Swimming Pool Calculator
Calculate swimming pool volume, pump sizing, chemical doses, and running costs. Includes solar heating, salt chlorinator, and filtration sizing for South African pools.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
m
m
m
m
Pool volume
44 800 litres (44,8 m³)
Surface area
32 m²
Average depth
1,4 m
Pump flow rate (8h turnover)
5,6 m³/h (93 L/min)
Initial chlorine (shock)
1 344 g granular chlorine
Algaecide (initial)
1 120 mL
Water cost to fill (est.)
R 1 568
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How to Use the Pool Calculator
Select your pool shape, enter dimensions, and the calculator shows volume, surface area, pump sizing, and initial chemical doses. The water cost estimate uses South African municipal rates.
The Extended Calculator gives weekly chemical dosing and monthly running costs. The Professional Calculator sizes filtration systems, calculates solar heating panels, and works out salt chlorinator requirements.
Need more detail?
Extended Calculator More options, charts, and scenario comparison
L
Pool volume summary
45 000 L
Cubic metres
45 m³
Water mass
45 000 kg (45 tonnes)
Fill time (20mm hose)
38 min (0,6 hours)
Water cost to fill (R35/kL)
R 1 575
Turnover pump (8h)
5,6 m³/h needed
Pool Volume Formulas
Rectangle: V = L × W × avg depth
Oval: V = π × (L/2) × (W/2) × avg depth
Circle: V = π × r² × depth
Average depth = (shallow depth + deep depth) ÷ 2
Pump flow = Volume ÷ turnover hours
Chemical dose: 30g granular Cl per 1,000 litres
Pool Water Chemistry Targets
| Parameter | Ideal range | Action needed |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 1–3 ppm | Add chlorine or run SWC more |
| pH | 7.2–7.6 | Add dry acid (lower) or pH+ |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Add sodium bicarbonate |
| Calcium hardness | 200–400 ppm | Add calcium chloride |
| Salt (SWC pools) | 3,000–5,000 ppm | Add non-iodised pool salt |
| Cyanuric acid | 30–50 ppm | Add stabiliser; partial drain if high |
Need full precision?
Professional Calculator Complete parameters, sensitivity analysis, and detailed breakdown
L
h
Filtration system
94 L/min pump
Flow rate
5,63 m³/h
Filter area needed
0,225 m²
Sand filter diameter
535 mm
Pipe diameter (min)
22 mm
Frequently Asked Questions
At R35–R45/kL municipal rates, a 45,000L pool costs R1,575–R2,025 to fill. Cape Town and drought-prone metros charge more. Fill at night to avoid evaporation, and check your municipality's restrictions. Bulk water supply trucks cost R400–R600 per 5,000L.
Initial: 30g/1000L granular chlorine (65% strength). Maintain 1–3ppm free Cl. Shock dose (5–10ppm) after heavy use, algae, or rain. Test daily with test strips or a Taylor kit. Never add chemicals at the same time.
Flow = volume ÷ turnover time. 45,000L over 8 hours = 5,625 L/h = 93 L/min. A 0.75kW single-phase pump handles most residential pools to 50,000L. Variable speed pumps save 50–70% on electricity versus single-speed models.
Fibreglass (8×4m): R80,000–R150,000. Gunite concrete: R120,000–R250,000. Costs include excavation, structure, plaster, coping, pump and filter, but not decking, fencing, or solar heating. Get 3 quotes from NSPI-registered contractors.
Yes. Pools >300mm deep require municipal building plan approval under SANS 10400. A safety barrier (SANS 10134) is legally required — fence min 1.2m high with self-closing gate, or an approved cover. Electrical connections need a COC.