How many gallons is a 15 ft round pool?
A 15 ft round pool holds about 2,600 to 4,800 gallons, depending on the wall height.
On this page (7 sections)
Intex rates the Easy Set 15 ft × 33 in at 2,587 gallons and the Prism Frame 15 ft × 48 in at 4,440 gallons. Bestway rates the Steel Pro MAX 15 ft × 42 in at 3,955 gallons.
Quick answer: 15 ft round pool gallons by wall height
At this diameter, the wall matters more than anything else. Going from a 33 in to a 48 in wall adds 1,853 gallons in Intex's own ratings, about 72% more water on the same footprint. Geometry at 90% fill gives 4,759 gallons for a 48 in wall and 5,155 for 52 in (the "15x52" size). The data block does not include short walls, so they are in this table:
| Wall height | Geometry | Frame pool estimate (× 0.93) | Inflatable estimate (× 0.87) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 in wall | 3,272 gal | 3,043 gal | 2,846 gal |
| 36 in wall | 3,569 gal | 3,319 gal | 3,105 gal |
The Easy Set 15 × 33 is rated at 80% fill; at that level geometry gives 2,908 gallons, and Intex's 2,587 is 0.890 of it.
Manufacturer capacities for this size
Our database has three models, each with a different wall height. The frame pools come close to the geometry: the Prism Frame holds 0.933 of its nominal geometry and the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 0.950. The Easy Set ring pool is lower, as ring pools usually are. If your pool is a 15 ft × 48 in from another brand, the frame estimate of 4,426 gallons in the table below is a reasonable starting point.
| Wall height | Geometry | Frame pool estimate (× 0.93) | Inflatable estimate (× 0.87) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 in wall | 4,164 gal15,763 L | 3,873 gal | 3,623 gal |
| 48 in wall | 4,759 gal18,014 L | 4,426 gal | 4,140 gal |
| 52 in wall | 5,155 gal19,516 L | 4,795 gal | 4,485 gal |
| 54 in wall | 5,354 gal20,266 L | 4,979 gal | 4,658 gal |
Geometry = π/4 × diameter² × water depth × 7.48. Real pools hold less than the nominal size suggests. The factors are medians of 26 manufacturer capacities (our own calculation).
| Model | Capacity | Fill basis | Real ÷ nominal geometry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex Easy Set 15ft x 33in | 2,587 gal9,793 L | 80% fill | 0.890 | manufacturer |
| Intex Prism Frame 15ft x 48in | 4,440 gal16,807 L | 90% fill | 0.933 | manufacturer |
| Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15ft x 42in (with LED light) | 3,955 gal14,971 L | 90% fill | 0.950 | manufacturer |
| Change | Amount |
|---|---|
| +1 ppm FC (12.5% liquid chlorine) | 4.5 fl oz134 mL |
| +10 ppm TA (baking soda) | 9.9 oz281 g |
| +10 ppm CYA (stabilizer) | 5.9 oz168 g |
Closest full chart: 4,000 gal dose chart.
Always follow your product’s label directions. Pool and spa chlorine, bromine, shock and algaecides are EPA-registered pesticides: use products labeled for pool or spa use, and don’t swim or soak until levels are within the limit on your product’s label. If this page and a label disagree, the label wins.
Starting doses for this volume
| Change | Easy Set 15 × 33 (2,587 gal) | Steel Pro MAX 15 × 42 (3,955 gal) | Prism Frame 15 × 48 (4,440 gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| +1 ppm free chlorine (FC), 12.5% liquid chlorine | 2.6 fl oz | 4.0 fl oz | 4.5 fl oz |
| +1 ppm FC, 6% household bleach | 5.3 fl oz | 8.1 fl oz | 9.1 fl oz |
| +10 ppm total alkalinity (TA), baking soda | 5.8 oz | 8.9 oz | 10.0 oz |
| Stabilizer (CYA), 0 to 30 ppm | 10.4 oz | 15.8 oz | 1.1 lb |
Always follow the product label. It is a violation of federal law to use a pesticide product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
The two taller pools fall between the 4,000 and 5,000 gallon dose charts, which add shock, acid, calcium, and salt amounts. Using the Easy Set amounts in a Prism Frame would leave you 42% short on every dose.
Calculator: your exact depth
Enter 15 ft, your wall height, and how high you fill the pool, then choose the pool type. Your real fill line is set by the skimmer opening, not by a round 90%, so measure the depth of the water itself for the best estimate.
Chemicals per week for this size (estimate from your own loss)
Your weekly chlorine is your daily loss × 7 × the per-ppm amount. With a 2 ppm daily drop, the Prism Frame 15 × 48 uses 64 fl oz of 12.5% liquid chlorine a week, half of a gallon jug. The Easy Set 15 × 33 uses 37 fl oz at the same loss. Stabilizer also changes the target: at CYA 30 to 40 your free chlorine should be higher than in an unstabilized pool, so don't compare your usage with a neighbor's pool until you compare CYA too. Targets by CYA are in how much chlorine to add.
Safety. Never pour chlorine and acid (or pH down) into the pool at the same spot or time; wait at least 30 minutes between them with the pump on. Wear gloves and eye protection. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
FAQ
How many gallons is a 15x48 above ground pool?
Intex rates its Prism Frame 15 ft × 48 in at 4,440 gallons at 90% fill. Geometry says 4,759 gallons; our frame estimate for an unknown brand is 4,426.
How much chlorine for a 15 ft pool?
Per 1 ppm: 2.6 fl oz of 12.5% liquid chlorine for a 33 in Easy Set, 4.0 fl oz for a 42 in Steel Pro MAX, and 4.5 fl oz for a 48 in Prism Frame. Multiply by the ppm you need.
How long does it take to fill a 15 ft pool?
For 4,440 gallons: about 14.8 hours at 5 gallons per minute or 7.4 hours at 10. A 33 in Easy Set (2,587 gallons) takes about 8.6 or 4.3 hours. To find your hose's flow rate, time how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon bucket.
Sources
- Intex Easy Set 15 ft × 33 in and Prism Frame 15 ft × 48 in, read 2026-09-29: intexcorp.com
- Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 ft × 42 in, read 2026-09-29: bestwayusa.com
- Volume formulas, correction factors, and dose math: methodology