Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Shape | Pool size | Deck width | Cutouts | Waste | Net deck area | Waste-adjusted area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard patio | Rectangle | 8.0 m × 4.0 m | 1.2 m | 1.5 m² | 7% | 30.74 m² | 32.89 m² |
| Courtyard pool | Round | 5.0 m diameter | 1.0 m | 0.0 m² | 5% | 18.85 m² | 19.79 m² |
| Natural edge | Freeform | 22.0 m perimeter | 1.0 m | 2.0 m² | 10% | 23.14 m² | 25.45 m² |
Formulas Used
- Rectangle deck area = (L + 2w)(B + 2w) − LB
- Round deck area = π[(r + w)² − r²] where r = D/2
- Oval deck area = π[(a + w)(b + w) − ab] where a = L/2, b = B/2
- Freeform approximation ≈ P·w + πw² (uniform offset around the edge)
- Net area = Gross deck area − Cutout area
- Waste-adjusted area = Net area × (1 + Waste%/100)
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your unit system and choose the pool shape.
- Enter the pool dimensions and the uniform deck width.
- Add cutout areas for beds, drains, or equipment pads.
- Set a waste factor for cutting, breakage, and spares.
- Optionally enable material estimates for volume or piece count.
- Press Calculate Deck Area to view results above.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export your report.
Deck width decisions for safety and access
A practical deck should support traffic, furniture, and maintenance paths. Many residential layouts use 1.0–1.5 m clear width (about 3–5 ft) around primary walking routes. Increase width near steps, ladders, or seating zones so users can pass comfortably. For gardens, allow planter space and keep drainage sloping away from the pool during wet seasons. When you enter a uniform deck width, the calculator offsets the pool boundary outward by that distance.
Accounting for cutouts and equipment zones
Real sites include planting beds, shower pads, columns, drainage channels, and equipment clearances. Measure these areas separately and subtract them as cutouts to avoid over-ordering. If a bed is 2.0 m by 0.8 m, its cutout is 1.60 m². For irregular shapes, split the space into rectangles and triangles and sum the parts.
Waste allowance and joint patterns
Waste covers trimming, breakage, and future repairs. Straight bond patterns may work with 5% waste, while diagonal or mixed-size layouts often need 8–12%. Tight curves and many corners increase offcuts, especially on freeform edges. The calculator applies waste after cutouts: Waste‑adjusted area = Net area × (1 + Waste%/100).
Example planning dataset
Use the example below to sanity-check your inputs before you export a report. Values are typical for a small backyard pool and can be adapted to your site.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangle |
| Pool size | 8.0 m × 4.0 m |
| Deck width | 1.2 m |
| Cutouts | 1.5 m² |
| Waste factor | 7% |
Material estimates for ordering and staging
When material estimates are enabled, the tool converts the waste-adjusted area into quantity. Concrete and gravel use volume = area × thickness (or depth). Pavers use pieces = ceil(area ÷ piece area), so accurate unit size matters. Always confirm edging, base layers, and compaction, then round up to match supplier packaging.
FAQs
What deck width should I choose?
Choose a width that supports walking and furniture. Many homes use 1.0–1.5 m (3–5 ft). Increase near steps, seating, and busy paths, and check local codes or project specs.
How do I enter cutouts correctly?
Add all areas you will not surface, such as beds, drains, posts, or equipment pads. Measure each item, compute its area, then sum them and enter one total cutout value.
What waste factor is reasonable?
Use 5% for simple rectangles and straight patterns. Use 8–12% for diagonal layouts, mixed pavers, or curved edges. Higher waste reduces the risk of short deliveries.
Can I calculate only one side of a pool?
Yes. Calculate the full deck area first, then adjust by subtracting the area of the sides you will not build as additional cutouts.
How accurate is the freeform method?
Freeform uses a perimeter offset estimate, which is good for early planning. For final orders, verify with a scaled plan or measured outer boundary, especially when steps and curves are complex.
How is paver quantity calculated?
The tool divides waste-adjusted area by the area of one paver or tile, then rounds up to a whole piece. Enter realistic unit sizes and include joint spacing if your supplier uses nominal sizing.
Does the calculator include base layers?
No. It focuses on surface coverage and optional surface volume or piece count. Base, bedding sand, geotextile, and edging quantities should be calculated separately from thickness and detailing.