What are the Sizes of Swimming Pools?

Best Selling Swimming Pools Equipments

Owning a pool is generally associated with wealth since pools are a luxury statement. Whether big or small, most people desire to own a pool. However, there are various important factors to consider when installing the pool of your dreams. So, what are the sizes of swimming pools?

Let’s find out!

7  Swimming Pool Sizes

The general size of a swimming pool is determined by two dimensions: length and width. The seven different sizes of swimming pools include:

1. Family Size

Standard family swimming pool sizes are determined by a 2-to-1 ratio comparative to the average backyard pool size. Consequently, the average family pool sizes fall to about three main measurements. They include:

• 16 feet by 32 feet
• 15 feet by 36 feet
• 20   feet by 40 feet

2. Lap Size

A lap pool is built so that swimmers can comfortably swim several laps in it.

The lap pool is mainly designed for exercise. However, the collection is not wide enough to allow many people simultaneously. Therefore, lap pools are generally long, narrow, and deep to account for the space and safety of the legs.

The lap pool is a long and narrower version of a conventional swimming pool. Therefore, installing the structure requires pool pumps, filters, excavation, and skimmers.

If you’ve got advanced construction skills and access to heavy-duty earth-moving equipment, you could consider installing a DIY lap pool kit.

Length

Most pools used for competitions range from:

• 25 meters/ 82 feet
• 50 meters/164 feet

Width

Bodies generate adrenaline waves which are reflected off the pool sides. The narrower the pool, the more the confusion.

Conventional lap dimensions range between:

• 8 and 10 feet wide.

Depth

The deeper the water, the less turmoil. Most lap pools range from:

• 2 to 3 meters

3.  Olympic Size

An Olympic swimming pool is the type of pool used in competitions like the Olympics or championships. The size is so big that the pool holds a capacity of 2.5 million liters of water within a 13000 square feet surface area.

Olympic pools are designed to fit competitive swimmers. Moreover, the depth of the Olympic pool can handle divers since most Olympic size pools have a diving board.

According to FINA requirements, an Olympic pool should be:

• 50 meters long
• 25 meters wide
• 2 meters deep.

There usually are ten lanes where each swimmer competes in eight lanes. The lanes are 2.5 meters wide, and each swimmer is only allowed to swim on a fixed route.

The lines drawn underneath the pool are designed to

• Give swimmers direction
• To notify the swimmer of the primary endpoint since the line fades away two meters before the endpoint.

4.  Infinity Size

With the help of propulsive current, endless pools are designed for stationary swimming. They

enable you to swim “endlessly” and effortlessly. In addition, infinity pools accommodate exercises such as:

•  Water aerobics
•  Cardio
• Technique training

The pool’s current is adjusted using a button to match the preferred speed. Then, the swimmer moves against the present providing, providing a constant swimming position by enabling an illusion of infinity.

Endless pools are also convenient and easy to install in your backyard. The standardized size for endless pools is

• 8 feet by 15 feet

However, there are larger endless dimensions available.

Note: It is recommended that extra space of 2 feet by 3 feet be provided before installing the infinity-size pool.

5.  L-shaped Size

L-Shaped Swimming Pool

Just as the name suggests, the pool is shaped like the letter L. Angles, hard lines, and geometry define the pool size. Customarily, the trim L extension configuration allows playful swimmers to swim in one section without interrupting a diver or a serious swimmer.

In addition, the shape enables a transparent distinction between the shallow end and the deep end, unlike conventional pools that vaguely define the ends. Also, the L-shape improves the aesthetic ambiance of the ground pool.

There are three dimensions of the L-shaped pools.

• Length- 34 feet by 44 feet
• Width – 16 feet by 20 feet
• L-base- 24 feet by 26 feet

6.  Small Size

Small pools are designed to fill up small spaces left in the compound or inside the house. Generally, a collection is considered small if it totals 600 square feet or less.

Small pool dimensions include:

• Length- 26 meters
• Width- 13 meters

7. Plunge Size

The name plunge pool originates from the naturally occurring small but deep water pools at the base of most waterfalls. The structure is designed to focus on the relaxation of the body in the water instead of active swimming.

The relaxation is made possible and practical by in-built seating structures that enable maximum comfort while relaxing. Although designed for comfort, plunge pools can also be used as traditional pools for exercise purposes.

Some of the exercises include in-water aerobics, treadmill, and the bike running. Plunge swimming pools are more prevalent in Australia and Europe. A standard plunge pool has three common dimensions. They include:

• 7 feet by 12 feet
• 8 feet by 8 feet
• 8 feet by 16 feet

Depth

A regular plunge pool is between  4-8 feet deep.

