Find your pool design.

Why it works

A rectangle gives you clear swimming length, an easy deck layout, and the best chance of a simple automatic cover. Because the shape is quiet, you can see exactly what every step, ledge, and feature takes away.

Best for

• Families
• Swimming laps
• Automatic covers
• Modern and traditional homes

What you give up

• Can feel generic when the deck and landscape are treated as leftovers.
• Corners and step recesses still need a deliberate circulation and cleaning plan.
• An irregular buildable area may fit a restrained custom outline better.

What defines it

• Straight walls
• Easy to cover
• Lap-friendly
• Works with most decks

A size to try

Lay out 14 × 28, 16 × 32, and 18 × 36 feet in the yard. Add the steps, ledges, deck, fence, access, and equipment before deciding what really fits.

Equipment to plan early

This layout usually needs no special feature pump. Ask for a variable-speed pump, a generously sized filter, easy service access, and lighting that does not shine back at the house.

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Why it works

A good freeform pool follows an odd lot, garden edge, slope, or curve in the house more naturally than a rectangle. A few broad curves can also create separate places to swim and lounge.

Best for

• Irregular buildable areas
• Natural or tropical landscapes
• Projects with an early custom-cover strategy

What you give up

• Powered and removable cover systems need early specialist coordination.
• Curved coping, tile, forming, and deck cuts can add labor.
• Tight lobes and necks reduce clear swimming width and complicate cleaning.

What defines it

• Organic curves
• Hides lot lines
• Pairs with rock and planting
• Harder to cover

A size to try

Measure the narrowest parts and the longest uninterrupted swim as well as the outside dimensions. Draw every step and seat inside that usable water.

Equipment to plan early

Curves create quiet pockets. Ask how the returns and skimmers will move water through every lobe, and check the cleaner's access to them.

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Why it works

One broad curve softens the pool and suggests two areas without all the bumps of a full freeform shape. It feels especially at home beside ranch and mid-century houses.

Best for

• Ranch and mid-century homes
• Simple shallow-to-deep layouts
• Owners who want curves without the freeform price

What you give up

• Cover tracks and housings need a custom strategy.
• The waist shortens clear lap width.
• The shape looks intentional only when it relates to the house and landscape.

What defines it

• Gentle single curve
• Natural shallow and deep zones
• Simpler than full freeform
• Retro appeal

A size to try

Start around 16 × 32 feet, then measure the narrow waist after the steps and benches are drawn. Make sure both sides are wide enough to use.

Equipment to plan early

Put the skimmer where the wind naturally sends debris and aim water through the inside curve. Check that the cleaner can handle the bend and steps.

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Why it works

The long leg can handle swimming while the short leg holds steps, seating, or shallow play. It also wraps neatly around a patio when the house already creates the corner.

Best for

• Families with young kids and lap swimmers
• Corner lots
• Pools that wrap a patio

What you give up

• More perimeter can increase shell, coping, tile, and cover complexity.
• The inside corner needs extra attention to water movement and cleaning.
• Two zones are valuable only when the household uses both regularly.

What defines it

• Separate shallow leg
• Long straight run
• Non-diving concept
• Wraps a patio

A size to try

Give each leg a job and size it for that job. Draw the corner, steps, standing area, deck path, and cover instead of copying someone else's dimensions.

Equipment to plan early

Both legs need water movement and light. Ask how the inside corner will stay clean and whether the cleaner can reach the short leg.

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Why it works

A notch, angled end, offset spa, or raised wall can line the pool up with the house while leaving most of the water open.

Best for

• Contemporary homes
• Attached spas
• Owners who want interest without curves

What you give up

• Each corner adds structure, coping cuts, waterproofing, and cleaning detail.
• A powered cover becomes more specialized as the outline departs from a rectangle.
• Acute inside angles can be awkward for circulation and cleaners.

What defines it

• Crisp angles
• Offset spa or ledge
• Architectural look
• Mostly straight walls

A size to try

Begin with a rectangle that fits. Add only the angle or notch needed for the spa, view, slope, or house—and ask what each move adds to the price.

Equipment to plan early

Each notch needs water movement, light, and cleaning access. Ask the builder to explain how each area is served and balanced.

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Why it works

The middle stays straight for swimming while the rounded ends soften the view and create natural places for steps or seats.

Best for

• Traditional and Mediterranean homes
• Formal gardens
• Symmetrical yards

What you give up

• Rounded ends complicate many powered-cover details.
• Curved coping and tile add layout work.
• The form should relate to traditional or Mediterranean architecture.

