Planning guide
Is my pool leaking or evaporating?
Every pool loses some water to evaporation, and North Texas heat and wind make it worse. The bucket test is a common way to compare normal evaporation with your pool's actual water loss.
The bucket test
- Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a pool step so the water levels match.
- Mark the water level inside the bucket and on the pool wall or skimmer.
- Turn off auto-fill, then wait 24 hours with normal pump settings.
- Compare: if the pool dropped noticeably more than the bucket, a leak is likely.
Repeat with the pump off for a day; a difference can help a company narrow down where to look.
Other signs of a leak
- Higher water bills or the auto-fill running constantly
- Wet spots, soft ground or sinking pavers near the pool
- Algae that keeps coming back or chemicals that won't balance
- Cracks in the shell, tile line or deck
When to call
If the bucket test points to a leak, or you see any of the signs above, a leak detection company can test and pinpoint the source.
Questions
How much evaporation is normal?
It varies with heat, wind, humidity and sun. The bucket test accounts for your conditions that day.
Can rain affect the test?
Yes. Pick a dry day without heavy splashing or swimming.
Losing water?
Send the details once and hear back from local leak detection companies.