This is a simple test where a bucket is placed on the top step of a swimming pool. Helps see if there is a leak or just evaporation. Here in Houston the average evaporation is between 1/8'' to 14'' in 24 hrs. 

 

1. Pre mark a bucket with a permanent marker in the inside and outside using 1/4'' increments. For outside starting form the bottom go up to around 10''. Do the same on the inside but go from top to bottom to around 4''.  

​

2.Once the bucket is filled to within an inch of the top with water, the water level inside the bucket should be marked. The outside of the bucket should then be marked to the water level of the swimming pool.

​

3. Run the pool equipment under normal operation for 24 hrs. to see if there is a greater change in the pool water level then the change in water level inside the bucket. If the change in water level in the pool is more than the change in the water level in the bucket, then the pool is losing more water than is caused by evaporation.

​

Note that this test is only accurate for a 24 hour period!