Dallas, TX (PressExposure) August 25, 2010 -- American Leak Detection (http://www.alddfw.com) knows that during the hottest time of the year, the most common question pool owners have is, "How much water do I lose due to evaporation and how do I know if the loss of water isn't due to a leak?" This is a difficult question to answer since each pool in the Metroplex will have a different evaporation rate depending on a number of factors including duration of time exposed to full sun, protection from wind, depth of pool, plaster surface color, etc. Fortunately there is a very easy and accurate test that homeowners can perform on their own to determine what their specific rate of evaporation loss is.
The Bucket Test is a simple procedure. It should be performed over a 24-hour period when there is no rain and no swimming in the pool for the entire 24 hours. "The evaporation test, or Bucket Test, is simple and very accurate when performed correctly," said Will Knell, Director of Operations at American Leak Detection, serving the Greater Dallas Area. To perform the Bucket Test to see if your pool is leaking water, simply follow these steps:
1. Bring pool water to a normal level. 2. Fill a five-gallon bucket with pool water about one to two inches from the top. 3. Place the bucket on the first or second step of pool. 4. Mark water level on inside of bucket. 5. Shut off the pool pump and mark pool level on the outside of the bucket. 6. Resume normal pump operation, making sure that the auto/manual fill valve is off during the test - if applicable. 7. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level, there is probably a leak.
NOTE: If you have a spa, fountain, waterfall or a negative/vanishing edge, the pool will lose slightly more than the bucket since the evaporation rate will increase due to aeration. If it rains during the 24-hr period, you should repeat the test for accuracy.
A leaking pool will obviously result in higher water bills, but other dangers include damage to your pump and filtration system if the water level gets too low, as well as costly and frustrating attempts to maintain the proper pH level as the constant introduction of new water into the pool creates an imbalance. Additionally, Knell says, "Pool leaks can easily lead to some costly damage to the property around the pool."
Other signs or clues of a pool leak that a homeowner can keep their eye on include a slumping or settling deck, wet spots in the yard, cracking on the deck or air in plumbing lines. "If you suspect that you do in fact have a leak, or if a leak is confirmed with the Bucket Test, local residents should call a professional right away," said Knell. "We want Dallas/Fort Worth pool owners to have a leak-free, safe and enjoyable pool season."
For additional information about American Leak Detection, The Original Leak Specialists, serving the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Area, please contact Will Knell at 972-713-8691 or visit http://www.alddfw.com.