What Determines the Swimming Pool Size?

1. Budget

The available capital dramatically determines the size of your pool. Swimming pools are expensive to install and maintain. Likewise, a larger swimming pool is costly to build compared to a smaller pool. Therefore, prolonged financial planning is essential in determining the budget of the size desired.

2. Purpose of the Pool

There are various reasons why pools are installed. However, pools have different purposes. Therefore, the use of the pool greatly determines the pool size.

Pools designed for laps are more extensive, deeper, and longer compared to pools intended for relaxation.

Olympic size pools are designed for athletes and competitive swimmers. They are 40 feet long to enable effective exercise routines.

Family-size pools are often small or medium since they are built for recreational purposes and do not have many users.

3. Space Available

One of the critical considerations is the space available. A limited backyard space consequently means a small or medium pool. On the other hand, if you have unlimited space, a larger pool is convenient.

In addition, the space terrain is also crucial in determining the size of the pool. For example, building structures, plants, and other objects might limit the desired pool size space.

Also, consideration of additional accessories around the pool area determines how much space the pool occupies. These accessories include:

• Deck
• Diving board
• Poolside

4. Prospective Users

When thinking about the prospective users, consider their age, mobility, size, and swimming capability. For example, if the users of your pool are adults, select an average depth and bigger size to ensure maximization of the swimming area.

Also, if you have children, a small pool size with a wading area is more convenient. In addition, small pools offer the advantage of clearly observing the kids as they swim and play in water compared to bigger pools.

If you are building a recreational swimming facility, you need to create a big pool to accommodate all the customers available.

5. Swimming Pool Shapes

There are different types of swimming pool shapes, and each one of them has a different size.

For example, rectangular pools take more space compared to kidney-shaped collections. Rectangular pools are commonly used by competitive swimmers who take long swimming laps. On the other hand, kidney-shaped pools are more recreational and hence do not take much space.

6. Legal Issues

Legal restrictions like local building codes, property lines, drainage, and utility are crucial factors determining your pool’s size. Therefore, it’s recommended that your survey pool plan contains easement information of properties and property lines.

A larger pool might interfere with the property restrictions and drainage norms, and hence a survey is conducted to confirm alignment with the property laws.

What Materials are Used in Different Swimming Pool Sizes?

1. Vinyl Liner

The vinyl liner utilizes a plastic or metal frame, supporting panels, sand base, and a vinyl liner. There are three primary vinyl pool sizes standard in the market. They include:

• 16 feet by 32 feet
• 18 feet by 36 feet
• 20 feet by 40 feet

Vinyl liner is mostly used for inground pools.

2. Concrete

Concrete or gunite pools are the most conventional and popular. The concrete solution is poured on-site to allow customization of virtually any design, shape, or size. In addition, most finishes such as paint, plaster, and unique coating materials are available in various colors.

Concrete pools typically take either a kidney or oval shape. The most common sizes for concrete inground pools are:

• 16 feet by 32 feet

3. Fiberglass

The material is flexible and can be customized to adjust the movement. Fiberglass can withstand all climatic conditions, including soil. Fiberglass is usually produced and delivered in one piece by the manufacturer.

Fiberglass pools are more flexible than concrete hence making them a better choice in earthquake-prone locations. The panel of the fiberglass pool is also constructed on-site to allow more design flexibility.

The fiberglass pool also referred to as radius pool, takes more of the free-form shape. The average size is estimated to be:

• 12 feet by 24 feet

4. Steel

Steel is among the most vital metal elements. Steel is a heavy coated zinc metal or galvanized metal material. During component substitution, the top and bottom plates are combined with the inner and bottom stabilizer rails.

Steel is popular in above-ground pools since the steel beams are used as support for the pool walls.

5. Resin

Resin is a type of solid plastic commonly used in the installation of above-ground pools.  Most resin pools are built from the entire material for maximum durability.

6. Aluminum

Aluminum is considered one of the most durable but lightweight metals.

Aluminum is commonly used in above-ground pools since it’s recyclable; hence can be dismantled and installed as many times as you desire.

7. Hybrid

The hybrid pools are the strongest and most durable since they combine steel and resin materials. Henceforth, the combination of the materials enables you to benefit from the advantages of both types of materials.

Therefore, the quality, effectiveness, and longevity of the pool structures are guaranteed. Typically, there are two common shapes of above-ground hybrid pools. The oval and round shape. Oval pools have an estimated size of:

• 15 feet by 30 feet
• 15 feet by 52 feet

Round shapes have an estimated size of:

• 24 feet by 52 feet

What are the Different Swimming Pool Shapes?

