Estimate the cost and time required to fill or top off your swimming pool with municipal or trucked water. Enter the values shown in the calculator to get a practical planning estimate.
Free interactive calculatorPool Costs
H2O
FREE ONLINE CALCULATOR
Pool Water Refill Calculator
Estimate water utility cost and garden hose fill time for filling or topping off your swimming pool.
H2O
YOUR ESTIMATE
Estimated refill cost & time
Planning estimate
Estimated water cost—
based on entered utility rate
Gallons needed—
US gallons to fill
Continuous fill time—
hours with 1 garden hose
With 2 hoses—
hours running 2 hoses
Money-Saving Tip: Many utility departments provide a sewer credit when filling a swimming pool so you aren't charged wastewater fees on pool water. Contact your water company before filling.
ABOUT THIS TOOL
What this calculator helps with
Pool Costs
The pool water refill calculator estimates how much it costs to fill your pool from scratch or top off water lost to evaporation and backwashing. It converts water volume into local utility units (per 1,000 gallons or hundred cubic feet) and provides realistic hose fill-time estimates.
Why this calculation matters
Filling a pool is a substantial water expense. Calculating your expected municipal water bill or trucked delivery cost helps you budget, avoid tier-rate surprises, and decide whether a sewer charge deduction is available.
Details to have ready
Pool water volume in US gallons or litres.
Local municipal water tariff per 1,000 gallons (typically $4 to $12 in the US).
Garden hose flow rate in gallons per minute (average 9 to 12 GPM).
Sewer fee exemption or credit policy from your local utility company.
How to prepare
Confirm pool volume from measurements.
Check your latest residential water bill for the per-1,000-gallon water rate.
Select whether you are filling from empty, topping off, or doing a partial dilution (e.g. 30% drain to lower CYA).
Review estimated total water cost and hose fill time.
Note: Check your utility tier pricing structure; high water usage during a single billing cycle may trigger premium tier rates.
COMMON QUESTIONS
About Pool Water Refill Calculator
How much does it cost to fill a 15,000-gallon pool?
At an average US municipal water rate of $5 to $8 per 1,000 gallons, filling a 15,000-gallon pool typically costs between $75 and $120. In high-cost or drought tier regions, costs can reach $150 to $250.
How long does it take to fill a pool with a garden hose?
A standard 5/8-inch garden hose delivers approximately 9 to 12 gallons per minute (540 to 720 gallons per hour). Filling a 15,000-gallon pool generally takes between 21 and 28 continuous hours.
Can I get a discount on my sewer bill when filling a pool?
Yes, many US and Canadian municipalities offer sewer fee adjustments or pool fill credits since pool water does not enter the municipal wastewater treatment system. Contact your local water provider beforehand.
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