Bucket Test | DYI Pool Leak Test | Pool Leak Detection FL

Determine if your water loss is due to evaporation, or if a leak is present in your swimming pool.

Use the following steps to determine if your pool, spa, or fountain is leaking.
1. Ensure that the swimming pool is filled to normal operating level.
2. Dip a 5 gallon-bucket in the swimming pool (or water you have) and fill it an inch or two higher than the level of the pool water on the outside of the bucket.
3. Place the bucket on the steps of the swimming pool. Do not immerse.
4. Shut the pumps off and ensure that the auto-fill valve is off to set up the test.
5. Mark the water levels inside & outside the bucket with a grease pencil.
6. Restore the pump function (keep the auto fill valve off).
7. Mark the time. After 24 hours compare the two levels of water.

[Montery]

Because of water evaporation, would a quarter of an inch below the bucket line be normal and not blame it on a possible leak? Or, how much water loss in inches should there be below the bucket line to say it's a leak. 18X30 pool, 6' 5" deep, 4' shallow ends, appx 10K gls.

[bazerwindwood]

I’m assuming you would turn off the auto fill?

[ruthlessluder]

So if you are going to fill the bucket with more water than the pool, and then you mark both.... Then what's the point of putting the bucket inside the pool? Wouldn't leaving the bucket on the deck be the same?

[JasonFlorida]

Wrong, you want to keep your pool pump off during this test to narrow down the leak. If it only leaks while pool pump running, theeak is at the equipment or plumbing.