How do I know if my Tyler pool is leaking or just evaporating?

The bucket test is the fastest DIY method. Place a bucket of pool water on a step, mark both levels, run the pump for 24 hours, and compare how much each dropped. If the pool dropped more than the bucket, the difference is a real leak. This calculator does the math for you.

How much does it cost to refill a pool in Tyler?

At Tyler Water Utilities rates, water for pool refill costs $3.75 per 1,000 gallons. Pool refill water does not typically go to the sewer, so the sewer charge does not apply. A 20,000-gallon pool costs roughly $75 to refill at current rates.

What is the pool bucket test?

The bucket test compares how much a pool loses to how much a bucket of pool water loses over 24 hours. Because both are exposed to the same evaporation conditions, any difference in the loss rate is a real structural or plumbing leak rather than normal evaporation.

How much do Tyler pools lose to evaporation per day?

In Tyler's humid subtropical climate, pools typically lose about 1/4 inch per day in summer from evaporation alone, though wind and heat can push that higher. The bucket test accounts for your actual conditions on the day of the test.

Pool Leak or Just Evaporation? Tyler Pool Bucket Test Calculator

Tyler's long swimming season means pool owners often notice a dropping water line but cannot tell whether it is a leak or normal East Texas evaporation. The bucket test is the most reliable way to find out without calling a technician first. Enter your measurements and get an instant answer.

How to run the bucket test

Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to about 1 inch from the top.
Place the bucket on the first or second pool step, submerged just enough so the water inside the bucket matches the pool level outside.
Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level outside with tape or a marker.
Run the pool pump on its normal schedule. Do not use the auto-fill. Wait 24 hours.
Measure how much the level dropped inside the bucket (evaporation) and outside the bucket (pool). Enter both below.

Enter your measurements

Pool shape

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Bucket drop in 24 hr (inches)

Pool drop in 24 hr (inches)

Pump-on vs pump-off follow-up test

After your first test, run a second test with the pump off for 24 hours and compare:

Larger loss with pump ON: the leak is likely in the return plumbing (pressure side).
Larger loss with pump OFF: likely the skimmer or suction-side plumbing.
Equal either way: likely the shell, fittings, or a liner tear.

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