A bucket test consists of the following steps:

1. Mark the top of the water level in the pool, such as near the tile line or skimmer, with duct tape.

2. Fill a bucket with water approximately one inch from the top. (Note: This is important so that the water level will more closely match the volume of airflow across the surface of the water in both the bucket and the pool. If water level in the bucket is too low then the evaporation rate may not be the same.) Mark the water level in the bucket. Place the bucket on a pool step. The bucket will serve to show the amount of evaporation that is occurring. (Make sure your doggies aren’t drinking out of it!)

3. Run the pool pump for 24 hours. Measure the change in the water level in the pool after running the pool pump for 24 hours. Measure the change in the bucket. Compare the two.

The change in the bucket level indicates how much water loss is due to evaporation. If your water level decreases by more than the bucket level, you may have a leak. Measuring change in water levels with the pump running helps you determine if the leak is within the plumbing.

4. Mark your new water levels. Turn the pump off for 24 hours. Measure the change in the water levels in the bucket and the pool.

Measuring change in water levels with the pump off helps you determine if you have a leak, and if the leak may be within the pool shell or liner.

If you determine your water loss is due to evaporation, you'll simply need to manually add water as needed. For a more hands-off approach, we have a Water Leveler that hooks up to your garden hose.  It senses a water decrease and automatically adds water to the pool.

After performing the bucket test, if you're convinced you have a leak, our Service Department has a proven, 3-step leak detection process. It's not easy, and it can be a time-consuming process, but we can typically spot a leak and repair it.