Think You Have a Leak? Do the Pool Bucket Test To Find Out

Pool leaks are a common problem that can cause significant damage and result in costly repairs. Fortunately, there is a simple test you can perform to determine whether your pool is actually leaking.

This is known as the pool bucket test. If you suspect the pool is losing water and not just evaporation or splashout, then the bucket leak test should clear up any concerns.

What is the Pool Bucket Test?

This is a simple and effective way to determine whether your pool loses water due to evaporation or a leak.

It involves placing a 5-gallon bucket filled with water on the pool steps and monitoring the water levels in the bucket and the pool over 24 hours.

If the water level in the bucket decreases more than the water level in the pool, it indicates a leak.

How to Do a Bucket Test to Determine a Leak

As mentioned, setting up the test is fairly simple and requires little planning or maintenance.

To note, don’t use the pool during this time, as splashing and removing any water can disrupt the test results. Also, if it rains during the test then it will have to be done another day.

Materials Needed

To perform the bucket test, you will need a few materials. All you need is a 5-gallon bucket that will fit on the steps and a marker to mark the water levels.

Fill the Pool to the Desired Level. Turn Off Any Pool Auto Fills

Fill up the pool to its standard operating level, which is normally halfway between the skimmer’s throat.

Turn off any auto-fills or features that can fill up the pool. We want to examine any water loss as naturally as possible.

Fill up the Bucket with Water

Fill the 5-gallon bucket with water, preferably 3/4 full so it is heavy enough to sit on the pool steps. The last thing we want is for the bucket to float up or tip over during the observation and testing.

If it is too light to be firmly placed on the steps, put some heavy rocks or bricks into the bucket to weigh it down.

Place the Bucket on the Pool Steps

Set the 5-gallon bucket on the pool steps. The first or second step should be fine. The goal is to be able to see the water lines both inside and outside of the bucket

Mark the Bucket with Water Levels

With a marker, mark the bucket in two places:

• Mark the inside of the bucket to the water level
• Mark the outside of the bucket to the water level

Wait 24 Hours and Observe the Marked Lines

After 24 hours from the start of the test, check the water level and the markings from step four.

If the water level inside the bucket and outside the bucket decreased at the same rate (or didn’t decrease at all), then there is no leak detected.

However, if the water level outside of the bucket decreased more than the water level inside, it is a pretty good indication of a leak in the pool

Interpreting the Results

Daily water loss is very common for pools to experience, especially through evaporation. The bucket test shows a pretty good visual of that happening.

If the results do show a difference in water loss rates, it may be necessary to start investigating where the leak is occurring. Most pool service pros will ask if a bucket test was done beforehand, so completing the test should be done before anything else!