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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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