A swimming pool is far more than just a tub of water in your backyard. It’s a lifestyle choice, a vibrant gathering spot for loved ones, and your personal oasis for relaxation or exercise. If you’re ready to make this dream a reality, you’ve likely discovered there’s a lot to consider beyond simply digging a hole and filling it with water. One of the most crucial (and exciting!) decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right size for your swimming pool installation. From the dimensions of your garden to your budget, lifestyle, and family needs, there are plenty of factors to weigh. This guide will help you uncover the key considerations and provide actionable insights to find the perfect pool size for your home and family.
Popular Pool Sizes to Consider
Before you plan your poolside parties, it’s a good idea to start with some basic dimensions. Pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs and budgets. Below is a range of standard pool sizes to give you an initial idea of what might work for your space and lifestyle:
- 12 x 24 feet (approx. 3.6 x 7.3 metres): Perfect for smaller backyards or families of 1–3 people. Ideal for casual lounging and cooling off on hot days.
- 16 x 32 feet (approx. 4.9 x 9.8 metres): A versatile choice for medium-sized yards. It’s great for families of 3–5 people and offers enough space for additional features like a patio or dining area.
- 18 x 36 feet (approx. 5.5 x 11 metres): This size comfortably accommodates larger families (6–8 people) and provides plenty of room for games, swimming, and relaxation.
- 20 x 40 feet (approx. 6.1 x 12.2 metres): Ideal for luxury designs and larger backyards, ensuring adequate space for entertaining and a variety of water activities.
Pro Tip: These measurements typically follow a 2-to-1 length-to-width ratio for rectangular pools, which is the most common shape due to its timeless design and versatility. For an interactive way to visualise the pool that will fit your space and needs, check out our easy and convenient Pool Planner Tool! It’s your first step toward turning your dream pool into a reality.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pool Size
Define Your Purpose for the Pool
What do you hope to gain from your swimming pool? Whether it’s for splashing around with the kids, serious lap swimming, or pure relaxation, your primary purpose will directly influence your choice of pool size.
- For family fun and entertainment:
- Consider a mix of shallow areas for kids and deeper sections for adult swimmers.
- Recommended size: 18 x 36 feet for larger families or 16 x 32 feet for smaller families.
- Pro Tip: Check out popular models like the Grande (rectangular) or Coral Sea (kidney-shaped) for these features.
- For exercise and lap swimming:
- A rectangular pool with a minimum length of 30 feet is best for uninterrupted swimming.
- Recommended size: 30–40 feet in length. Consider models like the Whitsunday for its generous swim lanes.
- For compact relaxation:
- A shallow pool with a smaller footprint is ideal for limited backyard spaces.
- Recommended size: Under 14 x 25 feet. The Outback Escape and Pixie models are perfect for this purpose.
Assess Your Backyard Space
Your available outdoor space will dictate the maximum pool size you can install. Make sure to account for surrounding features, such as patios, gardens, or seating areas. Also, remember to leave adequate deck space (at least 3–5 feet, or approx. 1-1.5 metres) around the pool for relaxation and safety.
Expert Tip: Use our Backyard Pool Planner to visualise how different pool sizes fit in your yard before making any big decisions. With just a few clicks, you can see how your dream pool complements your existing outdoor space.
Think About Pool Maintenance
Larger pools generally require more effort and resources to clean and maintain. If you’re planning for frequent use or have pets and kids, investing in a durable material like fibreglass can significantly reduce long-term maintenance headaches. Our fibreglass pools are sturdy, require fewer chemical treatments, and are less susceptible to algae growth compared to concrete.
Bonus: Fibreglass pools like Barrier Reef’s models are available in various shapes and sizes with added longevity and beauty.
Determine Your Budget
Your chosen pool size will also heavily depend on your budget. Here’s how costs might vary based on pool dimensions and installation style:
- Smaller Pools:
- Offer lower upfront costs and reduced ongoing maintenance expenses.
- Great for compact backyards or those looking for an affordable entry point to pool ownership.
