Find out if your swimming pool is leaking or if its just evaporation with the simple Bucket Test

A very simple way to tell if your pool is leaking is to perform the "Simple Bucket Test". All you need is a 5 gallon bucket and a marker or tape. It only takes 24 hours and will let you know for sure if your pool has a leak or if the water loss is due to evaporation and normal use. Follow the instructions below to set up the test and find out if your pool is leaking today.

Simple Bucket Test Instructions

1) Fill your pool to its normal operating level. If your pool has an autofill make sure it is turned off for the entirety of the test.

2) Take any 5 gallon bucket and fill it with water from your pool about ¾ of the way to the top.

3) Place your bucket on the steps of your pool with the top sticking out of the water. You want it to be deep enough that most of the water inside the bucket is below the waterline of the pool. If your bucket wants to float away, simply place a rock in the bucket.

4) Now mark the water line inside the bucket. Make sure the water is very still and you mark as close the the waterline as possible.

5) Make sure your pool pump is turned off and the water on the surface of the pool is still and then mark the water level on the outside of the bucket. You should then turn your system back on and let it operate like normal.

6) In 24 hours inspect the bucket. The water level inside and outside the bucket should have dropped the same amount. If the outside water level has dropped more than inside you more than likely have a leak.

7) Write down how much of a difference there is. This is very useful information in helping us find your leak.

Watch our bucket test set-up video:

If you need any help setting this up feel free to give us a call and we will talk you through it. We are happy to help! (858) 414-2430