How to Calculate Pool Slope?

The pool slope is calculated using the depth difference (rise) and the horizontal distance (run). The main calculations include:

1. Calculate the Elevation Change (Rise)
2. Determine the Slope Percentage
3. Find the Slope Angle (in Degrees)

Step 1: Calculate Elevation Change (Rise)

The rise is the difference between the deep end depth and the shallow end depth.

Formula:

$\text{Rise} = \text{Deep End Depth} - \text{Shallow End Depth}$

Step 2: Calculate Slope Percentage

The slope percentage is determined by dividing the rise by the run and multiplying by 100.

Formula:

$\text{Slope \%} = \left( \frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}} \right) \times 100$

Step 3: Calculate Slope Angle (Degrees)

To find the slope angle, use the inverse tangent (arctan) function:

Formula:

$\text{Slope Angle} = \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}} \right)$

Example Calculation

Let’s calculate the slope for a pool with the following dimensions:

• Shallow End Depth: 3 feet
• Deep End Depth: 8 feet
• Horizontal Distance (Run): 20 feet

Step 1: Calculate Elevation Change (Rise)

$\text{Rise} = 8 - 3 = 5 \text{ ft}$

Step 2: Calculate Slope Percentage

$\text{Slope \%} = \left( \frac{5}{20} \right) \times 100 = 25\%$

Step 3: Calculate Slope Angle

$\text{Slope Angle} = \tan^{-1} (0.25)$

$\text{Slope Angle} \approx 14.04^\circ$

Final Output for the Example

• Elevation Change (Rise): 5 feet
• Slope Percentage: 25%
• Slope Angle: 14.04°

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a safe slope for a swimming pool?

Most pools should have a slope of no more than 1:7 (14%) to ensure safety. Competitive pools may have steeper slopes.

2. How do I adjust the slope if it's too steep?

To make the slope gentler, you can:

• Increase the horizontal distance (run)
• Decrease the deep end depth

3. Can this be used for sloped pool entry (beach entry pools)?

Yes! The same formula applies to zero-entry (beach-entry) pools, which gradually slope into the water.