As a first-time pool owner, one of the important things to explore is how to fill a pool and how much it costs. Filling a pool can be a major project that needs a well-planned approach and budgeting. However, it is necessary to understand the cost evaluation, the factors that affect it, and many more.
The average cost for filling a pool varies from $40 to $2,000, depending upon the water source, size of the pool, etc. For instance, homeowners pay between $4 and $10 per 1,000 gallons of water from a garden hose or $30 - $100 per 1,000 gallons of water from a water delivery service.
Factors Impacting the Cost
Here are the various factors that impact the cost of filling a pool with water.
Size of the pool - Larger pools require more gallons of water, increasing the cost. For instance, inground pools are expensive because they are larger and deeper. Aboveground pools usually cost less to fill.
The average pool has a capacity of around 17,000 gallons of water. Additionally, garden hoses generally cost from $70 to $200 to fill the pool or around $30 to $2,000 through a water delivery service.
Location - Areas with less pool availability tend to cost higher water delivery, especially in rural areas.
Water sources - Using municipal water to fill a pool is generally simple. However, calculating the cost can be difficult when using well water or opting for a delivery service.
Cost Distribution for Types of Water Sources
Here is a description of some of the water sources that have different costs due to varying requirements.
City Water
City water undergoes an advanced treatment to ensure it is safe enough for swimming. It is known for being an inexpensive choice for many citizens. On average, it costs around $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons of water. Thus, for 17,000 gallons of water, one must pay around $70 to $200. However, make sure to consult with your municipal authorities before using the hose at full capacity. In California, penalties can go up to $100 for excess use.
Well Water
Well, water is free of cost. However, it raises the electricity bill as well. The well pump uses electricity to move the water from underground to the pool. Due to the pump's wattage, manufacturer, age, and model, homeowners pay around $25 to $75 on electricity costs.
Also, chemical treatment may be required for well water with chemical instability.
Water Delivery Service
Pool owners prefer to hire a local pool service to fill their pools with water. It's important to consider the cost of water supply, the type of water, and the gallons required. A water delivery service is expensive but convenient, particularly while delivering pre-chlorinated pool water. Pool owners pay around $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons of water. Thus, for 17,000 gallons of pool water, one must pay around $500 to $17,000. Keep in mind that filling smaller pools might be costly as some companies only deliver water by truckloads.
Cost Calculation for Filling the Pool With Water
The total number of gallons required for a pool depends on its size. Here is the formula for calculating the cost according to the total number of gallons.
Formula for Circular Pool
Length of Diameter ( X ) × Length of Diameter (Y) × Depth × 5.9 = Total Water Volume (entire capacity of the pool)
Formula of Rectangular Pool
Length (X) × Length (Y) × Depth × 7.5 = Total Water Volume (entire capacity of the pool)
| Some Tips | Calculate the average depth of the pool with shallow and deep ends to determine its capacity for water. |
Another important element to consider is getting the records of the pool's dimensions from the local pool installer. This will help determine how much water is needed to fill it.
The Formula for Calculating the Cost Per Gallon
Once the pool's size is determined, owners can estimate the gallons required for it.
The next step is to confirm the water rate on the bill. This is important to determine the cost of filling the pool.
Here is the formula to calculate.
(Pool capacity in gallons / 1,000) × cost per 1,000 gallons = Total cost to fill the pool with water ).
For example, $10 is the water and sewer rate per 1,000 gallons. The capacity of the pool is 17,000 gallons.
Here is the formula to calculate how much it costs to fill the pool with municipal water.
(17,000 Gallons / 1,000 ) × $10 = $170
| Pool capacity by gallon | Average Cost |
| 10,000 - gallon pool | $100 |
| 15,000 - gallon pool | $150 |
| 20,000 - gallon pool | $200 |
| 25,000 - gallon pool | $250 |
| 30,000 - gallon pool | $300 |
