The cool tool bench

Plan the heat before you buy the hardware

Four fast estimates turn pool measurements and operating habits into better questions for a manufacturer or installer. They are planning aids, not code or equipment approvals.

TOOL 01

Pool volume calculator

Estimate water volume before sizing or timing a heater.

Pool shapeDiameter (feet)Average water depth (feet)Estimated capacity
6,852 gallons

Use the manufacturer’s capacity when available.

TOOL 02

Heat-up window planner

Turn gallons, temperature lift, and heater output into a calm first-pass estimate.

Desired temperature rise (°F)Heater output (BTU/h)Idealized heating time
14.3 hours

Wind, evaporation, cold air, plumbing, and cycling can lengthen this.

TOOL 03

Solar collector layout

Translate pool surface area into a planning target for unshaded collector area.

Collector target (% of pool surface)70%Planning target
≈ 178 sq. ft.

Roof direction, sun hours, wind, climate, pump head, and maker guidance still matter.

TOOL 04

Cover habit check

See how much daily time your water spends exposed to evaporation and wind.

Hours covered per day16 hoursDaily exposure window
8 hours uncovered

Strong heat-retention habit. Keep the cover fitted whenever the pool is idle.