The Bucket Test

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The bucket test helps determine whether the pool is losing water faster than normal evaporation and in the pool rather than the pipes.

What you need

• A clean 5-gallon bucket 
• A marker or piece of tape 
• A small rock or weight to hold the bucket down 

The Steps

• Fill the bucket with pool water until it is about ¾ full. 
• Place the bucket on the first or second pool step. 
• Make sure the bucket is sitting      in the pool water, not floating. 
• Mark the water level inside the bucket. 
• Mark the pool water level in the pool. 
• Turn off filter pump and cleaner pump then unplug them from outlet.
• Remove all inlet jets / cleaner fittings and plug all inlets with winter plugs.
• Remove skimmer baskets and plug skimmers with winter plugs.
• Close the main drain valve at the pool pump. 
• Let the pool sit for 24 hours and measure the water loss in both the bucket and the pool.
• If the pool lost more water than the bucket, then there is probably a leak in the pool structure of main      drain. Time to call the Diver – give the diver the exact results of the test.

Leak Information to Provide

• ☐ How many inches of water the pool is losing per day: __________
  ☐ Date the water loss started: __________
  ☐ Results of bucket test: __________
  ☐ Does the pool lose more water with pump on or off? __________
  ☐ Does the water level stop at a certain point? __________
  ☐ Any suspected leak location: __________
  ☐ Any recent pool work, liner work, plumbing work, or construction: __________
  ☐ Any visible tears, cracks, loose fittings, or damaged faceplates: __________
  ☐ Any air bubbles returning to the pool: __________
  ☐ Any wet ground or sinking soil around the pool: __________

What to do the day before the diver comes.

• 1. The night before the diver comes, it is important that you do the following:
• 2. Make sure water is clear.
• 3. Vacuum all dirt and debris from pool. If you use a robotic cleaner, remove it from the pool at least 12 hours prior to diver arrival.
• 4. Turn off filter pump and cleaner pump then unplug them from outlet.
• 5. Close the main drain valve at the pool pump. 
• 6. Make sure the deck area is clear and safe.