The water level on an above ground pool should be 1” from the top of the skimmer. at the second screw from the top of the skimmer going down the side of the faceplate. Anywhere below that, and the system can lose prime. That is indicated when you see a whirlpool form in the skimmer, the pump is surging, or air is being pulled down into the leafpot
Also, as a reminder, never drain the water lower than a foot of water or lower than the level of backfill against the pool wall and only for a short period of time as this decreases the structural stability of the pool.
When monitoring the pool water level, keep in mind that in the heat of the season, it is normal for a pool to lose up to two inches of water level in a week’s time. This amount will change depending on factors such as humidity, amount of direct sunlight, and bather load. A pool that has a water level that has dropped from the second screw from the top on the skimmer faceplate to the third does not necessarily have a leak. It is normal to have to add water to a pool during the pool season in order to maintain the proper water level.