Like any other structure, pools come in different shapes and designs.

The shape of the pool is a critical determinant of the adventure and purpose that a swimming pool brings. In addition, the prevalence of technological innovations has dramatically promoted the diversity of pool shapes.

Currently, there are ten swimming pool shapes available. They include:

• Circular pool
• Kidney-shaped pool
• Figure 8 pool
• Rectangular pool
• Oval pool
• Lazy-L pool
• Freeform pool
• Geometric pool
• Roman swimming pool
• Grecian pool

2 Types of Swimming Pool

There are two types of swimming pools available in the market today. They include:

1. Inground Pool

To be inground means to sink into the ground. Therefore, an inground pool has half of its structure sunk into the ground to create more depth.

The clean appearance and permanence of an inground pool is the most valued aspect. Often, the size of an inground pool largely depends on the type of material. Inground pools are built with three popular materials.

Advantages of Installing an Inground Pool

1. High Resale Value of Property

There is no doubt that the value of your property automatically goes up after swimming pool installation. An inground pool is a permanent asset hence sold as an additional structure in the property.

2. Longevity

Concrete has a life span of more than 100 years. Therefore, you can be sure that the pool will last you a lifetime.

Disadvantages of Installing an Inground Pool

1. Safety Concerns

A private swimming pool is a safety hazard, especially if you have small kids and pets. To avoid any accidents, take the proper precautions around the pool to ensure safety.

2. High Maintenance Costs

Inground pools are expensive to maintain because the maintenance procedures are time-consuming and require so much energy to complete. In addition, the costs of repair are incredibly high.

3. Reduction of the Backyard Space

Swimming pools occupy a large amount of space. Therefore, if you have limited backyard space, you should be willing to give up the entire yard space to install an inground pool.

2. Above-Ground Pool

Above-ground pools are an exceptional choice for a beginner or a young family. The structures are quick to install and can be easily removed.

Above-ground pools are available in four different materials. They include:

Advantages of Installing an Above-ground Pool

1. Portable

Above-ground structures are flexible since they are temporary. Moreover, they are portable and movable hence easy installation and dismantling.

 2. Adjustable Size

Above-ground pools are available in different depths, sizes, and shapes and can be placed anywhere in your yard. You can resize it to a toddler pool or full-size pool. Moreover, as your kids grow older, you can increase the size and depth of your collection.

3. Affordability

Above-ground pools are an appealing option if you are on a budget. They are more affordable compared to the inground pools, which require handsome capital to install.

4. DIY options

In the current market, some above-ground pools are purchased with self-installation or DIY manuals and kits. The package comes with everything needed to install your collection in your own free time and terms.

Above-ground pools are ideal for skilled personnel who prefer to design and build their things. Therefore, the DIY swimming pool options are cost-effective.

5. Low maintenance

An above-ground pool is easier to maintain since fewer amounts of chemicals are used.

In addition, the construction technique and size of above-ground pools, less energy and time is required to clean.

Disadvantages of Installing an Above-ground Pool

1. Growth of Grass

 Pool installation is usually done in the backyard. Henceforth, it is inevitable for the grass below the pool to grow and spoil the water in your collection. In addition, above-ground pools are susceptible to rotting. Once you uninstall the pool, it will take time for new grass to grow in your yard

2. Damages

Above-ground pools are easily punctured by rough surfaces or sharp objects in your backyard. In addition, small animals like snails and earthworms crawl on the pool and hurt the pool’s lining.

3. Limited Lifespan

The pool materials for above-ground pools are short-lasting because of prolonged exposure to climatic conditions and environmental elements. Consequently, above-ground pools have a limited lifespan compared to inground pools.

Therefore, the quality of the materials quickly fades over time hence undermining the pool’s purpose.

4. Zero Property Value

Above-ground pools limit the number of potential buyers and lower the property value. The low property value is because above-ground pools are not regarded as additional permanent structures to the property.

5. Limited designs and features

Unlike inground pools, above-ground pools are rarely customizable into various designs and shapes. In addition, the above-ground pool accommodates minimal features.

For instance, if you are thinking of adding a diving board, the above-ground pool is not the best option to install.

Conclusion

Apart from recreation, a swimming pool has so many benefits to the user. Henceforth, the pool size is one of the most consequential decisions that an investor faces during installation. However, many factors determine the swimming pool size.

Therefore, if you are thinking about installing a backyard pool, it’s essential to be informed on the different swimming sizes available for easier planning, budgeting, and installation.