How to Do a Bucket Test

The bucket test compares your pool's water loss with that of a bucket of the same water under the same conditions. It's free and takes about 24 hours.

You'll need

• A 5-gallon bucket
• Waterproof tape or a marker
• A weight (a couple of bricks or rocks) if the bucket might float

Steps

1. Bring the pool to its normal level.
2. Set the bucket on the first or second pool step and fill it with pool water to about the same level as the pool. The rim should sit well above the waterline.
3. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
4. Mark the pool level on the tile or skimmer.
5. Turn off the autofill. Run the pump on its normal schedule.
6. Wait 24 hours. Don't swim, and skip the test if rain is forecast.
7. Compare the two drops.

Reading the results

If the pool dropped noticeably more than the bucket, you may have a leak. If they dropped about the same, it's probably evaporation.

Then repeat the test with the pump off for 24 hours. If the pool loses more with the pump running, that points toward the pressure (return) side. If it loses more with the pump off, or the same either way, that points elsewhere. Tell the leak specialist what you found.

Common mistakes

• Leaving the autofill on
• Testing in rain, strong wind or right after swimming
• Putting the bucket somewhere other than in the pool, where the temperature differs
• Running a water feature during one test and not the other

Pool losing more than the bucket? Get connected with a leak detection specialist.