Expert Verified Updated: March 2026

Pool Fill Time Calculator - How Long to Fill with a Hose?

Calculate exactly how long it takes to fill your pool from a garden hose. Enter your pool's volume and your house's GPM flow rate for a precise estimate.

How to Calculate Your Hose GPM

To get an accurate estimate, you first need to find your **Gallons Per Minute (GPM)**. Take a standard 5-gallon bucket and time how long it takes to fill it with your garden hose at full blast.

Example: If it takes 60 seconds to fill a 5-gallon bucket, your flow rate is **5 GPM**. Most homes range between 5 and 10 GPM.

Actionable Steps

Factors Affecting Fill Time

The diameter of your hose (5/8" vs 3/4"), your water pressure (PSI), and even other faucets running in the house will affect your fill time. If your pool is being filled by a water truck, the rate is much faster (usually 1 hour or less).

Pro Tip: If you are refilling a significant portion of the pool, you will need to re-balance all chemicals. Start by calculating your drain amount with our CYA Drain & Refill Tool.

Pro-Tip

Example: If it takes 60 seconds to fill a 5-gallon bucket, your flow rate is **5 GPM**. Most homes range between 5 and 10 GPM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to fill a pool with a hose or a truck?

Usually, a garden hose is significantly cheaper than a water truck service, although it takes much longer (days vs hours). Check your local water/sewer rates to be sure.

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