Leak or Evaporation? The Vegas Bucket Test
The hard part about checking for a leak in Vegas isn't the test. It's the wind and the water features that throw it off. Here's how to get a clean read.
Pick your window
- Calm days only. Wind drives up evaporation and splash-out, and it can tip a bucket.
- No rain or monsoon storms in the forecast.
- Nobody swims during the test.
Kill the variables
- Turn off the autofill, or close its valve.
- Turn off waterfalls, sheer descents and spillover spas. They add evaporation and can hide a leak in the feature itself (test them separately later).
- Note the water temperature. Warm water evaporates faster.
Day 1: pump on schedule
- Fill a bucket with pool water and set it on a step, weighted with a rock if needed.
- Mark the level inside the bucket and on the pool tile.
- Let the pump run its normal schedule for 24 hours.
- Measure both drops.
Day 2: pump off
Reset the marks and repeat with the pump off for 24 hours.
Reading it
| Result | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| Pool ≈ bucket both days | Probably evaporation |
| Pool drops more with the pump on | Possible pressure-side (return) plumbing or equipment leak |
| Pool drops more with the pump off | Possible suction-side leak |
| Pool drops more either way | Possible shell, fitting or light-niche leak |
These are clues, not a diagnosis. Share your numbers with a leak specialist. If the pool is still under builder warranty, call the builder first.
Results point to a leak? Get connected with a leak detection pro.
Pool down? Request help online