Pool Shapes and Sizes

Find the Perfect Pool Shape and Size for Your Family

From classic rectangles to custom freeform designs, we’ll help you choose the pool shape and size that fits your backyard, your budget, and your family’s needs. With 43 years of experience, we know which designs work best for Indiana families.

Your Pool Should Fit Your Life Perfectly

Choosing the right pool shape and size can feel overwhelming. Should you go with a classic rectangle or something more unique? How big is too big? What fits in your yard and your budget?

 

The good news is there’s no “wrong” choice – just the right choice for your family. A young family with toddlers needs different depths than empty nesters. A narrow backyard calls for different shapes than a wide-open space.

 

We’ve designed thousands of pools across Central Indiana. We know which shapes work best for entertaining, which sizes are perfect for exercise, and how to make any pool fit beautifully in your landscape. Let us help you find your perfect match.

Classic Pool Shapes That Never Go Out of Style

Rectangle Pools

The timeless choice for swimming and entertaining

Why Families Love Rectangles:

Popular Rectangle Sizes:

Kidney Pools

Curved elegance that flows with your landscape

Why Families Choose Kidney Shapes:

Typical Kidney Sizes:

L-Shaped Pools

Two pools in one for different activities

Perfect for Families Because:

Common L-Shape Configurations:

Contemporary Designs for Today's Families

Freeform Pools

Natural, lagoon-like designs

Perfect for:

Freeform Features:

Geometric Pools

Clean, modern lines

Great Choices Include:

Modern Appeal:

Custom Shapes

Designed specifically for your family

Why Go Custom:

Custom Possibilities:

Choosing the Right Size for Your Family

Small Pools (Under 400 sq ft)

Perfect for smaller yards and budgets

Typical Dimensions:

Best for:

Factors Affecting Investment:Medium Pools (400-600 sq ft)

The sweet spot for most families

Popular Sizes:

Perfect for:

Large Pools (600+ sq ft)

Maximum fun for active families

Generous Dimensions:

Ideal for:

Designing Depths That Work for Everyone

Shallow End Options

Safe areas for kids and non-swimmers

Common Shallow Depths:

  • 3 feet: Perfect for toddlers and small children
  • 3.5 feet: Comfortable standing for most adults
  • 4 feet: Good for teenagers and games

Shallow End Benefits:

  • Safe learning area for new swimmers
  • Comfortable for pool games and activities
  • Easier entry and exit
  • Lower water volume and costs

Deep End Planning

Swimming and diving considerations

Popular Deep End Depths:

  • 5 feet: Comfortable swimming depth
  • 6 feet: Good for treading water
  • 8+ feet: Required for diving boards

Important Notes:

  • Local codes restrict diving board requirements
  • Insurance considerations for deep areas
  • Safety planning for non-swimmers
  • Impact on total pool cost

Gradual vs. Step Transitions

How depth changes affect pool use

Gradual Slopes:

  • Comfortable walking entry
  • Natural feel like a beach
  • Safer for children
  • More expensive to construct

Step Transitions:

  • Defined shallow and deep areas
  • More swimming space efficiency
  • Lower construction costs
  • Easier maintenance

Making Your Pool Fit Your Property

Measuring Your Space

Key factors for pool planning

Required Clearances:

Access Considerations:

Maximizing Small Yards

Getting the most from limited space

Small Yard Strategies:

Popular Small Yard Shapes:

Large Yard Opportunities

Making the most of generous space

Big Backyard Benefits:

Large Yard Design Ideas:

Choosing Shapes for How You'll Use Your Pool

Best Shapes for Swimming Laps

Maximize your exercise potential

Top Exercise Shapes:

  • Rectangle: Straight lanes, no obstacles
  • Oval: Continuous swimming path
  • L-Shape: Long leg perfect for laps

Exercise Considerations:

  • Minimum 25-30 feet for effective laps
  • Consistent depth in swimming area
  • Clear lanes without obstacles
  • Good circulation for comfortable swimming

Perfect Shapes for Entertaining

Host amazing pool parties

Party-Friendly Designs:

  • Kidney: Natural conversation areas
  • Freeform: Multiple gathering spots
  • L-Shape: Separate areas for different activities

Entertainment Features:

  • Wide shallow areas for socializing
  • Swim-up seating and bars
  • Easy deck access all around
  • Space for pool games and activities

Family-Friendly Shapes

Safe fun for kids of all ages

Kid-Safe Designs:

  • L-Shape: Separate shallow play area
  • Beach Entry: Gradual depth increase
  • Roman: Rounded corners for safety

Family Considerations:

  • Gradual depth transitions
  • Wide shallow areas for play
  • Easy supervision sight lines
  • Room for growth as kids age

Pool Shapes and Sizes That Fit Your Investment

01

Budget-Friendly Shapes

Maximum value for your investment

Cost-Effective Choices:

  • Rectangle: Simple construction, lower cost
  • Oval: Efficient use of materials
  • Standard kidney: Popular, proven design

Size vs. Cost Factors:

