Pool Depth - CPO® Math Tutorial

A Tropical Aquatics Educational Program

Things to know about Pool Depth

LEARN HOW TO OPERATE YOUR PUBLIC POOL SPA FACILITY
Volume of any pool shape (as measured in cubic feet):
  • Depths are never even throughout a pool or spa. They may be sloped or if the depth is "constant", there is usually a coved or radius at the wall junctions.
  • Volume (V) = Area (A) x Depth (D)
What about a pool with different depths?:
  • Divide the pool shape into areas of constant depth, or constant slopes.
  • The calculate each area separately, using the average depth for each area.
    Average Depth (AD) = (Shallow Depth + Deep Depth) divided by 2.
    The Shallow Depth is called D1
    The Deep Depth is called D2
    AD = (D1 + D2) divided by 2
Examples:
  • (1) You have a pool with a shallow depth of 3 feet, and a deep depth of 8 feet.
    What is the average depth?

    The formula is AD = (D1 + D2) divided by 2
    D1 = 3 ft, D2 = 8 ft
    AD = (D1 + D2) divided by 2
    AD = (3 feet+ 8 feet) divided by 2
    AD = 11 feet divided by 2
    AD = 5.5 feet
How about a sample problem similar to a class problem?
What is the surface area of a rectangular pool with a length of 20 meters and a width of 20 yards?
We will use a series of "plug-and play" boxes in the CPO® class. Just plug the correct number as given by the problem to perform the math (play) as indicated. Let's try it out.
The formula for a rectangle is: A = L x W
A = x
Just Plug the numbers in and Play the formula
Remember the meters and yards conversions.
Number of meters x 3.24 = number of feet (from the Main page)
Length = 20 meters (from the problem) x 3.28
Length = 65.6 ft
Number of yards x 3 = number of feet (form the Main page)
Width = 20 yards (from the problem) x 3
Width = 60 ft
A = x =


Just as a reminder, knowing how to calculate area is important for determining heat loss, sizing pool covers, bather loads in spas, and in some states, bather loads in pools.

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