What defines it

• Semicircular ends
• Formal symmetry
• Still swims straight
• Classic with columns or hedges

A size to try

Try 16 × 34 feet as a starting shape, then adjust the straight middle and rounded ends around the swimming and entry space you need.

Equipment to plan early

Plan the skimmers, returns, lights, cleaner path, and cover around the curved ends before the shell is finalized.

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Why it works

Clipped corners soften a plain rectangle and make natural spots for steps or seating without giving up much swimming room.

Best for

• Traditional homes
• Corner step layouts
• Owners who dislike sharp corners

What you give up

• Many cover systems treat the perimeter as custom.
• The added corners increase coping and tile layout.
• It reads traditional and should match the house.

What defines it

• Cut corners
• Traditional look
• Nearly rectangle efficiency
• Corner steps fit naturally

A size to try

Start around 16 × 32 feet with modest corner cuts. Lay out the entry and cover, then check how much clear water is left.

Equipment to plan early

The clipped corners still affect water movement, lights, cleaning, and the cover. Do not copy a rectangle layout without checking them.

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Why it works

A 12 × 24 rectangle leaves more of the yard for chairs, plants, walking, and construction access. At roughly 9,000 to 11,000 gallons, there is also less water to heat and treat.

Best for

• Small lots
• Couples and small families
• Cooling off and floating
• Lower running costs

What you give up

• Too short for uninterrupted lap swimming.
• Large ledges or steps consume a noticeable share of the water.
• The same safety, structure, sanitation, electrical, and drainage work still applies.

What defines it

• Under 300 sq ft
• Compact-lot potential
• Lower water volume
• Deck-first layout

A size to try

Compare 10 × 20 and 12 × 24 feet with the steps, seats, swimming room, deck furniture, fence, access, and equipment all drawn in.

Equipment to plan early

Small pools need smaller equipment, not guesswork. Ask your builder to size the pump, filter, sanitizer, heater, and lights for this exact pool.

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Why it works

At 16 × 32 feet, there is room for steps, a modest ledge, shallow play, and useful swimming length without automatically turning the project into an estate pool.

Best for

• Families
• Regular mixed use
• Medium and larger buildable yards

What you give up

• The full project still needs substantial deck and site area.
• Heating and covering nearly 500 sq ft of surface deserve a deliberate plan.
• Feature creep can turn a straightforward reference into a complex system.

What defines it

• Around 500 sq ft
• Room for a ledge and steps
• Swims comfortably
• Familiar equipment choices

A size to try

Start around 16 × 32 feet, then grow or shrink it around the activities, depth change, deck, fence, access, and surveyed property limits.

Equipment to plan early

This is a common size, but the equipment still depends on the plumbing, features, climate, and distance to the pad. Ask to see the sizing behind the quote.

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Why it works

A 20 × 40 can hold a ledge, deeper water, and a clear swim lane at the same time. Larger groups can spread out instead of standing shoulder to shoulder.

Best for

• Big families
• Entertaining
• Serious swimmers
• Large lots

What you give up

• The configuration shown is about 25,000 gallons; the same shell without its ledge would be closer to 30,000.
• The deck, fence, construction access, drainage, and utilities grow with the pool.
• A large pool is poor value when everyday use stays in one small area.

What defines it

• 800 sq ft shell
• Tanning ledge
• Attached spa
• Carefully sized equipment

A size to try

Compare 18 × 36 and 20 × 40 feet. Assign a regular use to each additional area of water and deck.

Equipment to plan early

A pool this large needs carefully sized plumbing, filtration, sanitation, heat, and lighting. Do not let anyone size it by horsepower alone.

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Why it works

A narrow pool turns a long strip of yard into a usable swim lane. Straight walls also keep the deck and cover relatively simple.

Best for

• Side yards
• Townhomes
• Swimmers
• Modern courtyards

What you give up

• Limited width constrains passing, play, and furniture placement.
• Side steps or benches can narrow the usable lane.
• Tight side yards may complicate excavation access, barriers, drainage, and equipment service.

What defines it

• Under 12 ft wide
• Fits side yards
• Swims better than it floats
• Simple cover

A size to try

Mark 8, 10, and 12 feet of clear width in the yard. Choose the length and depth around the actual swimming, turns, water walking, or lounging.

Equipment to plan early

Ask how water, heat, and light reach the far end. If you add a swim current, choose it before the plumbing and electrical work are designed.

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Why it works

Clear length, room to turn, and the right depth make this an exercise pool first. Its narrow width can also rescue a side yard that would otherwise go unused.

