Pool Size Chart – What are the Standard Pool Sizes by Shape

July 26, 2022March 5, 2024 by Thomas Vandepitte

Swimming is fun with adequate space; you don’t want to press yourself on one end due to the small size of your pool. Professionals recommend you get a pool size that will allow your family to have an immersive experience without feeling restricted. The typical inground pool dimensions include 10 x 20 ft,16 x 32 ft , 18 x 36 ft, and 20 x 40 ft. The depth can measure 3 feet for the shallow and 6 feet for the deep end.

Pool Size Chart - What are the Standard Pool Sizes by Shape size-charts.com — _{Photo by Joe Pizzio on Unsplash}

Jump immediately to the frequently asked questions about pool sizes

What are Pools, and Why is a Good Pool Size Important?

Plunging your body in calm waters during summer can be fun and refreshing. However, if you plan to add a swimming pool to your backyard, you may need to find the right pool type and size to ensure you enjoy your home better.

Also known as a swimming bath, paddling pool, or wading pool, a swimming pool is a structure customized to hold water for swimming and other leisure activities. Pools can be built in-ground or above the ground, giving you material options such as concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, and plastic.

When going to a pool you need a towel; check out the beach towel sizes here

Want to learn the ideal pool size for you? Read on!

Table of Content of Pool Size Charts

Pool Size Chart
- Size chart by pool type
- Size chart by pool shape
How To Choose the Right Pool Size
The Best Pool Size for You
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Pool Size Chart

Pool Type Size Chart

Pool Volume Calculator : how to calculate your pool capacity based on the type — how to calculate your pool capacity based on the type

Discover the pool size by gallons and liters, to the standard shapes. A handy typical use column will help to know what the dimensions allow as activity.

Type of Pool	Typical Gallons	Typical Pool Dimensions (length x width)	Typical Depth	Typical Use
Spool	6,000 to 6,800 gal 22712.5 to 25740.8 ltrs	20 ft x 10 t to 22 ft 6 in x 10 ft 6.1 m x 3.0 m To 6.85 m x 3.0 m	3 ft to 5 ft 0.9 m to 1.5 m	Large Spa/Small Pool
Cocktail Pool	8,000 to 10,000 gal 30283.3 to 37854.1 ltrs	23 ft x 12 ft to 26 ft x 13 ft 7.0 m x 3.7 m To 7.9 m x 3.9 m	3 ft to 5 ft 0.9 m to 1.5 m	Small Pool Recreation
Standard Pool	12,000 to 13,500 gal 45424.9 to 51103.1 ltrs	28 ft x 14 ft to 30 ft x 15 ft 8.5 m x 4.2 m To 9.1 m x 4.5 m	3 ft to 5 ft 0.9 m to 1.5 m	Play Pool – Swimming & Aquatic Sports
Diving Pool	23,000 to 28,000 gal 87064.5 to 105991 ltrs	35 ft x 16 ft to 38 ft x 18 ft 10.7 m x 4.9 m To 11.6 m x 5.5 m	3 ft-6 in 5 ft- 8 ft 6 in 0.9 m – 1.8 m 1.5 m – 2.55 m	Swimming & Diving
Lap Pool	16,000 to 20,000 gal 60.500 to 75.000 ltrs	36 ft x 14 ft to 40 ft x 16 ft 10.9 m x 4.2 m To 12.2 m x 4.9 m	3 ft 6 in to 5 ft 4 in 1 m to 1.5 m	Swimming Laps

