Most pools need to be filled and emptied regularly to maintain their cleanliness. While it is not impossible to completely automate this process, most pool owners prefer to do it by hand due to convenience purposes. Drying off the pool is also an important aspect of pool maintenance, especially after swimming or showering. Throwing in some dry dirt or sand helps improve air quality by absorbing some of the moisture in the air.
What is the capacity of your pool? How much water does it hold? For those who have recently had a pool installed, it may be a bit of a shock to learn that not all pools are created equal. Even if you have the same model and same size, the capacity of one pool can vary quite significantly from another. The secret is in the lining.
Let’s explore the various factors that affect the capacity of a pool and how to determine how much water your pool can hold.
Table of Contents
Square Footage Vs. Length
The first and most obvious difference between one pool and another is usually found in their length and width. The length of the pool is measured from one end to the other, while the width is the distance across from one side to the other. There is no standard width for a pool, so you will have to consider what is appropriate for your pool environment. A longer pool is often better because it offers more area for swimming and offers additional benefits like deeper water and better visibility.
The other difference is in the square footage, which is the amount of concrete or decking that the pool is made of. Since this is usually the largest dimension of the pool and it takes up the most space, it usually represents the amount of water that it can hold. Decks are stronger than concrete, so it is usually a good idea to go for a longer pool with a smaller footprint to save you space. Decks can also be altered to make them fit any environment.
Concrete Vs. Plastic
The type of material that your pool is made of has several consequences for the size of your pool. Concrete pools are typically deeper and have a sturdier construction than plastic pools, so while they are both easy and affordable to manufacture, concrete pools will always be the stronger option when it comes to holding water. The only downside to concrete is that it becomes increasingly difficult to clean as it gets older and the water starts clogging the pipes of the pool.
Plastic pools are much easier to maintain as they do not require very much work in terms of changing the water. This type of pool becomes increasingly ineffective over time because as the water levels drop, it becomes harder for the pumps to keep up. Another downside to plastic is that it scratches easily and can be altered with the right tools to make it look like any other brand. Since this type of pool is usually made of several pieces that float on top of the water, it is more likely to become cracked and chipped over time as it ages. This makes it an unattractive choice for people with pools in the beach or near the house due to the possibility of it being damaged by saltwater exposure.
Size Of The Pool Filter
The size of the pool filter is also important to consider because it affects the volume of water that can be maintained in your pool. Bigger filters are better because they allow more water to drain through and be pumped to the surface. Smaller filters only allow less water to drain through which can cause flooding issues if left unchecked. It is a good idea to go for a bigger filter with a smaller diameter if you plan on keeping lots of littles or medium sized fishes in your pool. Bigger diameter filters save you from the โblockageโ issues which can arise from small diameter filters.
Submerged Vs. Above Ground Pumps
The location of your pool’s submerged pump is also important because it will determine how you intend to have the water pumped to the surface. If you have it located at the bottom of the pool, it will be easy for you to pump out the water when it gets too deep. This is important if you want to be able to perform some swimming or water sports activities in the pool. The downside to this type of pump is that the entire length of the pool will be subject to any one malfunction, so you will have to find a way to monitor and address any issues that may arise. This can be a cumbersome process and one that most owners prefer to avoid if possible.
An above ground pump located at the surface of the pool has several advantages. It is less likely to become obstructed by debris because it is above ground, and it provides an additional area for relaxing and enjoying the water. An above ground pump also has the benefit of being less intrusive, as it does not have to move around to provide the circulation that a submerged pump needs to function. This is usually preferred by people who have limited space near the pool due to the home’s structure or location.
Height Of The Pool Walls & The Floor
Once you have your pool deck constructed, the next step is to fill it with water and wait for it to settle. The amount of water that you add will depend on your climate and how fast you want the water to settle. For instance, if you are in a place where it gets really hot, you may want to add less water because you want to avoid having your pool become too soggy. In other places, like the Northwest for example, it may be best to add more water because you want to speed up the process of having the pool drained and cleaned at regular intervals.
Once the water has settled to the desired level, it is time to build the pool’s interior. This is usually done by adding another layer of PVC pipes, with the thickness of the wall usually representing how much water will be stored in the pool. To keep your pool clean, it is important to install the interior wall before you start pouring the concrete for the floor. This is because any exposed concrete will attract molds or algae, which will make the water look and taste worse. Remember to always use a chlorine remover before you add any more chlorine to the water.
How Often Should The Pool Be Dumped?
The frequency with which you should empty and refill your pool will depend on several factors. The most vital factor is how much space you have around it because there is no point in having a pool if you cannot perform any activities in it. Another important consideration is how big your tap water is because the bigger the water, the more it will need to be changed. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to dump the pool more often than if you live in a colder climate. The type of material that your pool is made of can also affect how often you need to dump it. Pools made of concrete can be refilled and used without any problems for years before they become unusable due to clogging or the water becoming dirty and discolored. Pools made of plastic will eventually break down and need to be replaced.
In summary, the size of your pool is directly proportional to the amount of water that it can hold. This is mostly due to the fact that the longer the pool, the more area for swimming and the easier it is for the pump to maintain a constant water level. To know how much water your pool can hold, you need to take into consideration several factors, the most vital of which are its length, width, and square footage.