The bucket test is one of the easiest ways to compare normal evaporation with actual water loss.

How to Perform the Bucket Test

1. Fill a bucket with pool water until the water inside the bucket matches the pool's water level.

2. Place the bucket on the first or second pool step so it is partially submerged.

3. Mark both the bucket water level and the pool water level with tape or a marker.

4. Leave the pool undisturbed for 24 hours.

5. Compare the two water levels.

What the Results Mean

If the pool water level drops significantly more than the water inside the bucket, your pool is likely leaking.

If both water levels drop by roughly the same amount, evaporation is probably the cause.

Every pool loses a small amount of water due to evaporation.

Typical evaporation is around 1/8 to 1/4 inch per day, although factors like heat, humidity, wind, direct sunlight, and the use of a heater can increase this amount.

If your pool is consistently losing around 1/2 inch or more per day, especially during mild weather, it's worth investigating further.

If the pool loses more water while the pump is running, the leak may be in a pressure-side return line or other plumbing under pressure.

If the pool loses water at the same rate whether the pump is on or off, the leak could be in the pool shell, liner, skimmer, light niche, or another structural component.

This information can help narrow down the source of the problem before professional testing begins.

If you frequently need to add water to the pool, your utility bill may begin to increase.

A slow leak can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a swimming season, making early detection both environmentally responsible and cost-effective.

Underground plumbing leaks often allow water to escape beneath the surface before it becomes visible.

Signs include:

• Soft or muddy ground

• Grass growing faster in one area

• Constantly wet soil

• Sinkholes or depressions

• Standing water that doesn't dry

These symptoms can point to a broken underground return or suction line.

If you notice a steady stream of air bubbles coming from the return jets while the pump is running, air may be entering the plumbing system.

While bubbles don't always indicate a water leak, they can point to problems on the suction side of the circulation system that deserve further inspection.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms its time to give us a call!Professional leak detection can help identify the source before the problem becomes more expensive.

At Pool Leak Pro, we use specialized equipment to locate leaks without unnecessary digging or guesswork.

Our leak detection process may include:

• Dye testing

• Pressure testing

• Hydrophone listening equipment

• Underwater pipe cameras

• Visual inspection of pool components

• Plumbing system evaluation

By identifying the exact location of the leak, we can help you understand the issue and recommend the most effective next steps.