Average Sizes of Home Swimming Pools
When planning for a new swimming pool installation, one of the most important considerations is determining the right size to meet your family's needs and fit your available backyard space. With so many factors to weigh, choosing the optimal dimensions for your home pool can be an overwhelming decision.
By understanding typical lengths, widths, depths, and overall area, you can make an informed choice when evaluating different pool measurements for your property.
Average Lengths and Widths
The average length of most home swimming pools ranges between 20-40 feet, with rectangular designs generally falling on the longer end of that spectrum. More customized freeform pool shapes may be a bit shorter or narrower on average.
For widths, a typical at-home pool is usually between 10-20 feet across. Again, rectangles tend toward the higher widths while more unique kidney bean and oval layouts could measure a bit narrower from side to side.
When factoring both length and width, most affordable homeowner pools end up with an average overall water surface area between 300-900 square feet. By the numbers, that generally works out to be about 15x30 feet on average.
Average Area and Volume
Based on typical backyard space constraints, the most common residential pool sizes by area fall into these ranges:
- Small: 300-400 square feet
- Medium: 400-600 square feet
- Large: 600-900+ square feet
For overall water capacity and volume, you can expect:
- 15x30 foot pool holds approx. 18,000 gallons
- 20x40 foot pool holds approx. 30,000 gallons
Depth Considerations
The depth of your swimming pool also contributes to its overall size capacity. Most home pools have varying depths, with a shallow end for standing and games, a sloped transition to the deep end for diving, and graduated steps leading into the water.
Shallow End Depths
The shallow end generally starts around 3 feet deep on average and slopes down from there to the middle depths. This kid-friendly zone is ideal for pool accessories like slides, basketball hoops, splash pads, and interactive water features that require good footing for safety.
Deep End Depths
In the deep section, home pools often range between 6-10 feet deep on average to have enough space for diving boards. Many local codes actually require a minimum depth of 6 feet as well. The slope between shallow and deep areas often increments 1 foot per 10-15 feet on average.
Slope and Transition Areas
This angled area between 3-6 feet allows for a smooth, gradual transition between wading depths and diving depths. The slope should not be too drastic, as this could increase injury risks. Gentler 1:12 ratios are best.
Shapes and Designs
When evaluating swimming pool sizes and dimensions, the first decision is often the overall shape and footprint design.
Rectangle
The most common pool shape, rectangle designs maximize useable area for laps, games, and free swimming. Standard rectangular measurements are often 20x40 feet on average.
Freeform
Custom freeform kidney and oval pools offer a more creative, flowing shape. Average size is around 15x30 feet area, with more unique dimensions possible.
Oval
Oval above-ground pools are space-saving options perfect for smaller backyards. They average around 15x24 feet generally.
Kidney
Kidney-shaped pools have an organic, asymmetrical appeal well-suited for landscaping. Usable lengths average 20-30 feet on the long side.
Custom
For a true one-of-a-kind pool, customized plans allow any size and shape you can imagine. Just be aware custom work costs more.
Additional Size Factors
When determining the right pool size for your backyard, there are a few other important considerations beyond depths and dimensions that come into play.
Backyard Space
One of the top factors is simply how much usable yard area you have to work with while still allowing functional space around the pool perimeter. Prioritize layour over maximizing pool size.
Local Regulations
Most counties and municipalities have codes and restrictions regarding pool placement, setbacks from property lines, allowable area coverage, and more. Review these before designing plans.
Cost and Budget
Bigger custom pools get exponentially more expensive. Prioritize features over simply maximizing size if budget is a main concern. Consider phased construction.
Household Needs
Tailor pool size and design to your family's interests and ages. Active swimmers may prioritize lap lengths over relaxation space. Games, slides, beach areas suit families.
Pool Capacity and Gallons
While lengths, widths, and depths help determine overall pool sizes, most manufacturers size recommendations according to total water capacity in gallons.
Number of People
As a general rule of thumb, plan for at least 300-500 gallons per swimmer. For example, a medium 16x32 foot pool holding 17,000 gallons would comfortably accommodate 10-15 swimmers at once.
