right, not high. An overfilled pool splashes out more and prevents the skimmer from working properly anyway.

Fix leaks promptly. A small plumbing leak wastes water continuously and can undermine surrounding soil.

Why it's worth the effort

Beyond the water bill, every gallon you replace is fresh water that dilutes your chemistry and introduces new minerals — meaning more chemical adjustment and faster scaling tendencies. Reducing evaporation doesn't just save water; it makes the pool easier and cheaper to balance.

Keep an eye on it

Track roughly how much you're adding each week. A sudden change from your normal pattern is often the first sign of a leak, well before you'd notice anything else.

Concerned you might have a leak rather than evaporation? Call (505) 337-4453 and we'll help you figure it out.