Swimming Pool Calculator
Knowing your pool's exact volume in gallons is the foundation for every chemical treatment, pump sizing, and heater selection decision. This calculator handles rectangular, oval, and circular pool shapes with variable depths and provides practical chemical dosage estimates.
Pool volume is calculated using the average depth method: Average Depth = (Shallow End + Deep End) / 2. For rectangular pools, the volume is Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.48 gallons/ft³. Oval pools multiply by 0.7854 (π/4) to account for the curved shape, and circular pools use the standard cylinder formula.
Chemical dosages are based on standard pool chemistry guidelines. Chlorine shock treatment uses 65% calcium hypochlorite at a target of 10 PPM, roughly double the normal maintenance level of 3-5 PPM. The pH adjustment estimate uses soda ash (sodium carbonate) to raise pH by 0.2 units per application, which is the recommended incremental approach.
The fill time estimate assumes a standard garden hose flowing at 9 GPM. Actual flow rates vary based on water pressure, hose diameter, and distance from the source. A typical residential pool takes 1-3 days to fill with a single garden hose. Contact your water utility before filling, as some charge overage fees or require notification for large-volume fills.