Pond Empties Overnight Intermittently: Splash, Deer, or Hidden Leak

Pond holds for weeks, then empties overnight — not magic. Water goes somewhere. Check the three usual suspects.

Diagnosis Checklist

1. Waterfall splash: Wind shifts flow → water misses pond. Test: run falls 24 hrs, measure loss.
2. Deer/wildlife: Drink, splash, dislodge liner. Check: hoof prints, wet fur on rocks.
3. Intermittent leak: Liner flap folds under rock when water high; seals when low. Or hose fitting leaks under pressure.

Finding the Leak

• Walk perimeter — feel for soft/wet ground.
• Check waterfall rocks — lift each, check liner underneath.
• Inspect pump hose — especially at connections.

Water Doesn't Vanish

If pond drops only when falls run → falls leak. If drops without pump → liner leak. The pattern reveals the source.

Your pond has a rhythm. Learn it.