Best for

• Swimmers
• Fitness-focused owners
• Long lots

What you give up

• The shell, cover, and service route consume a long strip of property.
• A depth chosen for exercise may not serve play or diving.
• Large exposed surface relative to volume makes heat-loss and evaporation planning important.

What defines it

• 40 ft or longer
• Constant depth
• Lane-friendly
• Straightforward cover path

A size to try

Choose the length around the swimmer and workout, then try widths from 8 to 12 feet. Have the builder confirm the final depth before anything is built.

Equipment to plan early

Long pools need water movement, lights, and cleaner coverage from end to end. A cover matters even more if you plan to heat it.

2D layout

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Why it works

A plunge pool puts the whole experience into a tiny footprint. It can be practical to heat, and one long bench gives people a comfortable place to soak and talk.

Best for

• Tiny yards
• Cooling off
• Warm soaking
• Courtyards

What you give up

• No conventional lap swimming unless you add a swim current.
• Deep water in a small pool means it is not a kids' wading pool.
• Steps eat a big share of the floor.

What defines it

• Under 200 sq ft
• Compact water volume
• Optional heating
• Bench-focused layout

A size to try

Try 8 × 16 feet and 4.5 to 5.5 feet deep. A bench along one wall turns it into a comfortable soaking pool.

Equipment to plan early

Everything can be smaller, but it still has to be sized correctly. Small pools also react quickly to chemical mistakes, so keep the water-care plan simple.

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Why it works

Modern style comes from good proportions, materials that line up, clean edges, and a strong connection to the house. The simple water shape lets the deck and lighting do the talking.

Best for

• Contemporary homes
• Owners who want calm, not spectacle
• Automatic covers

What you give up

• Flush edges and large-format materials expose layout or settlement errors.
• Dark finishes change visibility and show some water-condition issues differently.
• Hiding equipment too far away can make it harder to service and less efficient to run.

What defines it

• Flush or cantilever coping
• Large-format decking
• Dark or light monochrome water
• One restrained water feature

A size to try

Compare a classic 2:1 rectangle with a slightly longer one, then line up the pool edges with important walls, doors, and views.

Equipment to plan early

The details are part of the look. Plan skimmer lids, the cover box, drains, lights, controls, and equipment access before the deck pattern is locked in.

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Why it works

A resort pool gives people choices: shallow lounging, in-water seats, a spa, and a generous dry terrace. The best versions make all of those areas feel like one backyard.

Best for

• Entertaining
• Warm climates
• Large lots
• Owners with a service plan

What you give up

• Every seating feature is a spot where swimming area used to be.
• Spa, spillover, and features need their own pumps, valves, and controls.
• High evaporation and heat loss from big shallow areas.

What defines it

• Big tanning ledge
• Attached spa
• Multiple seating areas
• Lots of lighting

A size to try

Size each area around the chosen furniture and typical group size, then total the water, deck, equipment, utilities, and service. A resort feeling does not require 800 square feet of water.

Equipment to plan early

This pool has a lot going on. Ask for one clear equipment diagram, automation that is easy to use, and a simple way to run things if the controls fail.

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Why it works

A simple water shape, a short material list, hidden-but-reachable equipment, and careful alignment make the pool feel like it belongs with the house. Fewer features also mean fewer things to maintain.

Best for

• Architects' houses
• Quiet yards
• Owners who value simplicity

What you give up

• Precision construction is expensive.
• Nowhere to hide a skimmer lid or a cover box; plan them early.
• Few built-in zones for play or lounging.

What defines it

• Zero-edge coping
• Single deck material
• Screened, reachable equipment
• No water features

A size to try

A 14 × 32 foot pool at a constant 4.5 feet is a clean place to start.

Equipment to plan early

Keep the pad simple: variable-speed pump, cartridge filter, salt or liquid chlorine, straightforward lighting, and a robotic cleaner.

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Why it works

Layered plants, natural materials, a loose edge, and the right amount of water sound can make the pool feel settled into the landscape.

Best for

• Warm climates
• Privacy screening
• Owners who like a garden

What you give up

• Plants next to water mean more leaves in the pool.
• Waterfalls and grottos are hard to keep algae-free and hard to cover.
• Pebble finishes can feel rougher underfoot and need regular brushing.

What defines it

• Freeform outline
• Rock waterfall or grotto
• Dense planting
• Pebble finish

A size to try

Rockwork takes more room than you think. Around 600 square feet of water gives it space without swallowing the swimming area.

