Home Back

Swimming Pool Load Calculator

Pool Load Capacity Formula

%

1. What is Swimming Pool Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the maximum number of people a pool can safely accommodate based on its area, diving board presence, and water depth.

Purpose: It is used to ensure safe and sanitary conditions in swimming pools by adhering to space-per-person guidelines, preventing overcrowding.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following rules:

Rules:

  • Water depth ≤ 5 feet: 20 square feet per person
  • Water depth > 5 feet: 15 square feet per person
  • Diving board: Subtract 300 square feet per diving board from the total area
  • Square pool area: \( \text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \)
  • Round pool area: \( \text{Area} = \pi \times (\text{Diameter}/2)^2 \)

Unit Conversions:

  • Dimensions:
    • 1 ft = 1 foot
    • 1 m = 3.28084 ft

Steps:

  • Select the pool shape (Square or Round).
  • Enter dimensions (Length and Width for Square, Diameter for Round) and select units (ft, m).
  • Indicate if the pool has a diving board (Yes/No).
  • Specify if the water depth exceeds 5 feet (Yes, No, Mixed).
  • If Mixed, enter the percentage of the pool deeper than 5 feet.
  • Convert dimensions to feet and calculate the pool area in square feet.
  • Subtract 300 square feet if a diving board is present.
  • Calculate capacity based on depth: 20 sq ft/person if ≤5 feet, 15 sq ft/person if >5 feet, or a combination if mixed.
  • Display the maximum number of people (rounded down).

3. Importance of Swimming Pool Load Calculation

Calculating Swimming Pool Load Capacity is crucial for:

  • Safety: Preventing overcrowding to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safe swimming conditions.
  • Sanitation: Maintaining water quality by limiting contaminants from bathers, such as perspiration and body oils.
  • Compliance: Adhering to local regulations or guidelines for public or private pool usage.

4. Using the Calculator

Examples:

  • Example 1: Square pool, Length = 40 ft, Width = 40 ft, No diving board, Depth ≤ 5 feet:
    • Area: \( 40 \times 40 = 1600 \, \text{ft}^2 \)
    • Capacity: \( 1600 / 20 = 80 \, \text{people} \)
  • Example 2: Round pool, Diameter = 10 m, Diving board, Depth > 5 feet:
    • Convert: Diameter = \( 10 \times 3.28084 = 32.8084 \, \text{ft} \)
    • Area: \( \pi \times (32.8084/2)^2 \approx 845.5366 \, \text{ft}^2 \)
    • Subtract diving board: \( 845.5366 - 300 = 545.5366 \, \text{ft}^2 \)
    • Capacity: \( 545.5366 / 15 \approx 36 \, \text{people} \)
  • Example 3: Square pool, Length = 50 ft, Width = 30 ft, No diving board, Mixed depth (50% > 5 feet):
    • Area: \( 50 \times 30 = 1500 \, \text{ft}^2 \)
    • Deep area: \( 1500 \times 0.5 = 750 \, \text{ft}^2 \), Shallow area: \( 1500 - 750 = 750 \, \text{ft}^2 \)
    • Capacity: \( (750 / 20) + (750 / 15) = 37.5 + 50 = 87 \, \text{people} \)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why subtract 300 square feet for a diving board?
A: Diving boards require extra space for safe usage, reducing the available area for other swimmers to ensure safety.

Q: How does water depth affect capacity?
A: Deeper water (>5 feet) allows more people per square foot (15 sq ft/person) due to increased water volume diluting contaminants, compared to shallower water (20 sq ft/person).

Q: What if my pool has multiple diving boards?
A: This calculator assumes one diving board. For multiple diving boards, subtract 300 square feet for each board, but ensure the remaining area is sufficient for safe use.

6. Reference

https://www.hunker.com/13418155/load-capacity-for-pools/

Swimming Pool Load Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025