Bucket test accuracy

[shiyang100]

I am in Massachusetts and the night has been pretty cold. Low 40s. Did a bucket test last night and noticed the pool water dropped about 1/16 in, but water level in bucket dropped very minimum. Are there sometime bucket test is not so accurate?

thanks.

 

[JVTrain]

If you're not seeing a significant difference, go longer on the test. See how much you lose over several days or a week.

 

[GaryT58]

Evaporation can be different in certain conditions. For example, if windy weather your pool will have a much larger surface area exposed to the winds so it could lose a little more. The lip of the bucket can effect the airflow over the water (unless it was filled to the very top). And placement of bucket as well with wind - i.e. are winds being diverted in area where the bucket is placed. So testing over a longer period can help.

 

[shiyang100]

Thanks. I will monitor a little longer.

I always remember reading a post here saying it is not worth the effort to identify any leak fewer than 1/8 in per day. The article said it may end up spending more money with little result. Not sure if this is something the experienced pool owners here agree?

 

[pooldv]

Evaporation is typically 1/8"-1/4" per day. So, I don't think you could eliminate evaporation as a source if that is all you are losing. I also don't think you would even notice it on your water bill.