- Larger Pools:
- Involve higher installation and ongoing maintenance costs, but provide added flexibility for hosting parties or diverse family recreational use.
Financing Tip: Many finance companies offer customised plans specifically for pool projects. These packages can make it easier to stretch your payments over time without compromising on the size or features you desire.
Local Regulations and HOA Guidelines
Ensure your pool design adheres to all local regulations, zoning laws, and Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements. These may include restrictions on size, placement on your property, or specific fencing mandates.
So, What Size Pool Best Meets My Needs?
This might seem like a simple question, but when you delve deeper, you might discover you need a swimming pool for various reasons beyond just “wanting one.” Constructing a swimming pool isn’t just a spontaneous decision; in most cases, there’s an underlying reason for the investment. Therefore, it’s crucial to review all the benefits a swimming pool can offer you and your family, and then, from that understanding, determine the right size pool for your garden. Here are some ideas to consider:
A. For recreational purposes:
Pools for recreation should ideally have both a shallow and, in some cases, a deep end. The shallow end provides a safe area for children, while the deeper sections can be enjoyed by older or more experienced swimmers. This versatility is important if you expect people of all ages to be using the pool. A depth of less than six feet (approx. 1.8 metres) is generally recommended to meet most family pool needs.
- For a family of six to eight people, an 18-foot by 36-foot (approx. 5.5 x 11 metres) pool is recommended. This size should be sufficient to avoid crowding and allow for games. Rectangle-shaped pools often look best for this size. Want to see a great model in this size range? See the Grande.
- For a family of fewer than six, a 16-foot by 32-foot (approx. 4.9 x 9.8 metres) pool would be more compatible. This size allows for swimming and casual relaxation while staying cool. Kidney, freeform, or bean-shaped pools work best for this pool size. The Coral Sea and Oyster are good options in this size range.
- For smaller backyard footprints, you’ll be looking for a pool that offers the ability to simply chill and relax. For that kind of pool, you will be looking for a size that’s under the 14-foot by 25-foot (approx. 4.3 x 7.6 metres) range. You can get a lot of versatility from smaller pools, and they occupy a much smaller space, which is perfect if you have a more compact garden to work with. The Outback Escape, Milano, and Pixie are good fibreglass pool models in this size range.
B. For swimming laps for regular exercise:
This type of pool should ideally be a rectangular-shaped pool. We recommend a minimum of 30 feet (approx. 9.1 metres) in length to provide ample space for lap swimming and exercise. The swim lane is important, but so are the depth and other features. The Coral Sea and Whitsunday models offer wide swim lanes specifically designed for swimming laps.
C. For competitive and athletic swimmers:
Pool depths should be more than your height, and you should have a pool that allows you to practice complete strokes to maximise your efforts. We have two pool models that are 40-foot (approx. 12.2 metres) in length, and these pools are also excellent for entertaining. See all of our pool models here.
How Big is Your Living Space?
Not all pool needs are identical, and not all backyards are of a standard size. Therefore, the physical space you have available in your garden will significantly dictate the pool size you can install, along with any other design features you wish to integrate. Nonetheless, not all houses boast large outdoor areas capable of accommodating wide-ranging pool sizes. Thus, it’s crucial to maximise the use of your living space when planning your swimming pool project. Because we offer a wide array of pool sizes, you will be able to optimise your project accordingly.
To Wrap Things Up on the Right Swimming Pool Size for You
Choosing the perfect swimming pool size and shape for your family might not be as straightforward as you initially thought. You’ll need to consider many aspects, and it might seem overwhelming at first. This is where a good swimming pool installer can be invaluable. They can help you explore your swimming pool model options based on your specific needs and assist you in deciding the best pool size to meet all the considerations we’ve discussed in this guide. However, if you’re still uncertain about who to contact, we work with many excellent dealers across the UK, and we can recommend a dealer to you. Contact us today, and we can put you in touch with a Barrier Reef Fibreglass Pool dealer, so you could be swimming in the perfect size pool to meet your needs this summer!