DIY BUCKET TEST

Pool Leaks are a lot more common than most people realize. There are various signs of a leak that every pool owner should be aware of. One of the first signs people notice is their pool losing water. However, this particular sign can get confusing. Your pool will ALWAYS lose water due to evaporation, especially in the middle of an Arizona summer. That being said, evaporation only causes about 1/4-1/2  inch of water to be lost in one day. So if your pool is losing more than that, you may have a leak. If you suspect you have a pool leak and want to test it on your own before contacting a professional, we suggest conducting a DIY Bucket Test.

For a Bucket Test you need:

• Large bucket
• Permanent marker
• Brick (or large rock)

The steps for conducting the test are as follows:

1. Turn off the auto-fill valve if you have one. Also turn off any water features that you may have.
2. Place your bucket on the first step in your pool. Put a brick or large rock inside to keep it in place.
3. Fill the bucket with pool water to match the level of the water in the pool.
4. After matching the water levels, use the permanent marker to mark the level on the inside AND outside of the bucket. Leave it for 1-2 days.
5. After it sits for 1-2 days, go back and check the water levels. If the water in the pool is lower than the water in the bucket, you probably have a pool leak.

Avoid using your pool while conducting this test. It’s best to have still water so the results are as accurate as possible. It also works best on clear, sunny days. If you know rain is headed your way, wait until after it passes to perform the bucket test.