It is fun for homeowners to get a swimming pool and start planning future parties. Once determined you want a pool, it is essential to first figure out a pool size, how deep it should be, and the size of the deck in a backyard.
The average size of a swimming pool depends on many factors, such as the shape of the pool. A rectangular pool typically measures between 10 x 20 feet and 20 x 40 feet. Therapy pools are usually smaller than pools for other purposes, measuring about 7.5 x 17.5 feet. However, it can change depending on some factors.
Here are some suggestions that any homeowner needs to know when planning a brand-new pool:
Lifestyle
Lifestyle plays an important role in choosing a pool size. It is not a good idea to settle on one only because it is currently trending. Make sure to consider what it needs to make a pool idyllic for your entire family.
Consider the following factors:
- Does anyone like to swim laps?
- How often do you entertain?
- How old are the kids? Are they younger?
A future pool owner needs to have open communication with a pool designer. It can help provide a better view and lay out a design for the perfect pool size for a family.
How Deep Should a Pool Be for Diving?
By law, the deep end of a swimming pool must be at least eight feet deep. It also has to be twenty-four feet away from the fence or wall. A six-foot deep end works if installing a waterslide instead of a diving board.
The Most Common Regret About Pool Size
Experts say homeowners’ biggest regret about their inground pools is not having a bigger shallow end. In most cases, pool fun happens in the shallow end. It is where people hang out, where small kids are more comfortable and have fun with family and friends.
Increase The Size on a Shallow End
The most common pool size and shape are approximately 16 by 32 feet rectangles. That’s the minimum size needed for an 8-foot deep end, giving an eight-foot shallow end. However, increasing the size to 16 by 40 feet will provide double the size for a shallow end. Designers advise allowing for as much shallow end as possible for maximum pool fun.
Think Square Feet
Decades ago, the pool industry built pools of specific sizes and dimensions. However, homeowners are more into getting custom pools. It means that measurements are now by square footage and not by dimensions. For example, an 800-square-foot pool comfortably fits 16 people.
Pool Deck Size
Lifestyle plays a determining role in deck size. Say that a homeowner enjoys large Sunday dinners; think how many people will jump into a pool. The best recommendation is to plan to have a larger pool deck. However, a good rule of thumb is to match your decking size to the pool size. If you have a 600-square-foot pool, plan on roughly having the same size for a deck area.
Swimming Pool Size Cost
The cost difference between a slightly larger pool and a slightly smaller pool is typically marginal. If you increase the size of your pool by 100 square feet, it will minimize the overall price per sq ft. The price of an inground pool is not just about the materials but also about mobilization, i.e., getting people on site and getting the project done. Most custom features have a much greater impact on the price of a pool than its size. Adding a spa, infinity walls, and water features significantly impacts the pool’s cost more than its size.
The bottom line is that a larger pool is often worth the extra cost.
A Smaller Pool?
Almost nobody ever says, “I wish I had a smaller pool.” An exception might be the couple whose children have all moved out. They might wish they had a small pool if they never received guests. But in most cases, families are happier with the largest swimming space possible.