Equipment to plan early

Plants mean leaves. Put skimmers where the wind sends debris, choose a cleaner with a large basket, and decide on a cover before the shape is final.

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Why it works

The deck and walls create the style, so the pool itself can stay simple. One controlled wall feature can add water sound without taking over the design.

Best for

• Stucco and tile-roof homes
• Formal gardens
• Sunny climates

What you give up

• Wall outlets need controlled flow, accessible openings, and scale management.
• Natural stone varies in heat, wet traction, porosity, and climate suitability.
• Roman ends complicate many cover systems.

What defines it

• Roman or rectangle outline
• Travertine or terracotta deck
• Raised wall with a water feature
• Formal planting

A size to try

Try 16 × 36 feet with broad, 8-foot-radius ends.

Equipment to plan early

Choose the wall outlet before sizing its flow, then decide whether it shares the main pump and how it turns down or off.

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Why it works

With an open view or drop in the land, an overflow edge can make the water meet the horizon. Tile, stone, and lighting carry the effect after dark.

Best for

• View lots
• Estate properties
• Owners with a service contract

What you give up

• Infinity edges need a catch basin, more pumping, automatic water fill, and precise leveling.
• Full glass tile can cost far more than plaster.
• More pumps, valves, and controls means more service calls.

What defines it

• Infinity or perimeter overflow
• Glass tile
• Attached spa
• Full automation

A size to try

Let the view, structure, wind, sound, lower basin, and desired sheet of water decide the edge length—not a generic luxury-pool size.

Equipment to plan early

The edge, catch basin, water level, drainage, heat, sanitizer, controls, and cleaner all have to work as one system. This is specialist work.

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Why it works

A dark finish makes the water look deep green or black, while boulder coping softens the edge. Underneath the natural look, it still runs like a normal chlorinated pool.

Best for

• Wooded lots
• Rustic homes
• Owners who dislike bright blue water

What you give up

• Dark water hides debris and swimmers, which matters for supervision.
• Boulder coping can be hot, uneven, and expensive to place.
• Beach entries lose a lot of area to shallow water.

What defines it

• Dark pebble or aggregate finish
• Boulder coping
• Beach entry
• Native planting

A size to try

Keep the curves and beach entry modest enough to leave clear swimming water, cleaning access, and a realistic way to cover or skim the pool.

Equipment to plan early

Keep the equipment simple and choose a robot that can handle curves and an uneven floor. We would skip an in-floor system here.

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Why it works

A clear shallow area, visible steps, a simple shape, and a useful deck work for different ages without turning every activity into a permanent feature.

Best for

• Young kids
• Teens
• Grandparents
• Everyday use

What you give up

• No depth makes a child safe; barriers and supervision remain essential.
• A large shallow zone reduces deep-water use and changes heat and evaporation.
• Mixed-age needs change, so permanent play equipment deserves scrutiny.

What defines it

• Large 3.5 ft shallow area
• Corner steps and a bench
• Optional ledge
• Straightforward barrier and cover layout

A size to try

Try 16 × 34 feet, then choose every depth for the people who will use it. Draw the steps, seats, fence, and the view from the main supervision spot.

Equipment to plan early

Start with the safety layers: barrier, controlled access, clear water, good lighting, and a cover or alarm where it makes sense. Then choose a cleaner that fits the pool.

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Why it works

A ledge gives you a place for chairs, supervised shallow play, pets, or an easier way into the water without adding a separate spa.

Best for

• In-water lounging
• Supervised shallow play
• Dogs
• Warm climates

What you give up

• It consumes clear swim length.
• Shallow sunlit water needs deliberate circulation and cleaning.
• Furniture, umbrella sleeves, bubblers, depth, and step edges all need coordination.

What defines it

• Baja shelf
• In-water loungers
• Umbrella sleeve
• Bubblers optional

A size to try

Put the exact chairs on the plan and leave a clear path around them. Check what share of the pool the ledge takes, then set the depth for those chairs and users.

Equipment to plan early

Give the ledge its own water movement and make sure the cleaner can reach it. Plan umbrella sleeves, bubblers, and lights before the concrete is finished.

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Why it works

A spa gives the backyard a second use when the pool water is too cold. Building it with the pool can share some equipment and create a spillover feature.

Best for

• Cool-weather use
• Evening use
• Sore muscles
• Households that use hot water regularly

What you give up

• How quickly you want hot water decides the heater and utility size.
• Spa suction, jets, valves, controls, water care, and sometimes a blower add a lot of equipment.
• Raised edges add structure, waterproofing, steps, and visibility details.

