Many pool owners mistake evaporation for a leak, leading to unnecessary repairs or ignoring real water loss. Pools naturally lose water through evaporation, especially in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
Before assuming you have a leak, use this simple evaporation test to check if your pool is losing water due to natural evaporation or an actual leak.
How to Perform the Evaporation Test
Step 1: Prepare the Test
✔ Fill your pool to its normal water level – Make sure it’s at the usual fill point.
✔ Get a standard bucket – Fill it with pool water to about 1cm from the top.
✔ Place the bucket in the pool – Put it on the pool step, ensuring it’s partially submerged so the water inside reaches the same temperature as the pool.
Step 2: Mark the Water Levels
✔ Inside the bucket: Use a marker or tape to note the current water level inside the bucket.
✔ Outside the bucket: Mark the water level of the pool on the bucket’s exterior.
Step 3: Let It Sit for 24-48 Hours
✔ Leave the bucket undisturbed for up to 2 days. Avoid testing during rainy or stormy weather, as this may affect accuracy.
Step 4: Compare the Water Levels
✔ Measure the difference inside the bucket – This shows how much water was lost due to evaporation.
✔ Measure the difference outside the bucket – This shows the total water loss in your pool.
How to Interpret the Results
If both water levels drop by the same amount:
Your pool is not leaking. The water loss is normal evaporation.
If the pool water level drops more than the bucket water level:
Your pool has a leak. Water is being lost faster than normal evaporation allows.
What to Do if Your Pool is Leaking
🔹 If you’ve confirmed a possible leak, the next step is to determine where it’s coming from. Use the Pipes or Structure Leak Test (see blog above) or contact a professional.
🔹 Still unsure? Call Aqua Leak at 0425 748 363 or send us an enquiry to schedule a leak detection service today.
Final Thoughts – Why These Tests Are Important
Performing the evaporation test and the structural vs. pipe leak test can save you money and prevent unnecessary repairs. Before assuming you have a major pool leak, try these simple tests to confirm whether you need professional intervention.
If you suspect a leak, our experts at Aqua Leak are ready to locate and fix it quickly, saving you from further damage and excessive water loss.
📞 Call Us Now: 0425 748 363
📩 Send an Enquiry: Contact Us Here
📍 We Service: Sydney, Hunter Valley, Nelson Bay & NSW
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