Updated Jul 2, 2004

Bucket Leak Test.

The purpose of the test is to determine if the water lose from the pool caused by natural evaporation or a leak.This test is easy to perform all you need is:
  1. Clean empty bucket (5 gallon or larger, light color preferably white)
  2. Marker / Pencil       
  3. Tape measure / ruler

The Test

  1. Fill the bucket  about half way with pool water and mark the bucket water level inside the bucket.
  2. Set the bucket in the pool either on the step of the or on the edge of the pool.
  3. mark outside the bucket the pool water level.
  4. Start the pump and let it run during the test.
  5. Leave the bucket for 24 hours.
  6. After 24 hours measure both water level to both marks(pool water level to yesterdays pool level mark, bucket water level to yesterdays level mark)
  7. If the water level is the same in both, perform the test again, but this time with the pump off.
  8. if the difference of measurement in one of the tests (pump on/off) bigger by more than 1/2 inch there is most likely a leak in the system.

The daily evaporation rates varying by season  From 1/8" in the winter, and anywhere from 1/4" - 1/2" in the summer

Bucket test results: what can they tell me?