So you're staring at that empty backyard pool and wondering: how much does it cost to fill a pool? Honestly, I asked the same question last summer when I refilled mine after a leak. Spoiler: my water bill shocked me. That $300 surprise taught me pool filling costs aren't straightforward.
Here's the deal – most folks guess wrong. Some think it's $50. Others panic it'll be $1,000. The reality? It varies wildly based on three things: your pool's size, local water rates, and how you fill it. I'll break this down with real numbers and even share how I saved 40% on my refill last season.
The Three Big Factors That Decide Your Pool Filling Cost
Let's cut to the chase. When calculating how much it costs to fill a pool, these elements make or break your budget:
Swimming Pool Size and Volume
Bigger pools = more water = higher costs. But how much water does your pool actually hold? I learned this the hard way when I underestimated my 15,000-gallon pool.
Standard residential pools range from 5,000 gallons (small above-ground) to 30,000+ gallons (large in-ground). Use this formula:
Average Depth (ft) × Length (ft) × Width (ft) × 7.5 = Total Gallons
Example: My rectangular pool is 30ft long, 15ft wide, with a 5ft average depth. 30 × 15 × 5 × 7.5 = 16,875 gallons.
| Pool Type | Average Size (Gallons) | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Small Above-Ground | 5,000 - 7,500 | 12ft round × 3ft deep |
| Medium In-Ground | 15,000 - 20,000 | 16ft × 32ft × 5ft deep |
| Large In-Ground | 25,000 - 35,000+ | 20ft × 40ft × 6ft deep |
Your Local Water Rates (This Hurts Some Pockets More)
Water costs aren't equal. My cousin in Ohio pays $0.003 per gallon. My neighbor in California? $0.015 per gallon. That's a 5x difference!
Where it gets tricky:
- Tiered pricing: Use more water? Pay higher rates. Filling a pool often pushes you into expensive tiers.
- Sewer fees: Many utilities charge sewer fees based on water usage (typically 50-100% of water cost). Some offer pool-fill exemptions though.
- Seasonal rates: Summer water often costs more.
How to find your rate:
- Check your latest water bill
- Call your utility company (ask about sewer fee waivers for pool filling)
- Search "[Your City] water rates 2024" online
| U.S. Region | Average Water Cost per Gallon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $0.002 - $0.004 | Most affordable |
| South | $0.003 - $0.006 | Moderate pricing |
| West | $0.008 - $0.015 | Highest rates (drought areas) |
| Northeast | $0.005 - $0.010 | Includes high sewer fees |
Filling Method: Hose, Truck, or Well?
Your approach changes costs dramatically:
- Garden hose: Uses home water supply. Slow but cheapest if you have low rates. Takes 24-72 hours.
- Water delivery truck: Costs $150-$600 per truckload (5,000-9,000 gallons). Fast but expensive. I used this during a drought ban.
- Well water: Only electricity costs ($10-$30 total). But hard water may require extra chemicals ($50-$100).
Fire hydrant filling? Just don't. It's illegal almost everywhere without permits. My buddy tried it and got a $750 fine.
Actual Costs: What People Really Pay to Fill a Pool
Let's answer "how much does it cost to fill a swimming pool" with real-world examples:
| Pool Size | Location Example | Water Cost | Sewer Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 gallons (Small) | Columbus, OH | $40 ($0.004/gal) | $0 (Waived) | $40 |
| 18,000 gallons (Medium) | Austin, TX | $126 ($0.007/gal) | $63 (50%) | $189 |
| 25,000 gallons (Large) | San Diego, CA | $375 ($0.015/gal) | $375 (100%) | $750 |
| 7,000 gallons (Above-Ground) | Using Well Water | $0 | $0 | $15 (electricity only) |
See why location matters? A medium pool costs $189 in Texas but $750 in California. That's why generic answers online often mislead.
Hidden Costs That Sneak Up On You
When I calculated how much to fill my pool, I forgot these extras:
- Chemical startup: New water needs balancing. Expect $80-$150 for pH adjusters, chlorine, stabilizer.
- Water testing kit: $20-$50 if you don't own one.
- Potential penalties: Overwatering fines in drought zones (up to $500 in California).
- Pump electricity: Running the hose 48+ hours adds $5-$15 to your bill.
Pro tip: Budget 20% extra for these "hidden hits."
5 Clever Ways to Slash Your Pool Filling Costs
After overpaying my first time, I now use these tricks:
- Request a sewer fee waiver – 60% of utilities offer these for pool fills. Call and ask!
- Fill during off-peak seasons – Winter/spring rates are often lower. Avoid summer fill-ups.
- Use well water if possible – Even renting a temporary pump costs less than city water ($200 vs. $750 for my pool).
- Partial refills only – Top up evaporated water instead of full drains. Saves 50-70%.
- Pool water delivery services – Compare truck companies. I saved $100 by booking midweek.
One more thing: NEVER drain plaster pools completely. It can crack the shell. Fiberglass and vinyl are safer for full drains.
Your Top Questions About Pool Filling Costs (Answered)
How much does it cost to fill a small above-ground pool?
For a typical 5,000-7,500 gallon above-ground pool:
- Low-cost area: $25-$60
- High-cost area: $100-$225
- Well water: $5-$15 (electricity)
Can I use a fire hydrant to fill my pool?
Rarely legal. Most cities prohibit it due to contamination risks and pressure loss. Permits cost $200+ if available (plus water fees). Fines range $500-$2,000. Honestly? Not worth the hassle.
How long does filling a pool take?
| Hose Type | Flow Rate (Gallons/Hour) | Time for 15,000 Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 5/8" Garden Hose | 540 | 28 hours |
| 3/4" Heavy-Duty Hose | 1,020 | 15 hours |
| Water Delivery Truck | 9,000 (per truck) | 1-2 hours (per truckload) |
Tip: Use two hoses simultaneously to halve the time.
Should I drain and refill my pool annually?
Usually no. Most pools need partial refills only (drain ⅓ water, then refill). Full drains every 3-5 years are sufficient unless you have major contamination. Saves hundreds yearly.
Is it cheaper to fill a pool with well water?
Almost always. Costs are just pump electricity ($10-$30 vs. $100-$750 for city water). But test well water first – high iron or calcium may require $50-$100 in extra chemicals.
A Real-Life Cost Breakdown: My Pool Refill Adventure
Last July, I refilled my 16,875-gallon in-ground pool in metro Denver. Here's the damage:
- Water rate: $0.006 per gallon
- Sewer fees: Waived after phone request (saved $101!)
- Water cost: 16,875 × $0.006 = $101.25
- Chemicals: $112 (pH down, chlorine, stabilizer)
- Electricity: $9 (pump ran 38 hours)
- Total: $222.25
Without the sewer waiver? It would've been $323. Lesson learned: always call your water company first.
Key Takeaways: Smart Pool Filling in 2024
So what's the bottom line on how much it costs to fill a pool? Expect $40-$750 for most homes, heavily influenced by size and location. To avoid bill shock:
- Calculate your pool's volume (length × width × avg depth × 7.5)
- Call your water utility for exact rates and sewer fee options
- Consider well water or delivery trucks if city water is expensive
- Budget for chemicals and possible hidden fees
The biggest mistake? Underestimating impact. Filling a 20,000-gallon pool uses as much water as a family of four uses in three months. Plan wisely!
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