Pool shape, size and build by staycation

Pool Shape Size Chart

Pool Shape	Size Options
Figure Eight	12 ft x 24 ft 5 in 3.7 m x 7.4 m 16 ft x 29 ft 7 in 4.9 m x 10 m 18 ft x 33 ft 6 in 5.5 m x 10.3 m 20 ft x 36 ft 6.1 m x 11 m
Grecian Lazy-L	16 ft 6 in x 33 ft 6 in 5.1 m x 10.3 m 18 ft 6 in x 41 ft 6 in 5.7 m x 12.7 m 19 ft 6 in x 43 ft 1 in 5.9 m x 13.1 m
Grecian True-L	16 ft 6 in x 43 ft 9 in x 23 ft 8 in 5.1 m x 13.3 m x 7.2 m 18 ft 6 in x 43 ft 9 in x 27 ft 1 in 5.7 m x 13.3 m x 8.2 m 20 ft 6 in x 44 ft 9 in x 30 ft 9 in 6.3 m x 13.6 m x 9.3 m
Grecian	14 ft 3 in x 28 ft 3 in 4.4 m x 8.6 m 16 ft 6 in x 32 ft 6 in 5.1 m x 10.0 m 18 ft 6 in x 36 ft 6 in 5.7 m x 11.2 m 20 ft 9 in x 39 ft 9 in 6.3 m x 12.1 m 22 ft 9 in x 43 ft 9 in 6.9 m x 13.3 m
Lagoon	12 ft x 24 ft 6 in x 24 ft 2 in 3.7 m x 7.5 m x 7.4 m 16 ft x 33 ft x 35.9 ft 4.9 m x 10.1 m x 10.9 m 18 ft x 40 ft 2 in x 33 ft 6 in 5.5 m x 12.3 m x 10.3 m 20 ft x 38 ft 8 in x 39 ft 3 in 6.1 m x 11.8 m x 12 m
Lap Pool	10 ft x 40 ft 3.0 m x12.2 m
Lazy-L	Radius 90 Degree 14 ft x 36 ft 4 in 14 ft x 36 ft 2 in 4.3 m x 11.1 m 4.3 m x 11.0 m 16 ft x 40 ft 16 ft x 40 ft 8 in 4.9 m x 12.2 m 4.9 m x 12.4 m 18 ft x 43 ft 9 in 18 ft x 43 ft 7 in 5.5 m x 13.3 m 5.5 m x 13.2 m 20 ft x 47 ft 6 in 20 ft x 48 ft 4 in 6.1 m x 14.5 m 6.1 m x 14.7 m
Oval	12 ft x 26 ft 18 ft x 27 ft 8 in 3.7 m x 7.9 m 5.5 m x 8.4 m 15 ft x 30 ft 6 in 18 ft x 35 ft 8 in 4.6 m x 9.3 m 5.5 m x 10.9 m 16 ft x 32 ft 9 in 20 ft x 40 ft 1 in 4.9 m x 9.9 m 6.1 m x 12.2 m 17 ft x 34 ft 6 in 22 ft x 39 ft 6 in 5.2 m x 10.6 m 6.7 m x 12.1 m
Rectangle	12 ft x 24 ft 3.7 m x 7.3 m 14 ft x 28 ft 4.3 m x 8.6 m 16 ft x 32 ft 4.9 m x 9.8 m 18 ft x 36 ft 5.5 m x 11.0 m 20 ft x 40 ft 6.1 m x 12.2 m 22 ft x 44 ft 6.7 m x 13.4 m
Roman End (Single Roman)	90 Degree Radius 15 ft 8 in x 32 ft 7 in 16 ft x 32 ft 1 in 4.8 m x 10.0 m 4.9 m x 9.8 m 18 ft 1 in x 35 ft 1 in 18 ft x 35 ft 6 in 5.5 m x 10.7 m 5.5 m x 10.9 m 19 ft 6 in x 40 ft 4 in 20 ft x 40 ft 8 in 6.0 m x 12.3 m 6.1 m x 12.4 m
Roman Double End (Double Roman)	16 ft 6 in x 32 ft 8 in 5.1 m x 10.1 m 18 ft x 36 ft 5.5 m x 11 m 19 ft 8 in x 40 ft 6.1 m x 12.2 m
True Kidney	13 ft 3 in x 6 ft 2 in 4.1 m x 1.9 m 17 ft 10 in x 32 ft 5 in 5.5 m x 10.0 m 20 ft 9 in x 37 ft 6.3 m x 11.3 m 23 ft 8 in x41 ft 7.2 m x 12.5 m
True L	16 ft 38 in x 24 ft 5.9 m x 7.3 m 18 ft 38 in x 26 ft 6.5 m x 7.9 m 20 ft x 44 ft 30 in 6.1 m x 14.2 m
Straight walk kidney	14 ft x 22 ft 4.2 m x 6.7 m 16 ft by 27 ft 4.9 m x 8.2 m 18 ft by 32 ft 5.5 m x 9.8 m
Riviera II	18.1 ft x 36.6 ft 5.5 m x 11.2 m 21.2 ft x 39.7 ft 6.5 m x 12.2 m
Patrician	14 ft by 28 ft 4.2 m x 8.5 m 16 ft by 32 ft 4.9 m x 9.8 m 16 ft by 36 ft 4.9 m x 11. 0 m 18 ft by 36 ft 5.5 m x 11.0 m 20 ft by 40 ft 6.1 m x 12.2 m
Monaco	16 ft x 40 ft 4.9 m x 12.2 m
Octagon	15 ft x 15 ft 4.6 m x 4.6 m 18 ft x 18 ft 5.5 m x 5.5 m 21 ft x 21 ft 6.4 m x 6.4 m 24 ft x 24 ft 7.3 m x 7.3 m

How To Choose the Right Pool Size
The Best Pool Size for You

Are you looking for the ideal pool size for your family, apartment, or institute? Below are some factors you should consider to construct the perfect pool.

1. Number of People

The higher the number of people, the more gallons of water you need; hence the larger the pool. When building recreational pools for families, professionals recommend 18 ft by 36 ft for a family of six and 16 ft by 32 ft for a family of below six.

Once you decide on the family pool size, you should also ensure that the construction includes a shallow and deep end for children’s safety. This will allow you and your loved ones to have an immersive experience!

How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size for You and Your Family by River Pools

2. Affordability

Typically, an in-ground pool is more expensive than an above-ground pool. Reason? Inground pools require many construction activities like excavation, unlike above-ground, which are often ready-made and only require installation services.

