Installing a pool in your backyard means memories for the whole family. Many homeowners plan on spending many hours with friends and loved ones, having parties, and relaxing poolside. However, one of the most important things to consider when planning a pool is designing one that fits your needs.
For example, do you want a diving board and a slide? What other elements would you like to include? Part of planning a pool includes knowing how to accurately measure it so it’s sufficient for your plans. In this article, we’ll discuss how to measure a swimming pool.
How to Measure a Swimming Pool
Whether you’re planning a pool or need to measure your current pool for your records, the most important thing you’ll need to consider is its size and shape. The size and shape will impact how much water the pool holds, which can even affect other factors such as chemical usage and maintenance routines. Here’s how to measure a swimming pool.
Start with the Length and the Width
To measure your pool, use a measuring tape or surveyor’s wheel to measure the pool length. Place the measuring tape on the waterline’s edge on one end of the pool. Unroll the tape across the length of the pool and record the measurement. Repeat the process to ensure your measurements are correct.
The process is similar when measuring with a surveyor’s wheel. Start on one end of the pool, rolling the wheel along the length to record the distance. To complete the pool measurement, measure across the width using the same process. From there, multiply the length and the width to get your total area.
Measuring Irregularly Shaped Pools
Measuring square or rectangular pools can be easy, but what about irregularly-shaped pools? To measure these pools, such as L-shaped or kidney-shaped, you’ll need to take more measurements. To measure an L-shaped pool, you may need to measure each section separately and add the numbers to get a total perimeter. To measure a kidney-shaped pool, measure the two widest points and add them together. Next, measure the length of the pool. Multiply the surface area by the pool length and 0.45 to get the total area.
How to Calculate Swimming Pool Volume
Once you’ve calculated the area of your pool, it’s time to calculate the volume. To do this, you’ll use a simple formula based on the shape of your pool.
For Rectangular-Shaped Pools: length x width x average depth x 7.5 = volume
For Circular-Shaped Pools: 3.14 x (radius)² x average depth x 7.5 = volume
For Kidney-Shaped or Irregular Pools: 0.45 x (length a + length b) x side C x average depth x 7.5 = volume
How Many Gallons in a Swimming Pool?
In the formulas above, you’ll notice that we calculated each formula by multiplying by 7.5. But what is that number, and what does it mean? The value of one cubic foot to gallon is about 7.48 gallons.
When figuring out how many gallons are in your swimming pool, multiply the given cubic feet value by 7.5 to estimate the gallons in your pool. Though pools come in all shapes, sizes, and depths, the average swimming pool size is around 18,000-20,000 gallons of water.
Depth Considerations for Custom Pool Features
How Deep Should a Pool Be for a Slide?
Pool slides are among the most popular features. If you’re considering adding one to your pool, you’ll need an appropriate swimming pool depth in the slide area. While each slide has specific depth measurements for safety purposes, there are minimum pool depth requirements.
Most slides should be installed at a pool depth of at least 36 to 48 inches. The depth can vary based on the size and type of slide, so consider that when planning your pool and read the manufacturer’s specifications.
How Deep Should a Pool Be for a Diving Board?
If you plan on including a diving board in your pool, you’ll need to prepare for a pool with a bigger depth. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has regulated the standard diving well depth at 7.5 to 9 feet deep. The higher the board is from the water, the deeper the pool will need to be.
For example, some pool diving boards require a depth of 12 feet. It’s important to note that some municipalities have different regulations, so we recommend checking these specifications when planning your pool.
Specific Depths for Competitive & Specialized Pools
How Deep is an Olympic Diving Pool?
What are the dimensions of an Olympic swimming pool? An Olympic diving pool must be deep enough to accommodate the varying diving platforms. While average swimming pools have flexible diving boards, Olympic platforms are stiff and rigid and covered with a non-slip surface.
There are usually three platforms: a 5-meter platform, a 7.5-meter platform, and a 10-foot platform. Many Olympic diving boards are between 11.5 and 16.4 feet deep (3.5 to 5 meters). The water depth provides enough space for the divers to safely enter and exit the water.
How Deep is the Deepest Swimming Pool in the World?
Though Olympic diving pools are deep, they’re nowhere near as deep as the deepest pool in the world. The Guinness World Records have verified Dive Deep Dubai as the world’s deepest pool, with an overall depth of nearly 200 feet (about 197 feet or 60 meters, to be exact). It’s about the size of six Olympic-sized swimming pools. In this pool, divers experience a safe diving environment while exploring the intricacies of a sunken city.
Ready to make your backyard dreams come true?
Nothing says summer like sitting around a perfectly planned and maintained swimming pool. Whether you’re planning a pool or are wondering how to measure a swimming pool for your records, it’s always useful to get the advice of an expert.
At Stevenson Brothers Custom Pools, we’ll help you plan the pool of your dreams. We can do everything from custom pools with waterfalls to custom pool slides to hot tubs and spas. Looking for more elements you can add around the pool? We can also design custom waterfalls, water features, custom patios, firepits & outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, landscape design, custom landscape lighting, and even hardscaping.
When you consult our custom pool builders, we’ll offer personalized advice and services tailored to your pool and yard. Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation today.
