The bucket test has long been the go-to test for determining whether a pool is leaking. But with the sophisticated tools and technologies now available to leak detection specialists, employing the bucket test is often a job that technicians can instruct their customers to perform.

If your customer is concerned that their pool might have a leak, the bucket test is a simple and effective way to determine if water loss is due to a leak or just natural evaporation. Here, you'll find stepby- step instructions you can give your customers for performing the test with the pool pump off and on, along with what each result means. Materials Needed:

A 5-gallon bucket (or any stable container).

A marker or tape for marking the water levels.

A ruler or measuring tape (optional but helpful for accuracy).

Step 1: Bucket Test with the Pump Off (Basic Evaporation Test) Place the Bucket: Put the bucket on the first or second step of the pool, ensuring the bucket is stable. Fill the bucket with water from the pool until the water level inside the bucket matches the pool water level.

Mark the Water Levels: Use a marker or tape to mark the water level inside the bucket. Then, mark the water level on the pool wall at the same height.

Wait and Observe: Leave the pump and any water features off. Let the pool sit undisturbed for 24 hours. This allows the water to settle, and you can observe how much water loss occurs in both the bucket and the pool.

What the Results Mean

If both the pool and the bucket lose the same amount of water: This indicates that the water loss is likely due to evaporation, and there may be no leak. Typical evaporation rates are around 1/4 to 1/2 inch per day, depending on weather conditions.

If the pool loses more water than the bucket: This suggests that there could be a structural leak in the pool shell or liner (such as cracks or tears). The leak would be unrelated to the plumbing system, as the pump was off during this test.

Step 2: Bucket Test with the Pump On (Testing for Plumbing Leaks) Set Up the Bucket Again: Place the bucket back on the pool step and ensure the water inside matches the pool level.

Turn the Pump and Water Features On: This time, turn the pool pump and any water features (e.g., fountains, jets, waterfalls) on. Allow the equipment to run normally as it would during regular pool operation.

Mark the Water Levels Again: Just like the first test, mark the water level inside the bucket and on the pool wall.

Wait and Observe: Leave the pump running for 24 hours and observe the water loss during this time.

What the Results Mean

If both the pool and the bucket lose the same amount of water: This suggests that the water loss is still likely due to evaporation, with no significant plumbing leaks found. The system is functioning normally.

If the pool loses more water than the bucket: This points to a possible leak in the pool’s plumbing system. Because the pump and water features were running, this can cause a pressure shift in the plumbing, revealing leaks in pipes, fittings, or equipment. The increased movement of water in the system makes leaks more noticeable, especially in areas like return lines, jets, or even the pump itself.

By performing the bucket test, your customer can quickly get an idea of whether a pool has a leak and whether it’s related to the pool structure or the plumbing system. If they notice significant water loss during the test with the pump running, it’s a good idea to contact a professional pool leak detection expert to help identify and repair the leak. Understanding the basics of this test will save time and help avoid unnecessary repairs.

What to Do Next

If the bucket test with the pump on shows a greater water loss than the bucket, further steps should be taken to locate the plumbing leak. Some follow-up actions that might be performed by a leak detection specialist include: Pressure Testing: A professional technician can pressure-test the pool’s plumbing system to isolate the location of the leak.

Dye Testing: Dye tests around specific plumbing components (e.g., jets, returns, or skimmers) can help pinpoint where the water is escaping.

Hydrophone/Listening Devices: Specialized equipment like hydrophones can listen for the sounds of leaks in the plumbing, helping technicians locate leaks without digging.