How high should pool water be?

One of the most common questions pool owners ask is: “How high should my pool water be?” The short answer is simple — your pool water should be about halfway up the skimmer opening.

That’s the sweet spot for keeping your pool clean, your equipment safe, and your water circulating properly. Let’s break down why this level matters and how you can keep it consistent.

Why the Water Level Matters

• Optimal Skimming
  When the water line sits at the middle of the skimmer, the floating flap (called the weir) can pull in leaves, bugs, and debris before they sink to the bottom. If the water is too high, the debris floats right past. Too low, and the skimmer can’t do its job at all.
• Pump Protection
  Your pool pump relies on steady water flow. If the level drops below the skimmer, the pump may suck in air instead of water. This can cause cavitation, poor circulation, and even damage the motor. On the other hand, water that’s too high drowns out the skimmer’s pull, leading to cloudy water and algae problems.

How to Check Your Pool Water Level

1. Locate the Skimmer

Look for the rectangular opening along your pool wall. This is where water and debris get pulled into the filtration system.

2. Find the Midpoint

Visually check where the water line hits the skimmer. Aim for halfway up the vertical opening — often right at the line of screws that secure the skimmer faceplate.

3. Make Adjustments

Too Low? Add water with a garden hose until it reaches the halfway point.

Too High? Use your pool pump’s waste setting, a sump pump, or a drain line to lower the level.

Tips for Maintaining the Right Water Level

• Check Daily in Summer
  Hot Florida sun and heavy pool use mean faster evaporation. A few inches of loss is normal — especially in screened pools.
• After Rainstorms
  Big storms can raise the level above the skimmer. Drain excess to prevent overflow and poor circulation.
• Use an Auto-Fill Valve
  For convenience, consider an automatic water leveler. It works like a toilet float, topping off your pool as needed.

What If My Pool Has a Different Skimmer Design?

Most pools work best at halfway up the skimmer opening. However, if your pool has a sloped skimmer interior or unique design, you may need to test slightly higher or lower until you find the balance of:

• Smooth water flow
• No air being sucked into the pump
• Effective surface skimming
• 
  

When in doubt, refer to your pool’s manual or consult a local professional.

Keep It Simple with Professional Service

Maintaining the right water level is just one part of keeping your pool sparkling clean and stress-free. At Gulf Coast Pool Care, we check and balance water levels as part of our weekly pool service in Pinellas County. That way, you can spend less time with a garden hose — and more time enjoying your pool.

✅ Bottom Line: The ideal pool water level is halfway up your skimmer opening. Keeping it here protects your pump, improves circulation, and ensures debris gets skimmed away.