Free Pool Volume Calculator

Calculate the water volume of any pool shape instantly. Essential for chemical dosing, heating, and maintenance planning.

Pool Shape

Units

Dimensions

For pools with consistent depth, enter the same value for both shallow and deep ends.

Enter your pool dimensions

Select a shape and fill in the measurements to calculate volume.

Free Pool Volume Calculator

Calculate your pool's water volume accurately with our free pool volume calculator. Whether you're a pool service professional or a homeowner, knowing your exact pool volume is essential for proper chemical treatment, heating, and maintenance. Our calculator supports all common pool shapes and provides instant results in both imperial and metric units.

Why Pool Volume Matters

Accurate pool volume is critical for several aspects of pool maintenance and operation:

  • Chemical Dosing: Adding the correct amount of chlorine, shock, pH adjusters, and other chemicals depends on knowing your exact water volume. Too little won't be effective; too much can be dangerous and wasteful.
  • Heating Costs: Calculate heating time and energy costs based on your pool's water volume.
  • Water Replacement: Determine how much water you need to add when refilling or making up for evaporation.
  • Equipment Sizing: Properly size pumps, filters, heaters, and sanitizers based on pool volume.
  • Professional Estimates: Provide accurate information to pool service professionals for better service quotes.

How to Measure Your Pool

Getting accurate measurements is key to calculating the correct volume. Follow these guidelines for best results:

Rectangular Pools

Measure the length and width at the widest points. For depth, measure at the shallow end and deep end. If your pool has a gradual slope, these two measurements will give you an accurate average depth.

Circular Pools

Measure straight across the center of the pool to get the diameter. For above-ground pools, measure the wall height and water level to determine depth. For in-ground circular pools, measure multiple depth points and calculate the average.

Oval Pools

Measure the longest length and the widest width. Measure depth at several points around the pool and calculate the average.

Kidney and Free-Form Pools

Measure the longest length and estimate the average width by taking measurements at multiple points along the length and averaging them. This shape requires the most approximation, so err on the side of caution when dosing chemicals.

Understanding Pool Volume Units

Imperial (US) Measurements

In the United States, pool volume is typically measured in gallons. Standard residential pools range from 10,000 to 30,000 gallons, while larger pools can exceed 50,000 gallons.

Metric Measurements

Outside the US, pool volume is measured in liters or cubic meters. One cubic meter equals 1,000 liters. For reference, 1 gallon equals approximately 3.785 liters.

Common Pool Volumes by Type

  • Small Above-Ground Pool (18' round): 7,500-8,000 gallons
  • Medium Above-Ground Pool (24' round): 13,500-14,000 gallons
  • Small In-Ground Pool (12' x 24'): 10,000-12,000 gallons
  • Standard In-Ground Pool (16' x 32'): 17,000-20,000 gallons
  • Large In-Ground Pool (20' x 40'): 30,000-37,000 gallons
  • Olympic-Size Pool: 660,000 gallons (2.5 million liters)

Using Volume for Chemical Calculations

Once you know your pool volume, you can accurately dose chemicals. Most pool chemical manufacturers provide dosing instructions per 10,000 gallons. Here are some general guidelines:

Chlorine

Maintain 1-3 ppm (parts per million) for proper sanitation. A typical pool requires 2-4 pounds of chlorine per 10,000 gallons per week for regular maintenance.

Shock Treatment

Use 1 pound of calcium hypochlorite shock per 10,000 gallons to raise free chlorine by approximately 10 ppm. Shock weekly or after heavy use, rain, or when chlorine levels drop.

pH Adjustment

To raise pH by 0.2, add approximately 6 ounces of soda ash per 10,000 gallons. To lower pH by 0.2, add 8 ounces of muriatic acid per 10,000 gallons. Always retest after adjustments.

Alkalinity

To raise total alkalinity by 10 ppm, add 1.5 pounds of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) per 10,000 gallons.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

  • Use a long measuring tape: A 50-foot or 100-foot tape measure works best for larger pools.
  • Measure in feet and inches: Convert inches to decimal feet (e.g., 6 inches = 0.5 feet).
  • Account for sloped floors: Take multiple depth measurements and average them for pools with gradual slopes.
  • Ignore steps and benches: For most pools, the volume displaced by steps and seating is negligible, but for very accurate calculations, you can reduce the total by 5-10%.
  • Measure water level, not pool depth: Make sure to measure the actual water depth, not the total pool wall height.
  • Round up for chemical safety: If you're between measurements, round up slightly to ensure adequate chemical treatment.

Pool Volume Calculator FAQs

How accurate is this pool volume calculator?

Our calculator uses industry-standard formulas for each pool shape. For rectangular, circular, and oval pools, accuracy is typically within 1-2% if measurements are correct. Kidney and free-form pools require approximation of the average width, which may result in 5-10% variance. For chemical dosing, always start with conservative amounts and adjust based on water testing.

Do I need to account for steps and seating areas?

For most residential pools, steps, seats, and benches displace minimal volume (typically 3-7% of total volume). Our calculator provides the full volume assuming no obstructions, which is the standard approach. This slight overestimation actually provides a safety margin for chemical dosing.

My pool has a gradual slope—how do I measure depth?

Measure the depth at the shallow end and the deep end, then enter both measurements. The calculator automatically computes the average depth and accounts for the sloped floor in the volume calculation. For pools with complex slopes (like diving wells), consider measuring depth at multiple points and using the average.

Can I use this calculator for above-ground pools?

Yes! This calculator works for both in-ground and above-ground pools. For above-ground pools, measure the inside diameter for circular pools or inside dimensions for rectangular pools. Measure the water depth, not the wall height, as most above-ground pools aren't filled to the very top.

What if my pool is an unusual shape?

For unusual or custom shapes, use the kidney/free-form option and approximate the measurements. Alternatively, divide the pool into sections (e.g., a rectangular main pool plus a circular spa), calculate each section separately, and add the volumes together.

How do I convert cubic feet to gallons?

Multiply cubic feet by 7.48 to get gallons. For example, a pool that measures 16' × 32' × 5' (average depth) = 2,560 cubic feet × 7.48 = 19,148 gallons. Our calculator does this conversion automatically.

Why is water weight important?

Knowing your pool's water weight helps with structural considerations, especially for rooftop or elevated pools. Water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a 20,000-gallon pool holds over 166,000 pounds (83 tons) of water.

Should I remeasure my pool every year?

Pool dimensions don't change, so you only need to measure once. However, if you make structural changes (replaster, add a spa, modify depth), you should recalculate. Keep a record of your pool volume for easy reference when ordering chemicals or discussing service with professionals.

How does temperature affect pool volume?

Water expands slightly when heated, but the volume change is negligible for pool maintenance purposes (less than 1% for typical pool temperature ranges). Our calculator provides volume at standard conditions, which is suitable for all chemical calculations and equipment sizing.

Professional Pool Services

Whether you're calculating volume for chemical treatment, heating costs, or equipment sizing, accurate measurements are essential for pool care. Use our free calculator above to get instant, reliable results for any pool shape.

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