Larger pools also demand more resources and labor, making them expensive. For instance, an Olympic-size swimming pool is the largest, measuring 25 meters by 50 meters (1250 meters squared). Such a pool will require a lot of construction materials compared to standard 25-yard pools.

As a result, you must evaluate whether you can afford to build an Olympic swimming pool or a smaller one before starting the construction process.

3. Pool Type

Whether you prefer traditional or infinity pools, the right pool size should meet your needs. You can match the popular size in the market with the purpose of your pool. For example, if you are setting up a residential swimming pool, you will need plenty of space to accommodate many people.

However, private swimming pools require less space as they are meant to hold only a few people. These pool types are less expensive and take a short time to construct.

4. Maintenance Pool Service

Swimming pools have recurrent costs due to maintenance services. For instance, the chlorinated water in public pools should be monitored and regulated consistently. Hence, you should build a pool size that is easy to maintain to ensure it functions efficiently.

Suppose you calculate the maintenance cost of an Olympic pool and realize it’s way above your budget; you can always go for an affordable option like a 20 x 40-foot pool. This will eliminate financial strain and serve the purpose.

5. Pool Design

The ideal pool size should accommodate different design options, including oval, True-L, rectangular, and Kidney pool designs. In addition, it should allow for easy customization of the private pools. Some of the best above-ground swimming pools that provide this option include Vinyl pools and fiberglass.

Some pool designs enhance your luxurious space including infinity pools and ocean pools. While expensive, they offer exclusive features and an exhilarating experience as you plunge your body into the cool or heated pool!

6. State Regulations and Requirements

The right pool size for you should not cause issues such as overflowing or splashing, leading to conflicts with the neighbors. Hence, you may be required to leave around 4 to 5 ft from your property line.

Your pool size should also follow all the requirements, including assessing the underground utilities so as not to tamper with them. You can consult the government officials for guidance on the same, especially if you prefer underground pools.

6. Backyard Space

How big or small is your backyard space?

Your backyard size determines the pool size you will set up or construct. If your backyard space is small, professionals recommend you construct a swimming pool measuring 14 ft by 25 ft. This will allow you and your loved ones to chill, although it’s not large enough to accommodate more people.

If your garden space is larger, you can choose from the following dimensions;

14 ft x 28 ft
4.3 m x 8.6 m
16 ft x 32 ft
4.9 m x 9.8 m
18 ft x 36 ft
5.5 m x 11.0 m
20 ft x 40 ft
6.1 m x 12.2 m
22 ft x 44 ft
6.7 m x 13.4 m

Choosing the right pool size explained (video)

Swimming Pool placement and size by Crystal Pools

Frequently Asked Questions about pool sizes

What size can inground pools be?

The typical inground pool dimensions include 10 x 20 ft,16 x 32 ft , 18 x 36 ft, and 20 x 40 ft. The depth can measure 3 feet for the shallow and 6 feet for the deep end. Using the pool for exercise should have a uniform depth of 4 or 5 feet.

What size are plunge pools?

Plunge pools usually have a width of 6.5 to 10 feet and a length of 10 to 22 feet. However, the depth can range from 5.5 to 7 feet.

What is the largest above-the-ground pool?

The largest above-ground pool is usually 33 feet round or 18 by 40 ft for oval dimensions.

What is the average pool size?

The average pool size is 16 ft by 32 ft with a 3.5 ft shallow end and 5.5 ft deep end. Other standard pool sizes you will find in the market are 10 by 20 ft and 20 by 40 ft pools. Generally, they follow a standard ratio of 1:2.

What is a good size for a pool?

A good size for a pool can accomodate the number of people in the family or residence. It should be affordable and easy to maintain. In addition, it should offer you excellent design options and fit your backyard space without interrupting the peaceful living in the neigborhood.

What is the most common pool size?

The most common pool size is 18 by 36 ft.

Is a 12×24 pool too small?

A 12 by 24 ft swimming pool is the basic size in the swimming industry. It is suitable for private pools with small family sizes, up to 4 persons

What size pool do I need for a family of 5?

An 18 by 36 ft swimming pool is suitable for a family with 6 to 8 members. This will allow you and your loved ones enough space to play and swim across the pool without colliding, giving you an exhilarating experience.

Suppose you are working on a tight budget. You can build a 16 by 32 ft pool. While it is smaller, it can accommodate five or fewer people comfortably.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer architectural pools or natural pools, you need a good size pool that will offer you exceptional pool service. Unfortunately, settling for a pool size can be an uphill struggle, especially if you are building a pool for the first time.

The pool size charts provide you with adequate info on the different pool types, shapes, and sizes, depending on your needs. You must consider the costs, the number of people using the pool, pool design, and your backyard space to choose the right pool size for your family or residence.

Wondering which pool standards to follow when choosing a public or target child pool? Don’t hesitate to ask for help in the comments below. Our professional will walk you through finding the ideal pool type and size!

Picture in this post by Ameer Basheer on Unsplash