The Pool Bucket Test: Save Money and Determine if Your Pool is Leaking or Just Evaporating
A pool losing water is every pool owner’s concern, but before jumping to conclusions about leaks, it’s essential to understand that evaporation is a natural process. Many pool owners unknowingly waste money hiring a leak detection company when their water loss is simply due to high evaporation rates. Some companies won’t tell you this, but at NJ Pool Patcher, we want you to be informed before scheduling any service to ensure your pool is actually leaking.
Why the Pool Bucket Test is Important
The bucket test is a simple yet crucial method to differentiate between normal evaporation and an actual pool leak. Evaporation rates vary due to factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and pool usage. We have observed pools losing as much as ¾ inch of water in just 24 hours due to evaporation alone. This is why performing a bucket test first can save you from hiring a leak detection specialist for a problem that might not exist.
If you don’t perform this test and call a company that doesn’t inform you about evaporation, you could be paying for a leak detection service you don’t actually need. So, before you assume there’s a leak, follow these steps to conduct the pool bucket test properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Pool Bucket Test
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- A 5-gallon plastic bucket (or similar-sized container)
- A permanent marker or waterproof tape
- A ruler (to measure water loss accurately)
- A flat surface to place the bucket (like a pool step)
Step 2: Prepare the Bucket
- Fill the bucket with pool water to about 1-2 inches from the top of the bucket. Use the same water from your pool so that it matches the temperature and evaporation conditions.
- Place the bucket on the pool step so that about 1/2 of the bucket is submerged in the pool water so it stays the same temperature as the pool.
- Mark the inside water level using the marker or waterproof tape.
- Mark the pool’s water level on the outside of the bucket where it meets the pool water. (when the water is calm)
- Turn Off The Autofill if you have one.
- Do exactly as Stated Above. We have perfected this test to give the best results possible.
Step 3: Wait 24 Hours
- Leave the bucket undisturbed for 24 hours.
- Ensure that the pool pump and filtration system run as usual during the test. (do not adjust run times)
- Avoid swimming during this time, as splashing can affect results.
- If rain is in the forecast, wait for a dry period to conduct the test.
- Keep dogs away from drinking the water from the bucket. (we have seen this)
Step 4: Compare the Results
- If both the bucket and pool water have dropped by the same amount, your water loss is due to evaporation, not a leak.
- If the pool water has dropped significantly more than the bucket water, you likely have a leak, and it’s time to call NJ Pool Patcher for professional leak detection.
Key Takeaways From the Bucket Test
- Evaporation can cause water loss up to ¾ inch per day—don’t mistake it for a leak.
- Perform the bucket test BEFORE hiring a pool leak detection company—it could save you hundreds of dollars.
- If the test shows more water loss in the pool than the bucket, call NJ Pool Patcher to locate and fix the leak.
- Wind, humidity, temperature, and sun exposure all impact evaporation rates. (more in the spring and fall)
- Pool owners in New Jersey should monitor water loss, all of the time.
At NJ Pool Patcher, we believe in honest service and transparent pricing. If your pool is truly leaking, we’re the only company that guarantees to find your leak—and if your pool continues to lose water, we return for free.
Don’t waste money on unnecessary services. Perform the bucket test today, and if you confirm a leak, call us at 732-705-7344 to schedule a professional leak detection appointment.
Watch Our Video Tutorial
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For a step-by-step demonstration of the bucket test, watch our video below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I do the bucket test if my pool has an automatic fill system?
No, turn off the automatic fill before performing the test. Otherwise, it will compensate for water loss and give inaccurate results.
What if my pool has a leak and evaporation?
Many pools have both, which is why comparing water loss in the bucket versus the pool is crucial. If there’s more water loss in the pool, you likely have a leak.
What if my pool only loses water when the pump is running?
This suggests a plumbing leak in the underground pipes or return lines. Contact NJ Pool Patcher for a pressure test to confirm.
How often should I check for leaks?
It’s a good idea to do a bucket test at the start of the pool season and anytime you suspect abnormal water loss.
Performing the bucket test is the first step in responsible pool ownership. It helps you avoid wasting money and ensures that if you do have a leak, NJ Pool Patcher is ready to locate and fix it with precision.
Call us today at 732-705-7344 for expert leak detection services!
