Choosing the right pool size and pool layout for your home
Overview:
- Standard pool size dimensions have a 2:1 ratio (length to width).
- Lap pools are usually designed for bigger backyards with a standard size of 40 feet by 10 feet.
- Plunge pools can fit many backyards, as they can be as small as 5 feet by 12 feet.
- Endless pools have a built-in current, with an average pool size of 9 feet by 15 feet.
- L-shaped pools gradually increase in depth, with pool dimensions of 38 feet by 40 feet on one section and 24 feet by 26 feet on the other.
- In-ground pools start at a standard size of 16 feet by 32 feet.
- Above-ground pools start at a standard size of 15 feet by 30 feet.
Imagine the pool of your wildest dreams. The pool that’s only ever lived in your head. Now imagine it in your backyard for you to enjoy year-round. With so many different swimming pool shapes and sizes available, with the perfect skilled team your dream pool is simply an installation away.
Can these almost infinite options feel overwhelming? Stressful? Sure. That’s where Calimingo professionals come in. We’ve helped guide homeowners in the right direction when it comes to choosing the best design and pool layout for their homes. And now we’d love to help you. Keep reading and take the first step in learning which pool sizes and designs will work best for your space.
Finding Pool Layout and Sizing Options Right for You
We believe in options. But we also believe in opting for the one that best fits your home and your lifestyle. An excellent starting point is your very own backyard. You’ll want to assess what pool size and shape would work best in your exterior space.
Here’s a scenario: you’ve decided on a 40-foot-long pool. Sure, that sounds great. But what if your backyard can’t accommodate a pool that size? That’s why it’s essential to use the size of your backyard as the building block for your dream pool installation.
But backyard size will never compromise creativity and originality. Your ultimate pool size will be determined by your actual lot size, the amount of pool decking you want, and your landscaping plan. Because we want you to have more than just a pool: We want you to have your ideal private getaway. Beautiful. Lush. And always inviting. That’s the reason we don’t slap a standard-size pool that’s only one shape in every single backyard. We crave originality as much as you do.
Pool Sizes and Shapes and Types, Oh My
At a Glance
| Pool Type | Average Pool Size |
| Lap Pool | 40 feet x 10 feet |
| Plunge Pool | 7 feet x 12 feet |
| Endless Pool | 9 feet x 15 feet |
| L-Shaped Pool | 38 feet x 16 feet |
Let’s take a dive into the different options you have when creating the perfect luxury pool. We’ll discuss average pool size, popular shapes, and different types of pools. This will give you a better understanding of what you want for your backyard.
Dive In And Start Your Project
Pool Types
Lap Pools
Lap pools are precisely what they sound like: pools designed for you to swim laps in. They’re mainly used for exercise. These pools are greater in length than they are in width.
Residential lap pools are usually 40 feet by 10 feet, although they can be as few as 6 feet wide. Olympic pools, the real-deal, professional-level pools designed for champion swimmers, are 82 feet long. But don’t be intimated. You likely won’t find an Olympic pool in a neighborhood backyard.
Plunge Pools
Plunge pools are smaller pools designed for relaxation purposes. They’re just the ticket for those with a smaller backyard. So whether you’re dipping in after the hot tub or going in for an afternoon cooldown, a plunge pool is perfect to submerge your body in.
While there isn’t a set-in-stone size, plunge pops typically are 7 feet by 12 feet, with an average depth of 5 feet.
Endless Pools
Endless pools are not, in fact, literally endless. But they certainly can feel like it thanks to their built-in current. Although there is a start and end point, it feels as though you can swim in it forever since you’re swimming against a current. Endless pools are ideal for those looking to get some serious low-impact cardio sessions right in their backyard.
The standard size of an endless pool is 9 feet by 15 feet.
L-Shaped Pools
Yes, you’re imagining this exactly right: a basic L shape. But this humble pool is anything but basic. While one section of the L has shallow water, the other has significantly more depth.
L-shaped pools make great beach-entry or zero-entry pools, where the pool depth gradually increases as you move farther into the pool as though you’re walking in the ocean.
The long side is usually between 38 feet and 40 feet; the short side can be 16 feet to 20 feet; the base is usually 24 feet to 26 feet.
Popular Swimming Pool Shapes
Were serious when we say one size does not fit all. Here at Calimingo, neither does one shape. We’re happy to accommodate you and your exterior space with the perfect pool shape that fits your aesthetic needs.
Rectangular Pools
The most common pool is rectangular in shape. You’ll see them at recreation centers, public pool spaces, and in lots of residential backyards. There’s a reason for that. Rectangular pools can accommodate more people. They also allow for more than just swimming. Take outdoor pool volleyball, for example. Both teams have the same space on either side.
Rectangular pools come in many different sizes as well. Whether you’re looking for a plunge pool, a lap pool, or an indoor pool, a rectangular pool is usually very accommodating.
Oval Pools
Oval pools are also fairly common. While similar to a rectangular pool, oval pools have softer, curved edges. This allows for added customization and that one-of-a-kind look. Softer edges allow for more seamless landscaping that gives you the oasis you’ve always craved.
Whether you want a nature-inspired space with added plants and shrubs, or a luxurious hotel-style backyard with a Baja shelf for lounging, you can’t go wrong with an oval pool.
Free-Form Pools
Free-form pools are designed to mimic natural bodies of water. They have no defined pool layout and have soft, rounded edges throughout.
If you’re looking to complement the modern architecture of your space, a free-form pool could be an ideal choice. It can be molded to enhance the overall ambience, look, and feel of your property while adding an even more luxurious touch.
Geometric Pools
The opposite of free-form pools, geometric pools have angles and sharp edges. The size and shape of a geometric pool is completely customizable. Our Orange County pool installers can help you decide on the best design.
Standard Pool Size Dimensions
When it comes to swimming pools, you’re thinking of three measurements: depth, length, and width. But before you decide how deep you want your waters to be, you’ll want to decide on the length and width, which is usually at a 2:1 ratio, respectively.
Standard sizes for in-ground pools are:
- 16 feet by 32 feet.
- 18 feet by 36 feet.
- 20 feet by 40 feet.
Standard sizes for above-ground pools are:
- 15 feet by 30 feet.
- 21 feet by 52 feet.
- 24 feet by 52 feet.
Materials Matter for the Best Pool Layout
Our design and installation team at Calimingo works hard to give you a custom-tailored pool. The kind of material you choose is a very important factor and can ultimately influence the size and shape of your swimming pool.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner pools are budget-friendly, stylish, and quick to construct. They feature material that can be customized to most shapes and sizes.
Concrete
Concrete pools come with durability and longevity. While theoretically any shape would be possible, pool installers commonly create kidney-shaped concrete pools. The most common pool size here is 16 feet by 32 feet.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass swimming pools are precut molded pools that come in a variety of shapes. Although they aren’t as versatile as concrete pools, there are ways to customize a fiberglass pool, including tiles, lighting, and ledges. The standard pool size for a fiberglass swimming pool is 12 feet by 24 feet.
Get Your Dream Backyard With the Perfect Pool From Calimingo
If you’re in Southern California, you’re in luck. Calimingo helps homeowners like you select the best shape, size, and type of pool to accentuate their backyard and bring luxury to their life.
Have more questions about pool sizes, the right swimming pool layout, or more? We’d love to answer them. Call us today at 714-235-3294. Become a part of the Calimingo family and live the luxurious pool life you’ve always dreamed of.
