DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH ANY BUCKET

Performing a bucket test is the simplest way to determine if there is a leak. The bucket test is one of a series of measurements conducted over a period of up to several days. Each measured day represents a single event, for example, a standard in-ground pool with a simple system can be measured once - resulting in an accurate result. A more complex pool involving an attached spa or water feature needs to be measured several times (days). Because there are more pipes, systems, and structures involved, and also because a leak can exist in a water feature or its related plumbing, the pool may only lose water when that particular feature is operating.

Static - turn off all equipment, timers, switches and automatic filler before starting a measurement.

Standard - allow pump / filter to operate as normal (If a fast leak is suspected, shorten the pump/filter run time.)

Pool and Spa Combination - Isolating the swimming pool from the spa creates two vessels and two sets of pipes, narrowing the search. Most pools with raised spas only need to be turned off and allowed to settle, if the assorted parts (check valves and manual valves) are all working, then bucket testing can be done on both "vessels" simultaneously. Also important: spillways, waterfalls and water features are considered separate structures and will leak only when water is running over or through these structures. Most pool/spa combinations cannot be isolated without turning off valves or plugging off shared pipes. Some simple bucket testing or dye testing will show if a raised spa is really losing water or if it is just "leaking" back into the pool.

Waterfalls and Water Features - Knowing that a pool loses water only when the waterfall is operating is obvious. Many waterfalls or water features add to evaporation. If a pool loses more water when operating the water feature than it loses when static (or when the water feature is turned off) and the water chemistry can't be kept in balance, then suspect a plumbing or structural water feature leak. These structural leaks are the result of gaps or cracks in the mortar or grout between tiles or "stones" both real and artificial and especially around the discharge pipe(s). A qualified builder will usually hire an expert stonemason specializing in pool and spa construction to build their waterfalls and water features. A pool/spa with a waterfall or water feature should always be measured (bucket test) with the feature on or running, if a leak is suspected, a static follow up test can be done afterward to confirm a leaking feature.

"Accurate measurements" are important when inspecting a pool or spa. Bucket testing is truly the simplest way to check for leaks. Accuracy to 1/8" is enough for most measurements.