If you’re thinking about getting your pool, you might have a few questions, like how much does a swimming pool cost to build, and which is the right type of pool to choose? Many people also want to know more about pool sizes, as it can be tricky to work out the appropriate pool dimensions to suit your needs and home.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some common pool sizes. We’ll review the typical pool dimensions for a range of common pool types, like above-ground and in-ground pools, and we’ll see how swimming pool sizing can vary from one form of the pool to another, as well as answer some common questions you might have on the subject of pool dimensions.
Standard Pool Sizes
To begin, let’s look at some typical pool sizes for a variety of pool types.
Inground Pool Dimensions
In-ground pools are those that are constructed into the ground itself. A large section of ground is usually dug out before concrete and other materials are poured in to form the pool. Average pool sizes in the ground are around 30 feet in length and 15 feet in width. However, it’s possible to find in-ground pools that are slightly bigger or smaller than this.
Standard Above Ground Pool Dimensions
Above-ground pools are set up on top of the ground, without any digging or excavation usually required. These kinds of pools are usually circular in shape, and the average above-ground pool size can vary from around 21 feet across to 27 feet across. There are other pool dimensions for above-ground pools, like small 12 feet pools and large 30 feet pools.
Lap Pool Dimensions
A lap pool, as the name implies, is specifically designed for people to swim laps in. Such pools tend to be very long, but relatively narrow. So, what’s the standard pool size for a lap pool? Well, typical sizes for this kind of pool range from 6 feet wide by 40 feet long up to 10 feet wide and 80 feet long.
Common Plunge Pool Dimensions
Next up, we have plunge pools. Such pools are mostly used for fun and recreation, rather than fitness or training. They’re a good choice for small yards, as the average pool size for a plunge pool is quite small, ranging between 6 and 8 feet in width and 10 to 20 feet in length. Those looking for pools on a budget may want to consider this kind of small pool.
Olympic-Size Pool Dimensions
Olympic-size pools are some of the largest around in terms of the pool size chart. They’re designed according to the actual standards used at Olympic events and other competitions, and you would need a huge amount of backyard space and lots of cash to build such a pool, as they measure a whopping 164 feet in length and 82 feet across.
Endless Pool Dimensions
So, what about the pool dimensions for an endless pool? Well, even though the name makes it sound like these pools go on forever, they actually tend to be quite small. The standard swimming pool size for a home when installing an endless pool is around 9 feet by 15 feet.
L-Shaped Pool Dimensions
As the name implies, an L-shaped pool is formed in the shape of a letter L, so it doesn’t have a uniform width. The width may vary from anywhere from 16 feet to 20 feet, and the average lengths for these kinds of pools range from 30 up to 44 feet, on average.
Small Pool Dimensions
If you’re wondering about how to build your swimming pool with limited backyard space, a small pool is what you need. Small pools tend to be less than standard swimming pool sizes, and may only measure between 6 and 10 feet across, letting people splash around or relax without offering much space for actual swimming.
How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size:
So, we’ve seen some typical pool sizes in-ground, above-ground, and other varieties, but how do you know which kind of backyard pool size is right for your property and budget? Well, here are some key questions to ask and factors to focus on to help you make the right choice.
How Much Are You Planning to Spend?
Arguably the most important factor to think about when trying to find the standard swimming pool size for your home is your budget. Naturally, bigger pools tend to cost more money, as they require more labor and materials. A very big pool may cost tens of thousands of dollars, while those that are on the smaller end of the pool size chart are much cheaper.
Who Will Be Using Your Pool?
You should also think carefully about how the pool is going to be used when calculating the right dimensions of a swimming pool for your property. Do you have a big family and lots of friends who visit often? If so, you may need quite a large pool to accommodate them all. If, however, only a couple of people plan to use the pool, a small one should suffice.
What Will You Be Using Your Pool For?
Consider the intended usage of your pool, too. If you’re getting a pool for fitness reasons and plan to do lots of swimming laps and training, you may want to opt for a standard pool size that is long and narrow, well-suited for exercise. If, however, the pool is just for relaxing or splashing around, a smaller pool can suffice.
What Will Be Surrounding Your Pool?
It’s also wise to consider the surrounding area around the pool. Do you want to have a patio and entertainment space around the pool, for example? If so, you’ll need to think about that when planning out the pool design. Or maybe you have large trees or fences that might get in the way, and it’s recommended to not run a pool to the edge of the property line, as this could cause problems with neighbors.
As we can see, with pools available in such a wide range of sizes, choosing the right size is so important when thinking about adding any kind of pool to your property. You need to think carefully, consider all the factors, including budget and available space, and potentially even work with professional pool designers to help you make the very best choice.
