Choosing the Right Pool Size for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Perfecting Your Backyard Oasis

When you decide to add a pool to your house, choosing the right size is a key decision. This article will help you determine what size pool is appropriate for your home based on factors such as intended use, space available, budget constraints, and personal preferences.

1. The Size of the Pool

For its Intended Use A pool’s dimensions will be heavily influenced by its intended purpose. Here are some examples and their respective size recommendations:

Lap Swimming: A long, narrow pool is required for exercise and lap swimming. Standard lap pools are typically 40-50 feet by 8-10 foot wide. This allows for uninterrupted swimming strokes.

Recreational Swimming: A medium-sized pool is perfect for family fun and games. For recreational swimming, a pool that is 16-20 feet by 32-40 feet in size would be ideal. This will give you plenty of space to swim, float and play without feeling cramped.

Diving: In order to ensure safe diving, the pool should be larger and deeper. The deep end of the pool should measure at least 8 feet deep. This project would be best suited to a pool that is 20-30 feet wide and 40-50 feet long.

A Small Pool on a Budget or in a Small Yard: Even with limited budgets or space, you can enjoy a pool that is smaller. The cocktail or plunge pools are typically 10-14 feet by 20-28 foot long and provide a refreshing spot in confined spaces.

2. Available Space (Bottom-Right Corner of Yard)

Your yard is a key factor in determining what size pool you need for your family. It is important to accurately measure the available space, while considering:

Distance from Structures: Ensure that there is sufficient distance between the pool and existing structures, such as your home, garage or fence. Local building codes may specify the minimum distances required to ensure safety and access to maintenance for optimal performance.

Landscaping & Decking: Create a beautiful and comfortable pool area by planning ahead. As a general rule, you should leave at least six feet around the perimeter of your pool.

When choosing the location of your pool, consider the shade and sun exposure. The sun’s exposure can increase the warmth of the pool or placing it under a cover could help reduce overheating.

3. Budget considerations

The size and complexity of the pool project will be heavily influenced by your budget. Here is a breakdown of how the size of your pool can affect budget.

Construction costs: Due to excavation, labor and material expenses, the cost of pool construction increases with its size. Even though smaller pools are more affordable, they still provide a luxurious experience.

Maintenance costs: Larger pools require more chemicals, energy, and water than smaller pools. Take into consideration all the long-term costs that may be associated with keeping them clean, heated and balanced.

Additions: Adding features such as slides, waterfalls or elaborate lighting can cause costs to skyrocket. To stay within your budget, it is important to match the size of the pool with any features you desire.

4. Personal Preferences

The size of the pool that best suits you will be determined by your lifestyle and preferences. When making this decision, you should consider the following:

The pool should enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property by complementing the architectural and landscape design. This aspect will be enhanced by a well-designed pool that is well integrated into its surroundings.

Future Needs: Think about how your needs might change over time. If you buy a pool for your young child, it may be too small when they grow up and start swimming laps and diving. Planning ahead can help to ensure that the size remains functional over time.

Entertaining guests: If you are planning to host pool parties or entertain your guests on a regular basis, a large pool with plenty of space for swimming and relaxing will be ideal. Having designated sections, such as shallow wading sections for children and deeper areas for adults, could be even more beneficial.

5. The Dimensions of Different Pools

Standard sizes of different types of pools can guide you in your choice.

Inground Swimming Pools are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The standard sizes are 10×20 feet for small pools and 20×40 feet for larger ones.

Above-Ground pools: Above-ground swimming pools are typically more cost-effective, quicker to install and can range from 12×41 feet in size for oval pools to 21×12 feet for round pools. Standard sizes are 12ft round pools up to 33ft oval ones.

These small pools, which are designed for relaxation and not swimming, can range in size from 6×12 feet to 10×20.

Infinity Pools – Known for their stunning visual effect, these pools require more space and investment compared to traditional swimming pools.

6. Building Codes and Regulations

It is important to check local regulations and building codes that may impact your decision on the size of your pool. This can help you avoid costly construction adjustments and ensure that the project runs smoothly.

Consideration of various factors is necessary to determine the right size for your home swimming pool. These include intended use, space available, budget, and personal preferences. When choosing the right size pool to meet your lifestyle and needs, you should consider a balance between lap pools for exercise and family enjoyment and recreational pools for family fun. You can also choose a compact plunge pool or float pool for relaxation. When making a decision, you should consider all the factors. This will help to create something that will enhance your home’s value and provide years of enjoyment.

This article was written by an expert at Pool Stop Custom Pools. Pool Stop has built custom swimming pools for the DFW region for more than 20 years. We are consistently voted as “Best”. Custom pool builders in Dallas tx Living Magazine’s readers have voted “in Rockwall” year after year. Our goal is provide the best construction and design technology to the community. Our team is made up of some of the most highly educated and experienced professionals in the business. Pool Stop provides a wide range of services, including: New Pool Design & Pool Construction; Retail Pool Store; Pool Supplies; Water Testing and Pool Cleaner Repair. Visit us today to receive a FREE Water Analysis.