Is Your Pond Leaking – Or Is It Just Evaporation? ☀️💧
Don’t Panic🚨During the warmer months, many pond owners begin to worry when they notice the water level in their garden pond dropping. Understandably, the first thought is often:
“Do I have a leak?”
But before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand one of the most common (and perfectly natural) causes of water loss in summer — evaporation.
🌡️ How Much Pond Water Can Evaporate in Summer?
On a hot, sunny day in the UK, it's not unusual to lose 2.5–5cm (1–2 inches) of pond water due to evaporation! 🫣 — especially in ponds that are:
-Fully exposed to sunlight☀️
-Have high surface area compared to volume
-Feature waterfalls, fountains, or moving water (which increases evaporation)
-Experience warm, dry or windy conditions
This can happen over just 24 hours in peak summer⏰ So if you’ve noticed your water level dropping recently, don’t panic — it may simply be the sun doing its job!😎
💧 Evaporation vs Leak – How to Tell the Difference
🪧If you’re concerned about water loss, here are a few signs to help you distinguish natural evaporation from a potential pond leak:
-Evaporation Possible Leak
-Water loss happens mostly on hot, sunny, or windy days - Water levels drop steadily, regardless of weather
-Usually stops once temperatures cool - Keeps dropping over time
-No wet patches around the pond edge - Damp or soggy areas near pond liner or edging
-No visible cracks or damage, You spot tears, holes, or damaged pipework
Tip: Try the bucket test – place a bucket of pond water next to the pond (shaded if possible) and see how much water it loses in 24 hours. If your pond is losing significantly more, a leak might be the issue.🪣
🧪 How to Manage Water Loss Safely
If evaporation is the cause, top-ups are simple. But remember:
-Always use a dechlorinator when topping up with tap water to protect your fish and pond ecosystem
-Avoid topping up too quickly, which can cause temperature shock to fish🚰
-Consider installing a pond auto top-up system or shade plants to reduce future evaporation
🐠At Pond Supplies Essex, we stock everything you need to maintain a healthy, balanced pond – including:
✅ Dechlorinators & water conditioners
✅ Filtration systems to keep your water crystal clear
✅ UV clarifiers, pumps, and more
📦 Shop Online – Fast UK Delivery
Whether you’re managing water loss, treating blanketweed, or upgrading your filtration system, you’ll find everything you need at PondSuppliesEssex.com – your trusted online-only pond supply store.
🐟 Keep Your Pond in Peak Condition All Summer Long
Understanding how pond evaporation works can save you stress, time, and money. By staying informed and topping up safely, you can keep your fish and pond life happy and healthy throughout the summer season.
Need help choosing the right pond products?
Contact us or browse our full range today at pondsuppliesessex.com 🌿