Pool Sizes and Size Chart

There is a wide range of swimming pool sizes available to meet a wide range of demands and constraints. The length and width of a pool are used to calculate its area, which is then expressed as a square foot or meter.

In this guide, we’ll learn about the various pool sizes and shapes and what other considerations you need to make before building a pool in your backyard.

Pool Sizes

When it comes to swimming pools, size matters. The size of a pool can affect its cost, maintenance requirements, and the types of activities that can be performed in it. You need to carefully consider the size of a pool before installation to ensure it meets your needs and fits in your available space.

Residential swimming pools typically range in size from small plunge pools that are only a few feet deep to large lap pools that are long and narrow. Plunge pools are great for small yards or as a refreshing addition to a patio or deck. They are typically shallow, around 4 to 5 feet deep, and can be used for wading or lounging in the water.

Lap pools, on the other hand, are designed for serious swimmers. They are typically long and narrow, ranging in length from 25 to 50 feet, and are typically 4 to 6 feet deep. Lap pools are a great option for fitness enthusiasts who want to swim laps for exercise.

Commercial pools, such as those found at hotels or community centers, can be even larger. These pools are often used for recreational swimming, water aerobics, and other group activities.

Pool Shapes

You can construct any size and shape pool you want. As long as you have the funds and the real estate, a pool builder shouldn’t mind making the wildest pools of your dreams. That said, swimming pools typically come in a set number of shapes to suit different needs and preferences. Some popular swimming pool shapes include:

• Rectangular—This is the most common shape for residential pools. It is a classic and versatile shape that can be used for recreational swimming, lap swimming, and pool games.
• Oval—Oval-shaped pools are similar to rectangular pools but with rounded ends. They offer a more organic and natural look and can be used for recreational swimming and pool games.
• Kidney—Kidney-shaped pools are similar to oval pools but with one end that is more curved than the other. They offer a unique and visually appealing shape and are often used for recreational swimming.
• Round—Round pools are circular in shape and offer a softer, more relaxed look. They are typically used for recreational swimming and can be a good option for small yards.
• Freeform—Freeform pools are those that are not symmetrical or have a specific shape. They can be created in any size or shape and are often used to blend in with the natural surroundings.
• L-shaped—L-shaped pools have one straight edge and one curved edge, creating an L-shape. They offer a unique and visually appealing shape and can be used for recreational swimming and pool games.

It’s worth mentioning that the aforementioned pool shapes come in unique variations, such as the Single Roman (a rectangular pool with one rounded side), the Lazy L (an L-shaped pool with the tail end pointed 45° away from the pool’s main body) and the Straight Walk Kidney (a kidney pool with one straight side).

Pool Size Chart

Here I’ll provide 3 charts describing common sizes and capacities for rectangular, oval, and round pools.

Rectangular pools

Length	Width	Surface Area	Depth	Cubic Feet	Gallons
12 ft.	24 ft.	288 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,152	8,618
12 ft.	24 ft.	288 sq. ft.	54 in.	1,296	9,695
12 ft.	24 ft.	288 sq. ft.	60 in.	1,440	10,772
14 ft.	48 ft.	672 sq. ft.	48 in.	2,688	20,108
14 ft.	48 ft.	672 sq. ft.	54 in.	3,024	22,621
14 ft.	48 ft.	672 sq. ft.	60 in.	3,360	25,135
15 ft.	30 ft.	450 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,800	13,465
15 ft.	30 ft.	450 sq. ft.	54 in.	2,025	15,148
15 ft.	30 ft.	450 sq. ft.	60 in.	2,250	16,831
16 ft.	32 ft.	512 sq. ft.	48 in.	2,048	15,320
16 ft.	32 ft.	512 sq. ft.	54 in.	2,304	17,235
16 ft.	32 ft.	512 sq. ft.	60 in.	2,560	19,150
18 ft.	36 ft.	648 sq. ft.	48 in.	2,592	19,390
18 ft.	36 ft.	648 sq. ft.	54 in.	2,916	21,813
18 ft.	36 ft.	648 sq. ft.	60 in.	3,240	24,237
19 ft.	38 ft.	722 sq. ft.	48 in.	2,888	21,604
19 ft.	38 ft.	722 sq. ft.	54 in.	3,249	24,304
19 ft.	38 ft.	722 sq. ft.	60 in.	3,610	27,005
20 ft.	40 ft.	800 sq. ft.	48 in.	3,200	23,938
20 ft.	40 ft.	800 sq. ft.	54 in.	3,600	26,930
20 ft.	40 ft.	800 sq. ft.	60 in.	4,000	29,922
22 ft.	44 ft.	968 sq. ft.	48 in.	3,872	28,965
22 ft.	44 ft.	968 sq. ft.	54 in.	4,356	32,585
22 ft.	44 ft.	968 sq. ft.	60 in.	4,840	36,206
25 ft.	45 ft.	1125 sq. ft.	48 in.	4,500	33,662
25 ft.	45 ft.	1125 sq. ft.	54 in.	5,063	37,870
25 ft.	45 ft.	1125 sq. ft.	60 in.	5,625	42,078
25 ft.	50 ft.	1250 sq. ft.	48 in.	5,000	37,403
25 ft.	50 ft.	1250 sq. ft.	54 in.	5,625	42,078
25 ft.	50 ft.	1250 sq. ft.	60 in.	6,250	46,753

