What Is A Bucket Test And How Can It Detect Pool Leaks?

A simple bucket test is used to determine pool leaks when your water level is low. It is an indication of the difference between evaporation and water loss due to a slow leak. It is important that you determine the cause of the leak if you notice that your swimming pool is losing water.

You need to check the water level in your pool and/or spa for a couple days and then perform the bucket test when you suspect a leak. The pool motor and/or spa jets should be turned off and the pool should not be used for the 24-hour period of the test.

Test Procedure

Fill a five-gallon bucket with water almost to the top. Mark the inside of the bucket at the water level after it is placed on an upper step of your pool. The top of the bucket must be above the pool's waterline with the liquid settled. Mark the water line from the pool on the outside of the bucket when the water is calm. Check the water levels against the marks 24 hours later.

The bucket test should be conducted during calm, dry weather. Evaporation will account for about a quarter inch of water loss in the bucket. It may be less. Compare the water level in the bucket to the level in the pool below the marked line on the outside of the bucket. If the difference is more than the evaporation level inside the bucket, you should start looking for pool leaks.

Check For Leaks

Leaks need to be fixed as soon as they are found. A standard 16' by 32' 512 square foot pool can leak approximately 80 gallons a day.

Leak detection involves looking at different parts of the pool and the pump system.

• Water on the floor of the pump room area is a sign of a leak in the intake or outflow line. The bucket test will confirm this.
• Check for water on the decking or the ground surrounding the pool. This indicates a crack in a plumbing line.
• Check all fittings including railings and light fixtures. A loose-fitting where metal meets the pool's surface can cause a leak.
• Check the pool's main drain, skimmer, and look for loose tiles.

You can check the surface of the pool underwater by looking for rough edges or cracks in the pool's composition. This is especially important with vinyl-lined pools, both in-ground and free-standing, in a frame. Fiberglass and gunite pool shells must also be carefully inspected.

Aquaman Leak Detection is a professional service that finds and repairs spa and pool leaks. Your pool won't have to be drained. Modern ultra-sonic equipment is used to locate underground plumbing leaks without tearing up your deck.

Contact Aquaman Leak Detection serving Brevard and neighboring counties in Central Florida if your bucket test indicates a leak.