Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Shape | Length | Width | Shallow Depth | Deep Depth | Flow Rate | Desired Turnovers | Volume | Turnover Time | Required Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | 30 ft | 15 ft | 3 ft | 6 ft | 60 gpm | 1.5 | 15,148 gal | 4.21 hrs | 6.31 hrs |
| Circular | — | — | 4 ft | 5 ft | 50 gpm | 1.0 | 8,565 gal | 2.86 hrs | 2.86 hrs |
| Known Volume | — | — | — | — | 45 gpm | 2.0 | 12,000 gal | 4.44 hrs | 8.89 hrs |
Formula Used
- Average Depth = (Shallow Depth + Deep Depth) ÷ 2
- Rectangular Volume = Length × Width × Average Depth
- Circular Volume = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Average Depth
- Oval Volume = π × (Length ÷ 2) × (Width ÷ 2) × Average Depth
- Gallons = Cubic Feet × 7.48052
- Turnover Time = Pool Volume ÷ (Pump Flow × 60)
- Required Runtime = Turnover Time × Desired Turnovers per Day
- Achieved Turnovers = (Pump Flow × 60 × Planned Runtime) ÷ Pool Volume
Metric dimensions and flow rates are converted internally before calculation.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your pool shape first.
- Choose dimension units in feet or meters.
- Enter dimensions and shallow and deep depths.
- Use known volume instead when dimensions are unavailable.
- Enter pump flow rate and choose its unit.
- Set your desired turnovers per day.
- Add planned runtime to compare actual circulation performance.
- Click calculate to show results above the form.
- Review the chart, export data, and compare runtime options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does pool turnover mean?
Turnover is the time needed to circulate water equal to the pool volume once. Faster turnover can support filtration, but water chemistry still matters.
2. Why does the calculator use average depth?
Most pools are not uniformly deep. Average depth gives a practical working depth for estimating volume without dividing the pool into many sections.
3. Is one turnover per day always enough?
Many residential pools target one to two turnovers daily. Actual needs change with weather, debris, bather load, equipment condition, and local rules.
4. What if required runtime exceeds 24 hours?
Your target is higher than the current flow can support. Increase pump flow, reduce turnover goals, or verify that the entered pool volume is correct.
5. Can I enter metric measurements?
Yes. Enter dimensions in meters and choose metric flow units. The calculator converts values internally and returns gallons, liters, and cubic meters.
6. Does this replace full hydraulic design?
No. It estimates circulation only. Pipe friction, filter condition, valve settings, and variable-speed pump programming still affect real system performance.
7. How accurate is the runtime chart?
The chart is accurate for the entered volume and flow rate. Real systems may differ when dirty filters or head loss reduce actual delivered flow.
8. Should a pool pump run continuously?
Not usually. Many owners split runtime across the day, especially during warm weather or heavy use, while still meeting circulation goals.