BUCKET TEST FOR POOL LEAKS
IS YOUR POOL LOSING WATER?
Pools naturally lose some water every day due to evaporation, sunlight, wind, and humidity. However, if you notice that your water level is dropping faster than usual, you may have a leak. Common leak points include the pool’s surface, plumbing lines, seals, or anywhere two different materials meet.
The bucket test is a quick and reliable way to determine whether your water loss is normal or caused by a leak.
HOW TO PERFORM THE BUCKET TEST
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Set pool water level.
Fill your pool to its normal operating level.
🔴 Important: If your pool has an auto-fill device, turn it off before starting. -
Prepare the bucket.
Use a clean 5-gallon bucket and fill it with pool water to about 1 inch from the top. -
Place the bucket in the pool.
Set the bucket on the first or second step (or a seating ledge) so that the water level inside the bucket is even with the pool water outside.
The bucket should be submerged about 5–6 inches. -
Mark the water levels.
Use tape or a waterproof marker to mark:- The water level inside the bucket
- The pool water level outside the bucket
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Secure the pool environment.
Be sure that no people or animals enter the pool during the test. Splashes or added weight can skew results. -
Wait 24 hours.
Allow the pool to sit undisturbed for a full 24 hours.
⚠️ Note: If it rains during this period, the test must be restarted. -
Check results.
Compare the two marks:- If the outside pool level drops more than inside the bucket → Your pool likely has a leak.
- If both levels drop evenly → The water loss is due to normal evaporation.
WHY THE BUCKET TEST MATTERS
Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per week, raise your water bills, and cause costly damage to your pool and property. In Florida, pool leaks are especially important to catch early due to soil and sinkhole risks.
Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore the warning signs:
- Higher water bills – Leaks can add up to thousands in wasted water annually.
- Structural damage – Pool decks and surrounding areas may crack or shift.
- Wasted chemicals – Chemicals are lost along with the water, making your pool unsafe.
- Environmental concerns – Excess water waste impacts the local water supply.
- Potential sinkholes – Florida’s soil makes it critical to address underground leaks quickly.
WHAT TO DO IF THE BUCKET TEST SHOWS A LEAK
If your bucket test suggests a leak, don’t wait. Call Leak Wizard at (813) 968-3232 or schedule online for professional residential and commercial pool leak detection & repair, pool crack repair, underground plumbing repairs, and clogged pool line repairs.
We proudly serve Central & Florida’s West Coast — including Orlando, Clearwater, Sarasota, Lakeland, and Tampa — helping homeowners and businesses protect their pools and avoid costly damage.