DIY Swimming Pool Leak Test

Water conservation is becoming a very big deal. It’s true enough, we’re not experiencing water shortages here in Mississippi. Certainly not as severe as the western states. However, wasting water isn’t smart anywhere.

Arizona has developed an informative water conservation program. The efforts are developed collaboratively by the water conservation professionals of the ten AMWUA member cities and AMWUA staff, working together with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project, Bureau of Reclamation, EPA WaterSense, the University of Arizona, trade associations and others.

They’ve developed a handy website that is part of an expansive toolbox of information, guides, training, outreach, and messaging developed through AMWUA’s Regional Conservation Program. The goal is to assist residents and businesses to conserve and use our water supplies as efficiently as possible.

Here’s one of their handy swimming pool maintenance tips. (for home inspectors who also include pool inspections be prepared to return to the subject address 24 to 48 hours…or more for test results).

THE BUCKET TEST

1. Disable (turn off) the pool’s autofill (if present).
2. Place a bucket or container on a pool step without submerging it.
3. Use a large rock or brick to weigh down the container.
4. Fill it with water so it is the same level as the pool water.
5. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
6. Mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
7. Wait at least two to three days to let natural evaporation occur.

Compare the two water levels.

A. If the pool water level (outside mark) dropped more than the bucket’s water level (inside mark), you may have a leak and may want to contact a pool contractor.

B. If the level changes are the same, only evaporation has occurred.

Resume normal auto fill operation.

Visit www.amwua.org for more resources and information about conservation, water resources, and how their members are planning and managing their supplies for today and generations to come.

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