I received a few emails about the post I did on calculating pool volume. The question posed was, “how can you measure the pool easily?” especially in the cold, wet weather.
The most common way to measure a pool is with a measuring
tape, but nowadays we use a digital laser rangefinder. It can measure up to 150 feet and will also calculate area and volume. It cannot measure pool depth through the water though, so we rely on more traditional methods to get depth measurements.
To make my pool measurements quickly I enlist the help of anyone nearby and take “readings” off of them. To measure the swimming pool depth I use the pool pole (from the net/ scoop/ vacuum head). I mark the water depth on the pole and can easily measure the pole on “dry land”.
Our laser tool has made measuring so much easier and quicker. I tend to carry spare batteries as well as my trusty old tape measures. I still use the old-style tape measure in bright sunlight for distances over 100 feet because I find it extremely difficult to find the laser dot. I suppose one day I’ll get the special sighting board and glasses or upgrade to a more powerful device. For now I’m just getting used to this little techno-toy and having fun while saving time.
Tags: pool volume , laser , volume calculators , building , measurements
February 25th, 2008 at 11:57
Do you think the make and model really matter? I figure if I only need to measure up to 60 feet I don’t need such an upmarket machine.
Does anyone know how bright the laser on the cheaper gadgets are?
February 26th, 2008 at 18:13
I use an el-cheapo Chinese trash gadget. It is a few inches out in the results, but that’s close enough for me. I’m no pro so I use it for odd jobs around the house and yard.
If I plant the new rosebush 3 inches too far, so what?! I have had it for a year or so. If it gives me another year of service then I’m happy.
January 13th, 2009 at 14:29
WHAT IS THE MEASURMENTS OF A SWIMING POOL
February 20th, 2009 at 10:17
How do I measure my swimming pool. I have had it for several years and am in the process of ordering a new liner. I can not remmber the size of the pool. I think that it is 24′ round, but am not 100% sure.
March 8th, 2009 at 13:12
I think you measure across, around and depth.
April 18th, 2009 at 12:04
[...] continued here « Natural Swimming Pools: In The Swim With Nature Are Your Local Public Pool Drains Safe [...]
April 27th, 2009 at 17:02
No doubt, a VERY useful device. I purchased a house a couple of years ago with a pool already built in. I spent forever trying to figure out how to measure the gallons of water it held.
July 27th, 2009 at 03:03
Your blog post is very informative, thanks for sharing!
January 5th, 2010 at 18:56
I was a lifeguard for 5 years in what seems to be a lifetime ago and checking measurements is obnoxious. Unfortunately we never had cool technologies like this. It would have saved me a ton of time.
January 12th, 2010 at 02:55
your suggestion for measuring the summing pool is very nice. thanks for your information.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:09
hey jess, where did you used to be a lifeguard? i did it in high wycombe but not for 5 years. i once fell in trying to do a measurement once
April 2nd, 2010 at 09:56
Question: If I use a chemical test and keep my pH in line with that, why do I need to know the water volume? Is it important enough to spend the dough?
April 6th, 2010 at 07:52
Where can I get this device? & how to I use it? Is there any place where I can get some help?
April 18th, 2010 at 21:17
cool device!
May 22nd, 2010 at 21:42
I keep all the measurements and capacities on file for all of my customers. This information helps when making estimates for jobs or orders for chemicals, and allows for accuracy without having to revisit the pool.
June 2nd, 2010 at 15:21
Good input on measuring pools. We have always used the lenght x width x average depth x 7.5 to help measure gallons of water in the pool.
June 7th, 2010 at 22:00
This is great information, the laser range finder is an excellent device to make volume calculations easier.
June 8th, 2010 at 19:11
Nice device. The old trusted method of measuring total gallons is length x width x AD x 7.5. This should get you to how many gallons.
June 23rd, 2010 at 20:56
Which is more economical to maintain? Saltwater pool or fresh water pool. I have an inground pool.
June 29th, 2010 at 00:27
great tips on how to accurately measure a swimming pool. thanks for sharing
September 22nd, 2010 at 17:41
An easy way to measure an odd sized pool is to use a walking measure tape, or to use a tape measure, and measure the circumference (outside edge) if you will of the pool. Take this measurement time (x) average depth times (x) 7.5 will give you the pool gallons.