Oval pools

Length	Width	Surface Area	Depth	Cubic Feet	Gallons
12 ft.	24 ft.	226 sq. ft.	48 in.	302	2,255
12 ft.	24 ft.	226 sq. ft.	52 in.	654	4,889
15 ft.	30 ft.	353 sq. ft.	48 in.	472	3,527
15 ft.	30 ft.	353 sq. ft.	52 in.	1,021	7,638
16 ft.	32 ft.	402 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,073	8,023
16 ft.	32 ft.	402 sq. ft.	52 in.	1,162	8,689
18 ft.	33 ft.	467 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,244	9,306

Round pools

Length	Surface Area	Depth	Cubic Feet	Gallons
12 ft.	113 sq. ft.	48 in.	452	3,384
12 ft.	113 sq. ft.	52 in.	490	3,666
15 ft.	177 sq. ft.	48 in.	707	5,288
15 ft.	177 sq. ft.	52 in.	766	5,728
15 ft.	177 sq. ft.	54 in.	795	5,949
18 ft.	254 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,018	7,614
18 ft.	254 sq. ft.	52 in.	1,103	8,249
18 ft.	254 sq. ft.	54 in.	1,145	8,566
20 ft.	314 sq. ft.	54 in.	1,414	10,575
21 ft.	346 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,385	10,364
21 ft.	346 sq. ft.	52 in.	1,501	11,227
24 ft.	452 sq. ft.	48 in.	1,810	13,536
24 ft.	452 sq. ft.	52 in.	1,960	14,664
24 ft.	452 sq. ft.	54 in.	2,036	15,228
27 ft.	573 sq. ft.	48 in.	2,290	17,132
27 ft.	573 sq. ft.	52 in.	2,481	18,560
27 ft.	573 sq. ft.	54 in.	2,576	19,274
30 ft.	707 sq. ft.	52 in.	3,063	22,913
30 ft.	707 sq. ft.	54 in.	3,181	23,794
30 ft.	707 sq. ft.	54 in.	3,181	23,794

What You Need to Think About Before Building a Pool

Building a swimming pool can be a significant investment, so it’s important to carefully consider all factors before making a decision. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning to build a pool:

1. Budget: Depending on factors like size, shape, and the quality of the materials, the price of constructing a pool can vary widely. Identifying what is possible within your financial means requires establishing a budget and researching size, shape, materials, etc.
2. Materials: Concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl are just a few of the materials that can be used to construct a swimming pool. When comparing price, lifespan, and upkeep, each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages.
3. Location: There are a number of factors to consider when deciding where to put your pool, the most important being aesthetics and convenience. Think about how far away it will be from your house, whether it will get a lot of sun or shade, and whether there will be any problems with drainage or slope.
4. Permits and regulations: Depending on the specifics of your municipality, you may need a building permit in order to construct a pool. Prior to starting construction, it is crucial to learn about and comply with any rules that may be in place.
5. Maintenance: Maintaining a clean and secure swimming pool is a continuous process. Think about whether you’re willing to spend the money on a professional service or if you have the time and energy to maintain the pool yourself.
6. Insurance: In the event of an accident or damage to your pool, you should contact your homeowner’s insurance company to find out if the costs will be covered. If not, you might need to look into getting supplemental insurance.
7. Safety: While swimming pools are often a lot of fun, they do present some dangers that swimmers should be aware of. Fencing, pool covers, and alarms are just some of the safety features you could put in place.