Suspect a Leak? Start with a Bucket Test—Here’s How

Noticing your pool or spa losing water faster than usual? Before jumping to conclusions, there’s a simple and effective way to find out if it’s a leak or just evaporation: the bucket test.

This quick DIY test can save you time, stress, and possibly a service call. Here’s how to do it yourself at home.

🔧 What You’ll Need:

• A clean 5-gallon bucket

• A permanent marker or painter’s tape

• A ruler or tape measure (optional)

• Your pool or spa filled to its normal level

🪣 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place and Fill the Bucket

• Set the empty bucket on a pool step or spa bench. Make sure the top of the bucket is above water, but the bottom is submerged.

• Fill the bucket with pool or spa water until the water level inside the bucket matches the water level outside.

2. Mark the Water Lines

• Use a marker or painter’s tape to mark the water level inside the bucket.

• Then, mark the water level outside the bucket—where it meets the pool or spa water.

3. Turn Off the Pump (Optional)

• For best results, turn off any automatic refills or circulation systems.

• If you think the leak might be in the plumbing, consider repeating the test later with the pump running.

4. Wait 24 Hours

• Let the bucket sit for a full 24 hours without disturbance.

• Avoid doing this test on rainy days—that could skew the results.

5. Compare Water Levels

• After 24 hours, check both marks:

  • If the pool or spa water has dropped more than the bucket water, there's likely a leak.

  • If both levels dropped equally, the water loss is probably due to normal evaporation.

🧠 Tip:

Want to narrow it down further? Do a second bucket test with the circulation system running. A bigger drop while the pump is on may point to a plumbing or return line issue.

🛠️ Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.

If your bucket test shows signs of a leak, don’t worry. At Leak Detection Pros, we specialize in pinpointing hidden leaks with precision—no guesswork, no unnecessary digging.

Give us a call today, 918.200.9533, and we’ll help you get your pool or spa back to normal in no time.