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A “bucket test” is a test designed to compare water loss in a pool, including evaporation, to the evaporation in a bucket or vessel containing water exposed to the same conditions. Some factors, like waterfalls and returns and things disturbing the pool’s surface, skew the results. They increase evaporation; you cannot simulate these factors in a bucket. The wind effect can also differ in the bucket than on the pool surface.
How to do a bucket test.
You place a vessel that extends above the pool water level on a step or bench and fill it with water near the top of the bucket. Then, you mark the water levels on the inside and outside of the bucket.
24 hours later, you compare the amount of water lost from evaporation inside the bucket to the water loss outside of the bucket. They should be similar. If the pool level drops more than the bucket, that may indicate a leak in the pool.
This process can be repeated with different factors to help identify the source of the leak.
Turn pump off for 24 hours during the test. Run pump for 24 hours.
If leak is predominantly only when running the circulation system then it is a pressure side leak (or backwash line). If the leak increases when the pump isoff, then it is a suction line leak, and you probably would see air coming into during pump operation.
If it leaks the same regardless, it’s a structure leak and not part of the circulation system.
You need to realize if your returns are disturbing the surface of the water or you are running waterfalls, you are causing a lot more evaporation in the body of the pool.
Wind is a large contributor to evaporation. If the effect of wind is remarkably different between the pool and the bucket, that will affect the accuracy of the test.
So a bucket test is not an exact indicator of a leak, it is simply one process to help us draw a logical conclusion.
We do sell the “Mini Bucket Test” in our stores.
You can listen to “The Deep End Pool Podcast” every week at 9:00 AM CST on Saturdays. You can LISTEN LIVE online on TURF’S UP RADIO!
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The Deep End Pool Podcast focuses on residential pool maintenance and may not cover commercial pool requirements. Please consult the CDC and local authorities regarding the code requirements for commercial pool maintenance.
Do you have a pool question for Frank? You can email him at [email protected]. He just might read and answer your question on air!