How to Choose the Best Shape for Your Backyard Pool

Owning a backyard pool means that you can relax next to it when you want for however long you want. These units will bring you and your family a lot of freedom and comfort. Just imagine waking up on a hot summer day, without any plans for the day, and deciding to prepare some tasty BBQ while your kids are having a blast in the pool. If you want to install one of these units in your home, you probably know that you have a lot of options to choose from. One of the most common questions people have is about the shape of the unit and how to choose the best one for their property.

As you already know, the most common shapes include the oval one, kidney, rectangle, and the L shape, but there are also other forms that you may be interested in. To help you out with your choice and to help you find the best type of pool for your home, we created this guide. Follow our tips and you will know what to do depending on your specific situation.

Purpose

The first thing you need to consider is the purpose of the unit. What do you want to use it for? Are you planning on exercising and do you want to use it on your own, or do you want to entertain guests in your home?

If you want to get a pool to exercise in it, then the lap type is the best one. These are sleek and narrow units that don’t take a lot of space in width, but they can be rather long. They are the best ones if you don’t have a lot of room in your backyard, and if you still want to workout out in the open.

In case you have a large family, and if you want to give them the options to play and swim in the unit for hours, then you should look into the rectangle shape, or the kidney one. Another form that is extremely popular with people with large families is the 8 figure. The reason for this is that you can have different depths on both ends, and you can create one pool for the little ones and one for the adults. With this form, you have a lot of different options and possibilities.

Landscaping

The next thing you should think about is the existing landscape. Do you want to change it, preserve it or do you want to remove it? Some people take pride in their gardens, and they don’t want to get ruined when they install a pool in their yard. Others want to create the landscape depending on the unit they put in their homes.

Think about the backyard you have right now, and decide if you want to keep (almost) everything you have, or if you want to start fresh. Know that trees with big trunks are difficult to remove, and in some locations, you are going to need a permit to remove them from your property. Experts recommend that it is better to preserve the existing trees in your home so that they provide privacy and shade in the garden.

Material

When it comes to materials, there are a lot of different things you can use to create the perfect unit in your home. Know that some materials are better than others, and some are more durable. If you are looking to install an aboveground unit, you should know that they usually come in an oval shape and they can be constructed with resin, steel, or aluminum. These units are portable, but they are not really durable.

If you are looking to get a fiberglass unit, then you are going in the right direction. This material is durable, and you can create almost every shape or form you are interested in. You can check this to find out which are the most popular types of pools that can be created with fiberglass. Depending on your style, you can choose between spas, Rivieras, and even contemporary series of units.

Concrete is another good material that many people choose to build their pools, but it can be more expensive and less durable. The positive thing about it is that is pretty easy to install in your home, and you may be able to do it on your own. However, you should always entertain all possibilities before you decide on a material.

Questions

Once you’ve figured out the main things you want in a pool, you need to ask yourself about the smallest of details. We’ve already talked about the basics of the landscape and purpose, but you should also consider the size of your yard. In case you have a smaller backyard, then you should look into oval units, or choose something that you can create the form on your own. Geometric shapes are popular as well in smaller spaces.

Next, you should think about the amenities you are going to have next to it. Do you want to install a patio and do you want to add things like slides or other interesting stuff for your children? Think about the position, and if you plan on putting a desk near the unit. Depending on the size of the unit and your yard, it is going to be easy for you to decide on the final form. The overall depth should make a difference as well, and you should know that oval units, as well as irregular shapes, are harder to create with different depths.

Last, but not least, consider the decorations you are going to put alongside the units, and if you want to put any flowers, trees or plants. Know that smaller units are cheaper to build and easier to maintain, but larger ones give out that luxury feeling. Talk to your family about what they want and how they envision the space, and you can also consult with a designer that will help you see how the space is going to look depending on the shape you choose. Consider the building costs and take as much time as you need to make the best decision for you and for your family.