  • Smaller pools cost less initially
  • Simple shapes reduce construction complexity
  • Standard sizes use common materials
  • Less excavation means lower costs

02

Premium Shape Options

Investment in unique design

Higher-End Features:

  • Custom freeform: Completely unique design
  • Multiple levels: Terraced and spa combinations
  • Infinity edges: Stunning visual effects
  • Beach entries: Natural, lagoon-like feel

Premium Considerations:

  • More complex construction
  • Specialized materials and techniques
  • Longer installation timelines
  • Higher long-term value

03

Cost by Pool Size

Understanding size impact on investment

Small Pool Range: $35,000-$50,000

  • Basic shapes and standard features
  • Minimal decking and landscaping
  • Standard equipment packages

Medium Pool Range: $50,000-$75,000

  • Popular family sizes
  • Moderate features and upgrades
  • Balanced investment and enjoyment

Large Pool Range: $75,000-$100,000+

  • Maximum size and features
  • Extensive decking and landscaping
  • Premium equipment and automation

Pool Shapes That Work in Our Climate

Weather-Resistant Designs

Built for Indiana seasons

Climate Considerations:

  • Shapes that handle freeze-thaw cycles
  • Efficient heating for cooler seasons
  • Wind protection through design
  • Drainage and water management

Indiana-Popular Shapes:

  • Classic rectangles for easy covering
  • Kidney shapes that blend with landscapes
  • L-shapes for versatile family use
  • Sizes that heat efficiently

Local Regulations

Compliance with Indiana requirements

Code Requirements:

  • Minimum setbacks from property lines
  • Safety barrier and fencing rules
  • Electrical and plumbing standards
  • Permit and inspection processes

HOA Considerations:

  • Community design guidelines
  • Approval processes for pool installation
  • Restrictions on shapes or sizes
  • Coordination with architectural committees

Decision-Making Made Simple

Ask Yourself These Questions:

01

How will you use your pool most?

  • Swimming exercise → Rectangle or oval
  • Family fun → L-shape or kidney
  • Entertaining → Freeform or large rectangle
  • Relaxation → Kidney or small rectangle

02

What's your yard like?

  • Small and narrow → Rectangle or compact kidney
  • Large and open → Any shape, consider freeform
  • Sloped or challenging → Custom shape to fit
  • Lots of landscaping → Work around existing features

03

What's your budget range?

  • Budget-conscious → Rectangle or oval, medium size
  • Moderate investment → Kidney or L-shape
  • Premium budget → Custom freeform or large rectangle

04

How many people will use it?

  • Couple or small family → Small to medium pools
  • Large family → Medium to large pools
  • Frequent entertaining → Large pools with features

Common Pool Shape and Size Questions

What's the most popular pool shape in Indiana?

Rectangle pools are most popular, followed by kidney shapes. Rectangles are versatile, cost-effective, and work well with our climate.

We provide free site evaluations to measure your space and discuss options. We’ll show you exactly what sizes and shapes will work.

Shape changes are much easier before excavation begins. During design, we encourage you to consider all options and take your time deciding.

Pools as small as 10′ x 20′ can provide great enjoyment. It depends on your goals – cooling off, exercise, or entertaining.

Larger pools do cost more to heat and require more chemicals, but the difference is often smaller than people expect. We can estimate ongoing costs.

Rectangle and oval pools work best with automatic safety covers. Custom shapes can use covers but may be more expensive.

Some features can be added later, but it’s usually more cost-effective to include them in the original design.

Design Your Perfect Pool Shape and Size

Free Pool Design Consultation Let’s visit your backyard and discuss your vision. We’ll measure your space, understand your needs, and show you which shapes and sizes work best for your property.

What You'll Get:

  • Professional site measurement and evaluation
  • Shape and size recommendations for your space
  • 3D design concepts showing your options
  • Budget estimates for different configurations
  • No pressure, just expert guidance

Pool Design Process:

  1. Site Visit: We measure and evaluate your space
  2. Needs Discussion: Understanding how you’ll use your pool
  3. Shape Options: Showing what works in your yard
  4. Size Planning: Right-sizing for your family and budget
  5. 3D Design: See your pool before we build it

Three Ways to Start:

Schedule Online

Use our convenient calendar to book your free design consultation.

Call Our Design Team

Speak directly with our pool designers about your project.

Visit Our Showroom

See pool models, shapes, and size examples at our locations.

See Your Possibilities

Your Perfect Pool Shape and Size Awaits

For 43 years, we’ve been helping Indiana families find the perfect pool shape and size for their backyards and lifestyles. From classic rectangles to custom freeform designs, we’ll help you create exactly what your family dreams of.

Get Your Free Pool Design Consultation Today

Questions About Pool Shapes and Sizes?

Our design team is here to help. Whether you’re working with a small yard, a tight budget, or have specific activity needs, we’ll help you find the perfect solution.

Ready to See What Fits Your Yard?

 Every great pool starts with understanding your space and your family’s needs. Let us show you what’s possible in your backyard.