A pool in the backyard is a wonderful addition to any home. It provides a refreshing cool down on hot summer days and a place for family and friends to gather. If you’ve ever wondered how many gallons your pool holds, you’re not alone. Knowing your pool’s volume is important for maintenance, chemical balance and proper equipment. In this article, we’ll show you how to calculate the number of gallons in your backyard pool.
Why would you calculate the gallons of your pool?
Before we get into the calculations, you should know why it’s important to know the volume of your pool:
Chemical Balance: To maintain the chemical balance in your pool, including chlorine and pH levels, you need to know the volume of your pool. Over or under- dosing of chemicals can cause water quality problems.
Equipment sizing: Whether it’s a pump, filter or heater, knowing your pool volume will ensure you choose equipment that meets your pool’s needs.
Water replacement: If you ever need to drain and refill your pool, knowing the volume will help you estimate water costs and treatment needs.
Maintenance: Accurate water volume measurements are important for tasks such as backwashing filters and calculating the amount of sanitizer needed.
Calculating Pool Volume
Calculating the pool volume depends on its shape. Here you’ll learn how to determine the number of liters for the most common pool shapes:
- Rectangular Pools:
Measure the length, width, and depth of your pool in feet.
Multiply the length, width and depth to get the cubic feet.
To convert cubic feet to gallons, multiply by 7.48 (since 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons).
- Circular Pools:
Measure the radius of the pool(distance from the center to the edge) and the depth in feet.
Square the radius (multiply it by itself).
Multiply the squared radius by the depth.
Multiply the result by π (approximately 3.14) to get cubic feet.
Convert cubic feet to gallons by multiplying by 7.48.
- Oval Pools:
Measure the longest and shortest diameters (width and length) and depth in feet.
Divide the longest diameter by 2 to get the radius.
Square the radius, multiply it by the shortest diameter, and then by the depth.
Multiply the result by π (approximately 3.14) to get cubic feet.
Convert cubic feet to gallons by multiplying by 7.48.
- Kidney-Shaped Pools:
Divide the pool into sections that resemble other pool shapes (rectangular, circular, or oval).
Calculate the volume of each section separately and add them together to get the total volume.
Knowing how many gallons your backyard pool holds is essential for proper maintenance and enjoyment. With the right measurements and calculations, you can safely maintain your pool and ensure it remains a refreshing oasis for years to come. So, grab your measuring tape and calculator and let’s make sure your pool is always ready for a dip!