Terry from Westfield, MA Writes: Bucket Test

Q: Terry from Westfield, MA writes:

It seems as if I have been adding quite a bit of water to my above ground swimming pool lately. How can I tell if my swimming pool is leaking or not, without calling the pool service department for a false alarm?

A: Stephen Otto, Store Manager

Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, Chicopee. MA

The Bucket Test will define if loss of water in a swimming pool is due to evaporation or the always dreaded leak.

I know, I can see the comment bubble in your head… “EVAPORATION, I’m losing a quarter to half inch a day”! Loosing up to a half inch a day due to evaporations is possible, depending on temperature, sun light, wind and other factors.

The Bucket Test…

• Fill a Bucket with pool water about 1 inch from the top of the bucket.
• Set the Bucket on the first or second step.
• Mark the water line inside the bucket.
• Mark the water line of the pool on the outside of the bucket.
• Wait 24 hours.
• If the bucket has lost as much water as the pool its evaporation.
• If the pool has lost more then the bucket, call for service.

Hope this helps.