The Bucket Test
A pool bucket test is a simple method in which a pool owner can compare their pools evaporation water loss against total pool water loss. Which will help determine if they are dealing with a pool leak or not. Here's how it works and how to set it up.
PREPARE
1. Start by ensuring that the pool is filled to its normal operating level. This is the level at which the water is normally maintained. The pool should be operating normally. Ensure there are no obvious drips or leaks at the pool equipment. The skimmer basket and pump basket should be clean. Clean your cartridge filters or perform a backwash & rinse if you have a sand filter. This way you know your pool is operating under ideal conditions.
2. Get a common 20L bucket. Home Depot and Canadian Tire have these available. The idea is to submerge the bucket in the pool water on the first or second pool step. The bucket will need to stick out above the water level of the pool. Fill the bucket with pool water to about an inch from the top of the bucket. You will need a higher water level in the bucket compared to the pool to prevent the bucket from floating away.
3. Place the bucket on the steps or ledge of the pool, allow time for the pool water to calm and become still. Use a marker or tape to mark both the water level inside the bucket and the water level in the pool. Take 2 clear photos, one of the mark outside of the bucket and one inside the bucket. This will provide you documented history that your marks were indeed level with the pool and bucket water when the test began.
2. Get a common 20L bucket. Home Depot and Canadian Tire have these available. The idea is to submerge the bucket in the pool water on the first or second pool step. The bucket will need to stick out above the water level of the pool. Fill the bucket with pool water to about an inch from the top of the bucket. You will need a higher water level in the bucket compared to the pool to prevent the bucket from floating away.
3. Place the bucket on the steps or ledge of the pool, allow time for the pool water to calm and become still. Use a marker or tape to mark both the water level inside the bucket and the water level in the pool. Take 2 clear photos, one of the mark outside of the bucket and one inside the bucket. This will provide you documented history that your marks were indeed level with the pool and bucket water when the test began.
double check & BEGIN
4. The bucket is sitting within the pools body of water, level as possible, clear marks are made outside and inside the bucket for current water levels, review your 2 photos to ensure you can see water level clearly at the marks you made.
5. Now leave the pool and bucket undisturbed for 24 hours. During this time, it's important to avoid any pool usage or activities that may cause water splashing or disturbances. We do not want the bucket to move in anyway during this time. Come back 24 hours later to observe results.
5. Now leave the pool and bucket undisturbed for 24 hours. During this time, it's important to avoid any pool usage or activities that may cause water splashing or disturbances. We do not want the bucket to move in anyway during this time. Come back 24 hours later to observe results.
COMPARE
6. After 24 hours, without yet touching or moving the bucket examine both inside and outside the bucket. The first thing to do is take 2 photos from similar angles and distances during preparation. Allowing you to go back and compare at any time. Now measure the water loss in the bucket and measure the water loss outside of the bucket.
7. If the water level in the pool has dropped more than the water level in the bucket, it suggests that there is a leak in the pool. The larger the difference between the two water levels, the more significant the leak may be. If the water levels have remained equal, it indicates that the water loss is due to evaporation and you do not have a leak in the pool.
8. You can repeat this 24 hour process with the pump on or off. Documenting both outcomes can be valuable information when leak detecting.
7. If the water level in the pool has dropped more than the water level in the bucket, it suggests that there is a leak in the pool. The larger the difference between the two water levels, the more significant the leak may be. If the water levels have remained equal, it indicates that the water loss is due to evaporation and you do not have a leak in the pool.
8. You can repeat this 24 hour process with the pump on or off. Documenting both outcomes can be valuable information when leak detecting.
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After 24 Hour Example:
Photo 1 we can see the pool water level is below the black tape. That is the total pool water loss over the 24 hours. Evaporation + potential leak.
Photo 2 the bucket water level is still at the black tape or very near. This is water loss due to evaporation alone. Assessment: This example is indicating there is in fact a substantial leak in the pool and should be investigated.
Photo 1 we can see the pool water level is below the black tape. That is the total pool water loss over the 24 hours. Evaporation + potential leak.
Photo 2 the bucket water level is still at the black tape or very near. This is water loss due to evaporation alone. Assessment: This example is indicating there is in fact a substantial leak in the pool and should be investigated.
Tip: Fill the bucket beyond the pools water level to ensure it is weighed down and secure. The bucket must be submerged in the pool water so it will be exposed to the same elements and temperature as the pool.