Pool Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of your swimming pool in gallons or liters.
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Table of Contents
Complete Guide to Pool Volume
Understanding Pool Volume Calculations
Knowing your swimming pool's water volume is essential for proper pool maintenance and chemical treatment. Whether you own a residential or commercial pool, accurate volume calculations ensure:
- Proper chemical dosing for water balance
- Correct sizing of pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters)
- Accurate water consumption estimates
- Proper pool maintenance schedules
Basic Measurements Needed
To calculate your pool's volume, you'll need these fundamental measurements:
| Measurement | Description | For |
|---|---|---|
| Length (L) | Longest straight-line distance | All pools |
| Width (W) | Width at widest point | Rectangular, oval, kidney pools |
| Depth (D) | Average depth of water | All pools |
| Diameter (d) | Distance across at widest point | Circular pools |
| Radius (r) | Half the diameter | Circular pools |
Pool Shapes and Calculation Methods
Rectangular or Square Pools
Formula: Length × Width × Average Depth × 7.5 = Volume (gallons)
Example: 32' × 16' × 5' × 7.5 = 19,200 gallons
Circular Pools
Formula: 3.14 × (Diameter/2)² × Average Depth × 7.5 = Volume (gallons)
Example: 3.14 × (18'/2)² × 4' × 7.5 = 7,630 gallons
Kidney-Shaped Pools
Formula: 0.45 × (A+B) × L × Average Depth × 7.5 = Volume (gallons)
Where A is the width at one end, B is the width at the other end, and L is the length
Example: 0.45 × (16'+10') × 30' × 5' × 7.5 = 14,175 gallons
Common Pool Sizes Reference
| Pool Type | Dimensions | Approx. Volume |
|---|---|---|
| In-ground Rectangular | 16' × 32' × 4' avg | 15,400 gallons |
| In-ground Rectangular | 20' × 40' × 5' avg | 30,000 gallons |
| Above-ground Round | 24' diameter × 4' avg | 13,600 gallons |
| Above-ground Oval | 15' × 30' × 4' avg | 8,900 gallons |
Calculating Average Depth
For pools with a gradually sloping floor:
Average Depth = (Shallow End Depth + Deep End Depth) ÷ 2
For pools with a definite drop-off between shallow and deep ends:
- Treat shallow and deep ends as separate pools
- Calculate volume for each section separately
- Add volumes together for total pool volume
Why Accurate Volume Calculation Matters
-
Chemical Treatment:
Most chemical dosages are based on volume (gallons/liters). Adding too little won't effectively treat the water, while adding too much wastes chemicals and can create unsafe swimming conditions.
-
Equipment Sizing:
Pumps, filters, and heaters must be properly sized for your pool's volume to operate efficiently and effectively.
-
Water Costs:
Knowing your volume helps estimate water and heating costs more accurately.
-
Chemical Balance:
Proper chemical balance calculations require accurate pool volume to determine parts per million (PPM) concentrations.
Tips for Accurate Measurements
- Measure from the water's surface, not the top of the pool wall
- Take multiple width measurements for irregularly shaped pools
- For sloped bottoms, measure depth at several points for greater accuracy
- Double-check all measurements before calculating
- Consider hiring a professional for complex pool shapes if absolute accuracy is required
How to Calculate
To calculate your pool volume, follow these steps:
-
1Measure the length of your pool in feet
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2Measure the width of your pool in feet
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3Measure the average depth of your pool in feet
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4Select your preferred unit of measurement
Volume Formula
The formula for calculating pool volume is:
Volume = Length × Width × Average Depth × 28.32 (for liters)
Pool Types
Rectangular Standard Pool
Most common pool shape
Easy to calculate volume
Perfect for swimming laps
Circular Round Pool
Great for small spaces
Requires different volume formula
Popular for above-ground pools
Freeform Custom Shape
Custom designed shape
More complex volume calculation
Perfect for unique landscapes