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Pool volume, chemical dosage, and cost calculators
Quick answer
Start with volume — every chemical dose depends on it. A 16 x 32 foot rectangular pool with a 3-to-6-foot depth holds about 17,200 gallons, needs roughly 18 fluid ounces of 12.5% liquid chlorine per 1 ppm, and costs $139–$189 per month to maintain professionally.
How many gallons is my pool?
Enter your dimensions and average depth. A 16 x 32 foot rectangular pool with a 3-to-6-foot depth averages about 17,200 gallons — every chemical dose depends on this number.
Estimated volume: 17,234 gallons. Use this figure in the dosage calculator below. Freeform and kidney shapes are closest to the oval estimate.
How much chlorine and acid does my pool need?
Targets are 3 ppm free chlorine, pH 7.4-7.6, 80-100 ppm total alkalinity, and 30-50 ppm stabilizer. Enter today's readings and this returns the dose to reach those targets.
| Chemical | Dose to hit target |
|---|---|
| Liquid chlorine (12.5%) | 46 fl oz (0.36 gal) |
| Muriatic acid (31.45%) | 14 fl oz |
| Sodium bicarbonate (alkalinity up) | 1.2 lbs |
| Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) | 0.4 lbs |
Add one chemical at a time with the pump running, and wait at least four hours between acid and chlorine. Never mix chemicals in a bucket. These are estimates — retest before dosing again.
What will pool maintenance cost me per month?
Weekly full service in the North Carolina Triad runs $139-$189 per month with chemicals included, and biweekly runs $99-$139. Pool size, an attached spa, a salt system, and heavy tree cover move the number.
Estimated monthly cost: $139–$169 per month, chemicals included, no long-term contract. Recovery work on a green or neglected pool is quoted separately as a one-time flat job.
Calculator FAQs
How do I calculate my pool volume in gallons?
For a rectangular pool, multiply length x width x average depth x 7.48. A 16 x 32 foot pool with a 3-to-6-foot depth is about 17,200 gallons. Round pools use pi x radius squared x average depth x 7.48, and freeform or oval shapes use a 5.9 multiplier instead of 7.48.
How much liquid chlorine raises free chlorine by 1 ppm?
About 10.7 fluid ounces of 12.5% liquid chlorine raises free chlorine by 1 ppm in 10,000 gallons. In a 17,200-gallon pool that is roughly 18 fluid ounces per ppm.
How much muriatic acid do I need to lower pH?
Roughly 16 fluid ounces of 31.45% muriatic acid lowers pH about 0.1 in 10,000 gallons, depending on total alkalinity. Add it slowly with the pump running and retest after four hours.
What should monthly pool service cost in the North Carolina Triad?
Weekly full service is $139-$189 per month with chemicals included, and biweekly service is $99-$139. An attached spa, salt system, oversized pool, or heavy tree cover adds $10-$30 per month each.
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