Bucket And Water Test

The Bucket Test

This procedure is performed when you are in question whether your pool and/or spa might have a water leak. A water loss from an uncovered pool and/or spa can be up to 1/4" in a 24-hour period. Water temperature, wind, sun, heat and dry weather can all affect the rate of evaporation. A day with low humidity can increase the evaporation rate and a day with high humidity will decrease the amount of water loss.

If water loss in a 24-hour period is 1/4" or more, you may want to perform a evaporation drop test (aka “the bucket test”) before calling the professionals.

Follow these steps to test your pool and/or spa;

Place a bucket filled with water (approximately 3 to 4 inches from the top edge of the bucket) on the first or second step, preferably the second step without submerging the bucket.
Make sure any automatic water leveling system is off.
Place a weight inside the bucket so the bucket does not float away from the step and that it is stationary on the step.
Mark the water level on both the inside of the bucket and the outside of the bucket. If possible, try to make sure the water level inside the bucket is the same as the pool or spa water level outside of the bucket.
Check the mark 24 hours later. If there's a greater water loss from the line on the outside of the bucket, there is a suspect of a leak in the pool and/or the spa. This test can be conducted with the pump on and then can be repeated the following day with the pump off.

The Water Meter Test

These are instructions on how to check your water meter to find out if you might have a leak. Note: Most residential water meters register water in one cubic foot increments. A cubic foot is approximately 7.48 gallons.

Depending on the type of water meter, the test should be conducted for at least a 15-minute period, during which no water is being used on the property. Make sure the refrigerator ice maker is turned off in the event it is nearing an ice making cycle.
Locate your water meter, which is usually located in front of the house near the edge of the street in a covered concrete box. Note: Sometimes the water department will spray paint the edge of the street with blue paint next to your property line. This indicates the area where your water meter is located.
Remove the concrete cover to expose the water meter inside. Open the site glass cover which should be on a hinge protecting the meter dials. Write down the numbers indicated on the meter at the start of this test.
Return to check the meter reading after 15 minutes has elapsed.
If the numbers have changed, you might have a leak in your pressurized water system. Shut off the supply valves to all toilets in the house and repeat steps 1 through 4.
If the numbers have not changed, you may have a running toilet that should be serviced.
If the numbers have changed, this indicates water consumption even though water was not being used during the test. Call our office to schedule a service appointment.