October 26th, 2010 at 18:40
This instrument is real good. If you can let me know where i can get this instrument may be i can use it in my future projects.
November 7th, 2010 at 17:48
as a pool builder its nice to know about new technology. thanks for sharing
December 1st, 2010 at 09:11
A saltwater pool generates chlorine so you save money on chlorine but, it takes while to get a return on your ititial investment.
December 18th, 2010 at 19:05
Does anyone know if there is any other knock off brands of the same machine that you might be able to find for cheaper?
January 6th, 2011 at 17:17
A lazer measuring device like this makes my job much easier. We need to know the gallons of water in the pool when we use specific chemicals (like cleaning up a green pool).
January 22nd, 2011 at 00:47
Awesome tool. Finding the exact gallonage in a pool using the old traditional way has always been a real pain, especially by yourself. It was long over due for something like this. Thanks for sharing!!
February 21st, 2011 at 07:41
Thank you for the great article. The laser tool is very nice!
March 26th, 2011 at 02:32
Yes there is no doubt, Your post have very useful information for pool users. thanks for sharing it.
April 11th, 2011 at 00:52
I am just wondering if I need to include this gadget right away if I intend to have a swimming pool and buy all the necessary accessories/supplies. Would you advise that I take this as a necessary tool for my swimming pool?
April 12th, 2011 at 07:23
I have friends who are looking for the best way to measure the gallons of water in their pools. This is something that is really a good way of advancing pool maintenance and management. Thank you for posting!
June 22nd, 2011 at 22:11
This laser would be much easier than measuring the pool volume using traditional methods. Is there a link to purchase this item?
June 23rd, 2011 at 21:26
I think its better to follow the standard sizes.. But this tool is awesome specially to private pools who were designed according to every owners choice. All You have to do with that is hand in the tool to whom will make your pool so everything is ready to go. I have my own pool made last summer with Pioneer Pools in Christchurch and its amazing.
July 28th, 2011 at 00:38
Very cool device! Way better than the old way with a tape measure!
September 2nd, 2011 at 05:14
Wow! That tool is amazing! It made our job very easy! Thanks for sharing this with us.
September 3rd, 2011 at 06:57
Wonderful post. Indeed I do explore the blogging world to find the latest on swimming pool industry, their designs and construction and I came across your blog post and found it is indeed noteworthy. I am now your regular subscriber and do wish you will be posting more good posts on swimming pools over the coming days. Thanks
October 3rd, 2011 at 15:27
I tell customers to use the average depth multiplied by the circumference
November 7th, 2011 at 02:54
Awesome information I like it. Thank you very much.
November 15th, 2011 at 22:39
I like the idea of these tools but I’m a tape measure type of guy. Don’t get me wrong I do also use a laser transit for grades but I would rather use ole faithful.
November 25th, 2011 at 13:16
technology is so sweet sometimes
January 3rd, 2012 at 04:28
Tools like these make our job so much easier, great review I’m now off to find a place to purchase one of these useful tools. Thanks.
January 22nd, 2012 at 07:19
i use one of these tools, not just for pool measuring though it has lots of great purposes.
February 12th, 2012 at 16:11
Great tool, can be used for lots of things.
March 1st, 2012 at 09:37
Great and useful tool with an excellent overview form the author, thanks for sharing this with us.
April 16th, 2012 at 00:25
Hey There. I found your blog the usage of msn. This is a really smartly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly comeback.
July 15th, 2012 at 03:01
Great read, very informative. This has been bookmarked and it will be shared.
September 20th, 2012 at 03:29
Thanks, is there any online store I can purchase this instrument?
December 15th, 2012 at 22:27
To measure a swimming pool. Measure the pool’s length and width. Take the measurements by holding the tape measure at the two points farthest from each other on the length and width of the pool.
Calculate the average depth for the pool. For example, add the shallow end figure (3 feet) with the deep end figure (9 feet). Divide by two, which will result in an average depth of six feet.Multiply the length times width times average depth.
For rectangle, square or custom-form pools, multiply the figure by 7.5 to compute total water volume in gallons; multiply round or oval pools by 5.9 to compute total water volume in gallons.