How Many Gallons in a 12 Foot Round Pool?

A 12 foot round pool holds about 3,384 gallons at a flat 4 ft water depth, and 3,807 gallons at 4½ ft. The table below covers other depths.

Your project

Same as the shallow depth if the bottom is flat (most above-ground pools).

gal/min

A garden hose delivers about 5 to 10 gallons a minute.

Results

Pool volume
3,384 US gallons
Liters
12,810 L
Cubic feet
452 ft³
Average depth
4.00 ft

Filling

Time to fill with a hose
6.3 hours
Time to fill with a hose
0.3 days
  • Volume = surface area × average depth × 7.48 gallons per cubic foot. Oval pools use 0.7854 (π ÷ 4) times a rectangle of the same length and width. Kidney and freeform pools are harder to estimate: use the average of several measurements.

Gallons in a 12 ft round pool, by water depth

The surface area is 113 ft². The fill time is for a garden hose delivering 9 gallons per minute.

Water depthGallonsLitersHose fill time
3 ft2,5389,6084.7 hrs
3.5 ft2,96111,2095.5 hrs
4 ft3,38412,8106.3 hrs
4.5 ft3,80714,4127.1 hrs
5 ft4,23016,0137.8 hrs

By wall height

Above-ground pools are normally filled about 6 inches below the top of the wall:

Wall heightTypical water depthGallons
48 in wall42 in2,961
52 in wall46 in3,243
54 in wall48 in3,384

Why you need the number

Pool chemical doses are given per number of gallons, and the pump and filter are sized to circulate the pool's volume. Always measure the water depth in your own pool and follow the label on any product you add.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Pool Volume Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Frequently asked questions

How many gallons in a 12 foot round pool?

About 3,384 gallons at a flat 4 ft water depth, 3,807 at 4½ ft, and 2,961 at 3½ ft. The depth you measure to the water level is what counts.

How many gallons in a 12 ft pool with 52 inch walls?

Pools with 52 inch walls are usually filled to about 46 inches, which holds roughly 3,243 gallons for a 12 ft round pool. Your actual water depth may differ.

How long does it take to fill a 12 foot round pool with a hose?

At 9 gallons per minute, filling to 4 ft takes about 6.3 hours (0.3 days). Time your own hose: fill a 5 gallon bucket and divide.

Related sizes and guides

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.