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Pool Sand Calculator
Make sure your pool project goes swimmingly with this sand calculator
aerogondo / Adobe Stock Photography
aerogondo / Adobe Stock Photography
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Above ground pools need a sand base to protect the liner and provide an even foundation. This sand base calculator helps you figure out how much sand you need to create this base. Use the pool volume and a standard depth of 2 inches to estimate the yards of sand needed for your project. With this information, you can budget for materials and complete your project faster.
Pool Sand Calculations
The formula to calculate pool sand depends on the shape of your pool. Before figuring out how much sand you’ll need, it’s important to decide if you want a round or rectangular pool.
Rectangular Pool
To build a sand base for a rectangular pool, start by taking the following measurements:
Width (in feet)
Length (in feet)
Fixed variables for the rectangular pool sand calculator formula are:
Depth =
2 in. or 0.167 ft.
1 ft. = 0.037 cubic yd.
Use those measurements and the following formula to calculate the amount of sand volume needed. Since sand sells by the yard, you’ll need to convert your result from feet to yards.
Volume = (width x length x depth) x 0.037
For a rectangular pool that’s 18 feet long by 9 feet wide, you’d need at least 1 cubic yard of sand for your base.
Round Pool
For a round pool base, start by calculating the pool’s radius in feet. This is just half the distance from one side of the pool to the other.
With that information, use the following formula to calculate the sand volume in yards:
Volume = (3.14 x r squared x depth) x 0.037
For a round pool with a radius of 5 feet, you’d need at least 0.49 cubic yards of sand for the base.
Tips
Laying down the sand for your pool base is simple if you keep in mind these useful tips and tricks:
Dampening your sand makes it easier to lay
Use the back of a rake to smooth the sand and spread it evenly
Compact the sand for a more even base
As with all home improvement projects, it’s recommended to add an extra 10% to the results of your pool sand base calculator. Rounding is also helpful when purchasing material, since sand comes in half-yard increments.
Once you know how much sand you need, find a rock and sand delivery service in your area to get started with your project. The cost of sand delivery ranges between $320 and $1,110, depending on where you live.
Hiring the best local pool installer helps ensure the success of your project. With the help of a reliable professional, you’ll be dipping your toes in the water before you know it.
Q&As
The homeowners guide to pool constructions and installations
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