CHOOSING YOUR SWIMMING POOL SIZE

There are many factors to consider when choosing your swimming pool size that begin with your vision of the space you want to create.

What do you see when you think of a pool? Do you want to create an oasis, a place to gather with family and friends? What features do you want to incorporate into your theme? Your vision can essentially be as large as your space and budget, but you need to address some critical points to ensure the results meet your expectations.

Some are pool-specific:

• Why do you want to install a pool?
• Who will use the pool?
• Are your pets going to use the pool?
• How deep should your pool be?

Other considerations focus on the backyard space:

• What size patio do you want around the pool?
• What else do you want around the pool, i.e., furniture, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, landscaping, etc.?
• Are there any current issues or restraints?

WHY DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL A POOL?

What made you decide to build a pool? The dream of a backyard oasis where you could float on the water with a drink in hand? Maybe your own private paradise complete with a lagoon and gurgling waterfall? Don’t think you need a large pool to make that dream a reality. You can still build a backyard oasis and the money you save can get you those added features.

Did your kids learn to swim in a pool? Was the pool the focal point of summer? A great choice for younger and advanced swimmers is a shallow side for novice swimmers and sports and a deep end for diving.

Do you see your pool as a neighbourhood watering hole or a place to entertain family and friends? Many people don’t always use the pool tend to hang out mostly on the deck or patio. Also keep in mind that if you install a diving board or slide, the pool must comply with length and size safety requirements.

Is the pool going to be a source of exercise? Swimming and water exercise are excellent ways to stay in shape. Lap pools are a great compromise that take less room in your yard and provide options for swimmers and those who prefer to take it easier.

WHO WILL USE THE POOL?

If only adults are going to use the pool, the sky’s the limit for style and size. If you have kids or plan to, or have visitors with kids, you’ll need a shallow end. Consider long-term use when planning a pool.

You also need to consider older adults or those with mobility concerns as far as accessibility and safety are concerned. 

Will the pool be used by a few people or many? Numbers are important when factoring the kind of pool you want in your backyard.

WHAT SIZE DECK/PATIO DO YOU WANT AROUND THE POOL?

Consider the intended use of your deck or patio. You may have more people congregating there than swimmers, so adequate space and features is important to avoid crowding.

WHAT FEATURES DO YOU WANT ON THE PATIO OR IN THE YARD?

Nobody likes fighting for space. You want your patio to be comfortable and inviting, not packed like rush hour traffic. Plan accordingly and allow ample room.

WHAT LIMITATIONS CURRENTLY EXIST?

The first steps are to determine the amount of space available in your backyard. Find out where the property lines are and consider which landscaping features you want to keep as the pool will need to be designed around them. Also factor in patio space to allow for decking around the pool perimeter.

Pool size is the greatest factor of the installation cost, so you need to consider what you really want in your backyard to determine a budget.

POOL SIZE GUIDELINES

While you have a lot to figure out in choosing what kind of pool you want, you also need to know what standard pool sizes are. Essentially, it’s small, medium, and large. These sizes are based on rectangular pools, so any other shapes you consider would be the shape as it would exist within the constraints of a rectangle.

• Small pool: Typically 10′ x 22′
• Medium pool: Typically 14′ x 28′
• Large pool: Typically 15′ x 36′
• X-Large pool: Typically 20′ x 40′

It’s all about building a pool that fits your size, user, and budget needs. Plan it properly and you’ll soon be floating in the water with a drink in your hand!