Newbie’s Guide to Inground Pool Shapes

New to pools? You’re in the right spot. Today’s topic is Pool Shapes. The simple way to look at it is there are two ways to go when it comes to pool shapes. You either do Geometric (pools with 45-degree angles) or Freeform (which is pools with curves). After knowing that, today’s post gets a little granular on standard pool shapes, custom pool shapes, and what works best for certain spaces and budgets. This way you will have an idea of what you want when the time comes to hire a pool contractor.

POOL SHAPES

Rectangle

This is by far the most common shape and fits efficiently and attractively in most yards. Many other pool shapes are simply variations of the rectangular shape. Rectangle pools present a modern style of simplicity, elegance, and clean lines.

Pros: Great savings on material costs compared to any free form pool, fewer grout lines, and cuts, and can fit on most spaces. Rectangle pools are the perfect shape for those modern homes looking for a clean look and a simple design. Because of their “straight lines,” a rectangular pool provides ample space for children to play and to swim laps.

Cons: Are mainly used for modern properties due to having straight edges.

Roman End & Double Roman End

Roman-shaped pools are large rectangular pools with domes that emerge outward on both sides. One of the domes usually has stairs to enter the pool. This shape is excellent for sunbathing since the stairs provide a rather large platform to relax on while in the water.

Pros: Presents a regal design and can accommodate more people at a time. The domes are usually used as baja step saving up swim space.

Cons: Corners require a lot more attention to detail and materials to move the water around, which can lead to additional costs. Not a great choice for small backyards.

Figure 8

Figure 8 shaped pools taper a bit from the middle and are rounded on both ends. One of the best things about figure 8 shaped swimming pools is that you can feel the free flow of water. On sharp edges of a rectangular pools, the water tends to refract strongly after hitting the walls. The curves of this pool shape help the water to circulate instead of being refracted backward.

Pros: Feel the free flow of water, can work with most spaces.

Cons: A figure 8 shape pool requires more detail than a straight line pool, which can lead to additional material cost and labor.

Kidney Bean

This is like an oval pool, but with a slight bend; the crook creates a nice space for landscaping, a patio, or a hot tub/spa. Kidney-shaped pools are a classic custom free-form pool, shaped like a kidney bean, round on both sides and curved inwards on one edge. The kidney pool shape is excellent for pools with added water features such as spas, waterfalls, and grottos.

Pros: Works for any kind of space, more curves that allow other components to blend in such as landscapes, decorations, water features, rocks, etc.

Cons: Kidney shape pools are usually no bigger than 90 feet in perimeter, a very large kidney can look a little odd. Custom coping pieces will have to be installed or straight pieces need to be cut, then more grout lines will show. A kidney shape pool requires more detail than a straight-line pool, which can lead to additional material cost and/or labor.

L-Shaped

This is a rectangular pool with a second, shorter length. The shorter length is often the shallow play area or Baja step, whereas the longer length is ideal for lap swimming. L-shaped pools are as impressive as the name. The vertical shank of the L is generally shorter and of smaller width, while the other part of the oasis is longer and has more breadth. This form of a pool is useful for courtyards with unique needs, most people that like L shape pools use the vertical shank of the L to install a baja-step to not take away much swim space.

Pros: Clean look and lines, baja-step, and pool steps won’t take up swim space. Plus, they work wonders when dealing with small backyards.

Cons: Are mainly used for modern properties due to having straight edges.

Freeform

This is not really a shape but instead, a style resembling a natural body of water with lots of curves. Freeform pool shapes are the most space-friendly and popular pool shape. You can customize your pool’s shape in any way that works best for your yard and your budget. Free-form pools generally have more curves than other pool shapes, allowing you to build a truly unique pool.

Pros: Freeform shapes work for any kind of space and the curvest allow for other components to blend in such as landscapes, grottos, decorations, water features, rocks, etc.

Cons: When not designed right, it can eat up too much swim space, coping pieces will have to be cut and more grout lines will show. This type of pool requires more detail than a straight line pool, which can lead to additional material cost and/or labor.

And so many more…….

Overall, sky is the limit on shapes you can choose from for an in-ground concrete pool. In fact, if you’re building a concrete pool, you can have it shaped however you like.

>>Reach out to Custom Creations West and let us help you custom create backyard bliss! (760) 248-3297 or mmead@customcreationswest.com

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