When it comes to swimming pool installation in Orange County, the only limit is your imagination. Almost. Swimming pools come in so many different shapes and sizes that the number of choices borders on the ridiculous.
In fact, all that choice can actually make it more difficult to pick a shape and size, but there’s no need to panic. We’re here to help guide you toward the swimming pool design that best meets your needs—and your backyard.
Pool Installers in Orange County and the Numerous Options They Provide
To start with, the pool size you choose depends greatly on the size of your backyard. You can’t have a 40 ft. pool when the backyard only comfortably allows for 36 ft. You shouldn’t even have a 32 ft. long pool in your 36 ft. yard unless you want your entire garden dominated by the world’s biggest backyard pool.
So, the size of your backyard is one of the biggest factors in determining the right-sized pool for you and your family, but it’s not just about the pool.
Consider pool decking. How much space do you want to give over to a pool deck that comfortably fits your one and only pool lounger? Or one that can accommodate your family and 15 of your closest friends for an outdoor pool party?
What about landscaping? Do you want a landscaped backyard to enhance the attractiveness of your pool? You must ensure that there is plenty of space to fit your dream garden design.
Pool Shape
This is where shape comes in. Sometimes you can get the size pool you want with a freeform shape rather than the standard rectangle or oval pool. Pool installers in Orange County can give you expert advice on how the pool shape can optimize backyard space.
The shape you choose also influences the landscaping design. A freeform pool lends itself to creative surrounding landscaping and additional features, like a water slide or waterfall.
Time to Look at Swimming Pool Dimensions
While depth is important, the dimensions you really want to pay attention to are the length and width. As a rule, you’re looking at a 2:1 ratio, so the length is twice the width.
Using this ratio, standard pool sizes are:
- 16 ft. x 32 ft.
- 18 ft. x 36 ft.
- 20 ft. x 40 ft.
At least, these are the standard dimensions for inground swimming pools.
Above-ground pools, on the other hand, are a little different. There are also three common pool sizes, but these are:
- 15 ft. x 30 ft.
- 21 ft. x 52 ft.
- 24 ft. x 52 ft.
Material Matters
Size and shape are limited to a degree by the material you choose for your pool, be it fiberglass, concrete, or a vinyl liner.
Vinyl liner pools embrace the three standard rectangular or oval inground pool sizes, but they can be customized. Talk to a pool installer in Orange County to find out more about customizing the shape and size of vinyl liner pools.
Concrete pools are the most customizable of the three materials. While any shape is possible, in theory, the most common shape pool builders install is a kidney shape. The most common size for concrete pools is 16 ft. x 32 ft.
Fiberglass pools lend themselves to freeform shapes, although they aren’t quite as customizable as concrete pools because they tend to come in pre-cut shells. Typically, fiberglass pools are 12 ft. x 24 ft.
Pool-Specific Dimensions
Lap Pools
Lap pools are typically used for exercise. They’re much longer than they are wide. If you have the extra space for it, you can get a professional-length lap pool, which is essentially an Olympic pool at 82 ft. long.
Generally, however, residential or urban pools tend to be 40 ft. long and 6 ft. to 10 ft. wide, which is perfectly sufficient for swimming laps in your backyard swimming pool.
Plunge Pools
Technically, plunge pools should be deep enough to fully submerge after exiting a sauna or hot tub. There are no hard and fast rules, but plunge pools tend to be 7 ft. x 12 ft., and the average depth is 5 ft. deep.
Endless Pools
Despite what their name suggests, endless pools are actually pretty small. They’re endless because they have a strong current to swim against. They’re the perfect pool size to swim endlessly against the current for exercise.
They’re terrific for exercise in backyards with limited outdoor space, with the average dimensions being 9 ft. x 15 ft.
L-Shaped Pools
L-shaped pools are what it says on the box, pools that make a right angle to provide the characteristic L-shape. One section of the L is often reserved for the shallow end and the other is a dedicated deep end.
L shape pools make great beach pool entry or zero-entry pools, where the entrance to the pool gradually deepens as if you’re walking into the ocean.
The dimensions for the long side are usually 38 ft. to 40 ft. The base of the L is usually 24 ft. to 26 ft. The short side is usually 16 ft. to 20 ft.
Popular Swimming Pool Shapes and Designs
Rectangular Pools
These are the most common type of pool you’ll find just about anywhere in the world. They can accommodate more people than many other pool shapes and are ideal recreation pools for families and friends that like to play pool games, like pool volleyball.
Rectangle pools come in very many sizes, from short plunge-type pools to longer lengths for exercise.
Furthermore, not only are rectangular pools as great as inground pools, but they are also the most common shape for indoor pools.
Oval Pools
These are also quite common. They’re quite versatile because you can choose a small size and create a cozy oasis surrounded by nature-inspired landscaping, or you can go large with a Baja shelf for luxurious lounging and sipping cocktails.
Oval shape pools work well in big backyards because their soft edges can blend better into the landscape than the hard edge of rectangular or L-shaped pools.
Freeform Pools
These are designed to mimic a natural body of water. They have no defined pool layout but have soft, round edges that go well with luxurious landscaping.
Freeform pools are also great for big backyard spaces and modern architecture because they can be molded to complement the overall feel of the property.
Geometric Pools
These are the exact opposite of freeform pool styles in that they are sharp and angular, whereas freeform pools are soft and round. The exact size and shape are customizable, and the overall design is best approached as a project with your pool installer in Orange County.
Get the Right Pool for Your Needs with Calimingo Pools
You can also consult a custom pool installer in Orange County about the suitability of figure-8, kidney or bean-shaped pools, and Roman and Grecian pools for your backyard.
If you’re looking for this and any other information about inground and above-ground pool installation, contact us at 714-235-3294 at Calimingo Pools today!