Before you call a professional, there’s a simple test you can do yourself to get a first read on whether your pool actually has a leak, or if you’re just seeing normal evaporation. It’s called the bucket test, and it takes about 24 hours.
What You’ll Need
- A standard 5-gallon bucket
- A permanent marker
- Your pool’s pump running as it normally would
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill the bucket with pool water and place it on the top step of your pool, so it’s partially submerged.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket with your marker.
- Mark the pool’s water level on the outside of the bucket at the same height.
- Wait 24 hours, keeping your pump running on its normal schedule.
- Compare the two levels. If the pool’s water level has dropped more than the water level inside the bucket, your pool is losing water beyond normal evaporation — a strong sign of a leak.
Why This Test Works
Both the bucket and the pool lose water to evaporation at roughly the same rate, since they’re exposed to the same sun and air. If the pool loses noticeably more water than the bucket, evaporation isn’t the explanation — something is actively leaking.
What to Do If You Confirm a Leak
A positive bucket test tells you that you have a leak, but not where it is. That’s where professional detection comes in. At Splash Pool Leak Detection, we use static pressure testing, dye testing, and acoustic equipment to pinpoint the exact source — whether it’s the shell, the skimmer, the main drain, or underground plumbing.
Confirmed a leak with the bucket test? Don’t wait — small leaks get more expensive over time. Call (941) 599-3921 or schedule your inspection today.
