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Is a round or rectangle pool better?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 25, 2026

Typically, a long, rectangular pool is based for laps since it lets you swim in a straight line. A rounded pool would be better for lounging and for recreational swims. These pools are usually smaller and do not have a straight path for swimming laps.

What shape of pool is best?

Rectangular pool shapes are universally the most common among all designs. While round pools are more communally social, rectangular pools are better for accommodating different groups of people. This is why most apartment buildings tend to adopt this shape for their pools, especially since landscaping is so limited.

What is the most popular pool shape?

1. Rectangle Pools. Rectangles aren't the most inventive pool shapes available, but they're definitely popular and practical.

What shape of above ground pool is best?

If your yard is longer than it is wide, an oval pool will typically fit better, allowing for more swim space in the available area.

What is the most popular shape inground pool?

Freeform. Freeform inground swimming pool shapes are the most space-friendly and popular pool shape. With a freeform shape, you can customize your pool's shape in any way that works best for you and your yard. Free-form pools generally have more curves than other pool shapes, allowing you to build a truly unique oasis.

42 related questions found

Which pool shape is cheapest?

Cost of Rectangular Pools

Rectangular pools are much simpler than curved pools, because of their straightforward angles. If homeowners wanted to build a concrete pool themselves as an extensive DIY project, a rectangular pool would be the most likely option because of its simplicity.

Are round pools better than oval?

Larger round pools can offer the best lap swimming along with plenty of room for additional swimmers in the pool. ( The largest oval pool is 18′ wide by 33′ long whereas the largest round is 33′ each way offering more room to swim laps either way.)

Are round or oval pools cheaper?

An oval pool, especially with a nice deck, can look much like an inground pool – at a vastly lower price. It gives you more length for swimming laps. Depending on your back yard, it may fit better – though it will take up more ground area than the equivalent round.

What size round pool should I get?

Round pools start at 12 feet in diameter, with 24-foot-diameter pools, which can fit four to five people, being the most popular choice, Carnes says. The most popular oval pools are 15 feet by 30 feet. The depth of your pool depends on the wall height.

Why are pools round?

In an above-ground configuration, the round pool has many advantages: due to its perfect roundness, it's free-standing, which makes it the most sturdy option for an above-ground pool. It also allows optimum water flow and thus very efficient filtration. This shape is less suitable for a fully in-ground pool, however.

Is a rectangle pool cheaper?

When it comes to construction, take note: Rectangular pools typically cost more than curved pools. The reason why is increased perimeter footage. Rectangles may require more square footage in a backyard. A perfect rectangle provides zero flexibility to incorporate or allow for the intrusion of other structures.

What is the average pool shape?

Most modern swimming pools are rectangular in shape. Kidney shape and curved pools were hugely popular in the 80s. It's up to you what shape you choose, but rectangular pools provide maximum pool space.

What is a good size pool for a small backyard?

While the sizes and dimensions of pools vary, anything that's about 10 feet by 10 feet or smaller is typically considered a small pool. In terms of depth, three feet is standard for soaking and floating, and four to five feet and above is the best depth for lap pools. From there, it's up to you.

What is the most common pool size?

In general, the most common inground pool sizes are:

  • 5-10 ft long (spa size)
  • 10-15 ft. long.
  • 15-20 ft. long.
  • 20-25 ft. long (for a small to medium-sized family)
  • 25-30 ft. long.
  • 30-35 ft. long.
  • 35-40 ft. long.
  • 40-45 ft. long (for the serious swimmer!)

Is a 24 foot round pool big enough?

Although not a limit, but used as a guideline, it is common to have no more than 1 swimmer per 15 square feet. If you have a 24-foot round pool you will be able to have roughly 30 swimmers.

What is a good size swimming pool?

It's recommended having a depth fewer than six feet to meet most pool needs. For a family of six to eight people, an 18 foot by 36-foot pool is recommended. This should be sufficient to avoid crowding and allow for the playing of games. Rectangle shaped pools look best for this size.

Is an 18 foot round pool big enough?

The 18' was plenty enough room for 2-3 people floating around and good bit of people standing, but that's it, no diving or swimming laps.

What are the disadvantages of an above ground pool?

If you want a pool you can practice diving in, an above ground pool is not the choice for you. Especially with weather like Massachusetts, above ground pools damage easier than inground pools. Snow and hail can hurt your pool's walls and lining, leading to the pool as a whole not lasting as long.

What the deepest an above ground pool can be?

While above-ground models are typically shallower than in-ground pools, they can still be too deep for small children or unsure swimmers. (Children can drown in as little as one inch of water.) The larger swimming pools can reach depths of about 4.5 feet. Smaller pools can be a mere three inches deep.

How do I choose a swimming pool?

How to Choose a Swimming Pool

  1. 1/3. Get the right fit. Make sure the pool fits your space properly. Plunge pools are ideal for outdoor areas with limited space and can be as small as 8-10-feet square. ...
  2. 2/3. Consider position and using no chemicals. Consider the sun's path when deciding where to install your pool.

How do I make my above ground pool deeper?

Many pool owners, who want the experience of deeper water, opt for a dish-type dig in the center of the pool. The standard vinyl liner will typically allow for an added depth of 3-4 inches using this procedure. However, an "expandable" liner can be obtained which will accommodate a pool depth of up to six feet.

What is buttress free pool?

The newer style support system uses pressure plates that attach to beams that run underneath the pool. This is called a buttress free pool. These pools eliminate the need for the large A-Braces which means you can fit a larger pool in a smaller amount of space.

Is a 12x24 inground pool big enough?

A 12x24 foot pool has a surface area that covers 288 feet, so it should be big enough for your needs based on this rough calculation.

Is a backyard pool worth it?

A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there's no real guarantee that you'll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home's value by 7%.