When you decide to install an in-ground swimming pool, the whole family is undoubtedly caught up in the excitement. The kids are probably imagining pool parties and lazy summer days floating away the hours. You might be picturing family water sports, swimming laps for exercise before work, or just relishing the idea of your kids playing outside instead of staring at their phones all day. Before you get started on the build though, one big design decision needs to be made: What shape swimming pool should you choose?
With almost limitless design choices, that can be a hard decision if you don’t already have a clear idea of your dream pool in mind. Not to worry, we have a couple of tips to help make that decision easier! When it comes down to it, there’s two things you should really take into consideration.
The first aspect of a great pool design is including the shape of your yard and landscaping. From lagoon-inspired natural designs to classic lap-style swimming pools, the size and shape of your yard matters. As you consider the lines of your yard, it might be obvious to you that a particular style will work best, but if not, don’t worry. We help you through every step of the installation process, including the planning phase! When you’re ready to begin the process, call us at 203-265-5980 or email lisa@brotherspool.com for an in-home appointment.
The second thing to consider in picking your pool shape is how it will be used and your lifestyle in general. Some designs are best for swimming laps and training. Some allow more room for splashing, playing, and family sports. Some shapes will even make it more obvious to little swimmers where the deeper end begins so it’s easy for them to stay in the shallows.
As you think about the shape of your yard, plus your lifestyle needs, here’s a few styles to consider:
Rectangle
This classic shape complements many properties. If your yard is generally square or rectangle, this shape is probably a great choice for you. It also tends to work well in smaller yard designs. It’s excellent for swimming laps and comes in a range of lengths and depths.
L or Lazy-L
A great choice for the family looking for both room to swim laps plus a designated shallow area for kids to play in, the L and Lazy-L designs are rectangle swimming pools with a short leg that forms an L shape, or in the case of the Lazy-L, a diagonal angle. The short side provides an easy visual for kids to see their safe zone.
Kidney
An oval swimming pool with an indentation on one side, a kidney-shaped pool is great for homeowners going for a more natural looking pool. It fits aesthetically into most yards, and lends itself to many design styles. You could add an in-ground spa to the indentation; use that space for eye-catching landscaping; or make it a patio with comfortable seating so you can see the entire swimming pool, and all swimmers, while relaxing.
Free Form
When you picture your dream swimming pool, do you see a lagoon oasis with a waterfall? If so, a free form pool is for you! A free form swimming pool can take nearly any shape and is designed to blend into the elements of an existing area, or when starting from scratch, to give your yard a nature-inspired design. There’s countless free form options, and this type of pool is a lovely choice for bringing character to your home, and showcasing your personality.
These are just a few of our favorite choices, but there are so many designs—you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your space! To see more swimming pool shapes, check out our Fiberglass Pools here, and our Vinyl selection here.
