Bucket Test

Not sure if your pool leaks?
Try this simple Bucket Test

Pool Bucket Test: How to Check for a Pool Leak at Home

If you’re losing water in your swimming pool, the pool bucket test is a simple and reliable way to determine whether the loss is caused by evaporation or a pool leak. This DIY test can be done in 24 hours using basic household items.

What You’ll Need

  • A bucket (clear is best)
  • A large rock or weight
  • Water
  • Optional: food coloring

How to Perform the Pool Bucket Test

Follow these steps carefully for accurate results:

  1. Place a bucket on the first step of your swimming pool so it sits partially submerged.
  2. Add a large rock or weight inside the bucket to keep it from floating.
  3. Fill the bucket with water until the water level inside the bucket is exactly the same as the pool water level outside the bucket.
  4. Leave the bucket undisturbed for 24 hours.
  5. After 24 hours, compare the two water levels. Continue checking every 24 hours if you suspect a slow leak.

How to Interpret Pool Bucket Test Results

  • Leak Likely: If the pool water level drops more than the water level inside the bucket, your pool likely has a leak.
  • Evaporation Only: If both water levels drop at the same rate, the water loss is likely due to normal evaporation.

If the test indicates a leak, it’s best to schedule a professional pool leak detection service to locate and repair the problem before it causes further damage.

Tips for Accurate Pool Leak Testing

  • Use a clear bucket (available in the paint section of most hardware stores) to make water level comparisons easier.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the water inside the bucket to improve visibility.
  • Perform the test when the pool pump is off for best results.
  • Repeat the test over multiple days to detect slow or intermittent leaks.

When to Call a Pool Leak Detection Professional

If your pool continues to lose water after completing the bucket test, professional leak detection can help identify issues with plumbing lines, pool structure, or equipment—saving water, money, and potential property damage.


A white bucket sits on the ledge of a pool