Gallons of Water Needed
Here are some common pool sizes by total gallons:
- Small: 5,000-8,000 gallons
- Medium: 8,000-20,000 gallons
- Large: 20,000+ gallons
Relation to Size
While not exact, you can estimate gallons based on pool size as follows:
- 10x10 foot pool = 3,000 gallons
- 15x30 foot pool = 15,000-18,000 gallons
- 20x40 foot pool = 30,000+ gallons
Specialty Pool Types
If looking beyond basic swimming and soaking purposes, there are endless design options, shapes, and specialty pool categories to consider that have their own size standards.
Lap Pools
For swimmers and athletes, long, narrow lap pools allow room to swim back and forth continuously without too much turning. Minimum 25+ foot lengths are best.
Plunge Pools
Cool-off plunge pools can be as small as 5x7 feet. Small footprints, often with infinity edges, are built more for a quick dip rather than swimming.
Infinity Edge
Infinity edge pools have a vanishing edge on one or more sides, designed for dramatic views. Average sizes are still often 16x32 feet.
Construction and Materials
The structural framework and walls of your pool also play a role in possibilities for overall sizes and custom shapes when planning backyard pools. Be aware that more complex plans may have added engineering considerations.
Concrete
Poured concrete pools offer the most flexibility for any custom size or freeform shape imaginable. However, they are the most expensive option.
Fiberglass
Prefab fiberglass pool shells can be ordered in many standard sizes. While shapes are limited to dimensional offerings, fiberglass can suit tight spaces.
Vinyl Liner
For above ground pool kits, vinyl liners come in select sizes to fit the supporting wall structures. Round sizes often start around 12-24 feet diameters.
Maintenance and Operations
While size itself does not inherently increase general pool upkeep duties like cleaning, balancing chemicals, or managing equipment, larger water volumes do impact utilities, heating, circulation, and more.
Cleaning
All pools require regular skimming, scrubbing, vacuuming, and removal of debris. General surface area is more important than volume for cleaning.
Chemical Balancing
Larger pools require more chemicals and additives to maintain safe pH and sanitizer levels. Automation helps for convenience and accuracy.
Heating
The bigger the area and volume, the more gas, solar panels or heat pumps are needed to warm all that water. Smaller pools heat more affordably.
Filtering and Circulation
Higher pool circulation rates are needed to turnover all the water in one day given greater capacities. Multiple skimmers help pull surface debris as well for optimal filtration.
Getting Quotes for Installation
While designing plans centered around common residential swimming pool sizes is a good starting point, it's always smart to get professional guidance tailored your property's parameters.
Hiring Pool Contractors
Work with qualified builders and designers familiar with local regulations and safety codes for homeowners. Credentials establish expertise.
Bid Requests
Get quotes from at least 3 reputable pool companies before moving forward. Clearly outline all desired specifications regarding sizes, features, materials when soliciting estimates.
Comparing Pricing
Beyond just size, compare warranties, energy efficiencies, brands, and durability characteristics when selecting a pool contractor as well based on proposals.
Future Resale Value
Most real estate investors consider pools to be strong selling features that boost property worth. Evaluate what sizes and types are common in your area to choose options future buyers may desire.
Return on Investment
Overall, installing an average-size in-ground swimming pool costs $35,000-50,000 and returns 50-70% at resale. Larger pools recoup less comparatively.
Increased Property Worth
Homes with pools on average sell for 85-100% more compared to non-pool properties. Even smaller plunge pools boost desirability and listings.
Improved Curb Appeal
Outdoor amenities like pools in backyards catch potential buyers' eyes, spurring interest and higher bids. Place smartly visible from entry sightlines.
Finding the optimal swimming pool size requires balancing your family's priority use, backyard layout, long-term budget, and even future real estate goals. While average area dimensions of 15x30 feet suit most homeowners' needs, consider factors like water capacity, slopes, specialty uses, maintenance, costs, and resale value when weighing your ideal swimming pool measurements.
By understanding typical gallon volumes, depth ranges, available shapes, and more, you can tailor plans to your unique priorities. Remember, bigger is not always better when it comes to home pools. Focus more on quality functionality versus maximizing sheer size or dimensions.