Pool fill time calculator
Estimate how long the hose needs to run. A typical garden hose delivers 5–10 gallons per minute depending on water pressure and hose diameter.
How it works
hours = volume ÷ flow per minute ÷ 60. A 13,000-gallon above-ground pool at 6 GPM takes 13,000 ÷ 6 ÷ 60 = 36 hours. Two hoses on separate taps roughly halve it, if your supply pressure holds up.
Measure your real flow
Time how long the hose takes to fill a bucket of known size. A 5-gallon bucket in 50 seconds is 6 GPM; a 10-litre bucket in 25 seconds is 24 L/min. A ⅝-in hose on good pressure often gives 9–12 GPM, a long ½-in hose on low pressure 3–5 GPM.
For very large pools, a water delivery truck can be cheaper than mains water in some areas and is much faster. Ask your water company whether they offer a pool-fill allowance on sewer charges.
Questions
How long does it take to fill a 24 ft above-ground pool?
About 36 hours at 6 GPM for a 52 in wall (12,972 gallons), or 24 hours at 9 GPM.
How many gallons per minute does a garden hose flow?
Usually 5–10 GPM (19–38 L/min). It depends on water pressure, hose diameter and length — measure it with a bucket.