What Is A Good Size Swimming Pool

Before you even determine to install a swimming pool, you're likely to focus on 1 key factor – size. After all, how tin you even begin to envision how a new puddle will look in your backyard without considering how much space it will take up?

The truth is that a puddle can be but about any size you choose. That said, certain inground pool sizes tend to predominate. If you're not certain how large of a pool you need, looking at what'due south popular is a adept identify to start.

Nearly rectangular pools are about twice as long on ane side as they are on the other, with an average depth of around 5.5 feet. Typical pond pool dimensions are 10 x 20, 15 ten 30, and 20 10 forty.

Picture of a prototypical inground swimming pool — When y'all think of a backyard puddle, you think of a rectangular pool that's about twice equally long as it is broad.

Now, set up that data bated because the actual size and shape of your pool should be based on how y'all program to use the pool and what resources you have to work with. Hither are three key questions to ask yourself when deciding on pool size.

1. What'due south the point?

Think about how y'all plan to use your new pond puddle. If you're simply planning to lay effectually the pool and maybe take a dip once in awhile to cool off, then you obviously don't need a large pool. On the other mitt, if you lot're planning to spend a lot of fourth dimension in the h2o, it makes more sense to have extra infinite to move effectually.

If you swim for exercise, there are two routes to have. One is to get a more elongated shape, or even a lap pool. The other is to get a smaller pool or perhaps a swim spa, with h2o jets installed that permit yous to swim in place. Either way, you will want the pool to be deep plenty that you lot don't scrape your hands on the lesser.

Want a diving lath? If and then, you volition non only crave a deeper pool, just also a wider one so that people tin't accidentally dive into a wall. In fact, due to the hazards diving boards pose, the minimum size for a puddle with a diving lath may exist dictated by local law or your homeowners insurance policy.

Small swimming pool with a statue fountain on the pool deck — If the main purpose of the pool is to serve equally a backdrop or focal point for your chiliad, a smaller pattern may exist all yous demand.

The bottom line is to build a puddle large enough for the activities you want to do, without wasting space or money on a puddle that's too large. For families of three or more, a larger puddle is often necessary to allow for the range of activities preferred by people of unlike ages. That brings us to the adjacent point.

2. Who will be using the pool?

If only adults will be using the puddle, yous may desire to get with a greater boilerplate depth to maximize the amount of swimming area. For kids, you might desire a shallow wading area where they can splash around.

Besides consider the mobility of the people using the pool, and whether they will be able to climb in and out via a ladder. If accessibility is an outcome, programme on a shallow end with steps or perhaps a beach entry. Keep in mind that if at that place'southward a slope where the pool gradually transitions from ane depth to another, that by and large calls for a longer pool.

Besides who will be using the pool, think almost how many. If you have a large family, you lot volition obviously desire a larger pool where everyone can spread out and do their own thing. Don't forget that in addition to your family, yous may have visitors dropping by to use the pool – in fact, you may find that a new pool attracts friends you never knew y'all had!

Of course, there'south i major twist to all this, which is that things can change over time. New family members may arrive on the scene, while others become less interested in using the puddle. As much every bit y'all tin, endeavour to plan for the long-term, because your pool will potentially be around for decades.

Family of four posing in the shallow water of an enclosed inground swimming pool — Families tend to grow over time – make sure your pool is large enough to handle the extra load.

3. What are the limitations?

In that location'southward the puddle of your dreams, then at that place's the pool of your reality. While you might like to put an Olympic sized puddle in your lawn, that's not realistic for nigh people. Here are some of the major limitations that might hold you dorsum:

Cost. Size is one of the biggest factors in inground pool toll – if non the biggest. Your budget may limit how large your pool tin exist, or forcefulness you to make a tradeoff betwixt the size and the quality of the materials you lot use.

Infinite. Your pool has to fit in your backyard, preferably with enough room left over for other activities you and your family enjoy. Remember, too, that you'll need extra infinite effectually the pool for a deck. That's specially true if you envision yourself spending more fourth dimension relaxing and entertaining by the pool, rather than swimming in it.

View of a small inground swimming pool, illustrating point about inground pool size — A smaller puddle leaves room in the yard, and more room for extra features such as an attached spa.

Time. Larger pools require more time to maintain. If you're planning to rent a pool service either mode, this may not mean a whole lot. However, if y'all're committed to doing things like cleaning and chemic balancing yourself, the size of the pool could be a big bargain.

Prefab Limitations. If you're using a puddle kit or installing a fiberglass puddle, you will be express to the sizes and shapes offered by manufacturers. In add-on, there'south a maximum size for fiberglass pool shells considering they take to be shipped intact over public highways.

I Last Point on Inground Pool Sizes

While the advantages of getting a larger pool are readily apparent, the case for smaller pools might not exist so obvious. In addition to beingness cheaper, they're also easier to maintain and toll less to heat. Likewise, even if you lot accept aplenty space in your backyard for a larger puddle, a smaller one leaves more room for other activities.

That might not seem of import at first, when your new puddle dominates your complimentary time. However, once the honeymoon period is over, y'all may turn more toward other pastimes. That's when you will appreciate the flexibility a smaller puddle offers.