To find out how many gallons your pool holds, you need to calculate its volume based on its shape and dimensions. Here are the general steps and formulas:
For a Rectangular or Square Pool
- Measure the length (L), width (W), and average depth (D) of the pool in feet.
- If the pool has a shallow and deep end, calculate the average depth by adding the shallow and deep depths, then dividing by 2.
- Use the formula:
Volume (gallons)=L×W×D×7.5\text{Volume (gallons)}=L\times W\times D\times 7.5Volume (gallons)=L×W×D×7.5
The factor 7.5 converts cubic feet to gallons (1 cubic foot = 7.5 gallons)
. Example:
A pool 32 ft long, 16 ft wide, and 4 ft deep holds:
32×16×4×7.5=15,36032\times 16\times 4\times 7.5=15,36032×16×4×7.5=15,360
gallons
For Pools with Variable Depths
- Calculate the average depth as described above.
- Then apply the same formula using the average depth
For Round or Oval Pools
- Use a multiplier of approximately 5.9 instead of 7.5.
- Formula:
Volume=L×W×D×5.9\text{Volume}=L\times W\times D\times 5.9Volume=L×W×D×5.9
where L and W are the pool’s diameter or major/minor axes for ovals
For Complex Shapes (L-shaped, Triangular, Freeform)
- Break the pool into simpler shapes (rectangles, triangles).
- Calculate each section’s volume separately.
- Add volumes together for total gallons
Summary Table of Multipliers by Pool Shape
Pool Shape| Multiplier (gallons per cubic foot)
---|---
Rectangular/Square| 7.5
Round/Oval| 5.9
You can also use online pool volume calculators where you input your pool’s shape and dimensions to get the volume in gallons automatically
. If you provide your pool’s length, width, and depth, I can help calculate the approximate gallons for you.