What defines it

• Attached or raised spa
• Spillway
• Shared equipment
• Built for warm-water use

A size to try

Size the seats for the people who will use them, then check the water depth, steps, handholds, jets, cover, spillover, and service access.

Equipment to plan early

Ask the builder to show you pool mode and spa mode. The heater, valves, controls, jets, sanitizer, and cover should all be included in that explanation.

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Why it works

A waterfall can soften road noise, bring a retaining wall to life, or fit naturally into a planted yard—as long as it is not too big for the space.

Best for

• Noise-masking near roads
• Natural and tropical designs
• Owners who love the sound

What you give up

• Splash zones and textured surfaces need cleaning.
• The flow, drop, wind, and nearby hard surfaces change the sound and water loss.
• A separate pump or higher speed can add electricity and service.

What defines it

• Stacked stone or formal weir
• Feature pump
• Night lighting
• Sound masking

A size to try

See a similar waterfall running and pay attention to the width, drop, sound, and splash. Bigger is not automatically better.

Equipment to plan early

Decide how much water the fall needs, whether it gets its own pump, how it turns off, and how you will clean and winterize it.

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Why it works

A cover used routinely can keep out debris and reduce evaporation, chemical loss, and heat loss. Choosing it early lets the steps, coping, deck, box, tracks, and drainage fit together cleanly.

Best for

• Families with small kids
• Heated pools
• Leafy yards
• Cold climates

What you give up

• The fabric and mechanism need cleaning, service, and eventual replacement.
• Rainwater on top has to be removed.
• Only a safety-rated cover used correctly should be treated as a safety device.

What defines it

• Key-switch cover
• Recessed track
• Heat retention
• Can be safety-rated

A size to try

Rectangles are usually easiest, but the exact cover decides which steps, ledges, spas, corners, and dimensions will work. Choose it with the cover installer.

Equipment to plan early

Plan the cover box, tracks, rainwater removal, controls, heater, cleaner storage, and service access together.

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Why it works

Fire reflected on the water makes a strong evening focal point, especially along a raised wall or important view from the house.

Best for

• Entertaining at night
• Modern and luxury designs
• Cool evenings

What you give up

• The gas line, ignition, clearances, drainage, controls, and inspections add substantial cost.
• Burners and bowls need cleaning and service.
• Permanent equipment is poor value if it only gets used for photos.

What defines it

• Gas fire bowls
• Fire and water bowls
• Evening focal point
• Automation-controlled

A size to try

Start with the fewest bowls that create the look. Then check clearances, heat, wind, views, distance from swimmers, and the cover.

Equipment to plan early

Use pool-rated fire equipment and have a professional size the gas line. Include shutoffs, ignition, drainage, clearances, and service access.

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Why it works

A vanishing edge can connect the water to an open horizon or turn a drop in the property into the main design idea.

Best for

• Hillside lots
• Water or valley views
• Luxury builds

What you give up

• Adds very precise construction, another basin, more plumbing, controls, drainage, and automatic water-level equipment.
• Wind and swimmers change how much water reaches the lower basin.
• The effect is weak without an open view or drop in the land.

What defines it

• Vanishing edge
• Catch basin
• Second pump
• Autofill

A size to try

Let the view, structure, lower basin, water sheet, sound, and wind decide the edge length—not a generic minimum.

Equipment to plan early

Have an experienced infinity-pool builder design the edge flow, catch basin, water level, drainage, heat, sanitizer, controls, and cleaner plan together.

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Why it works

A bench beside a deck-level counter lets people sit and talk in the water without blocking the main swimming path.

Best for

• Entertaining
• Adult-focused yards
• Warm climates

What you give up

• The bench reduces swimming area and complicates cleaning.
• A true swim-up bar needs a raised deck or sunken serving area, which is major construction.
• Counters and ledges collect debris.

What defines it

• In-water bench
• Deck-level counter nearby
• Open swimming path
• Lighting at the seat

A size to try

Mock up the seats and counter at full size. Check the water depth, reach, walking path, entry, supervision, and swimming room left around them.

Equipment to plan early

Keep water moving around the bench, light it clearly, and make sure the cleaner can reach it. Ask how any fittings underneath it are serviced.

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Why it works

A good party pool is really a good backyard. Seating, shade, food, a nearby bathroom, lighting, and dry gathering room matter at least as much as the water.

Best for

• Hosts
• Large families
• Warm-climate evenings

What you give up

• Large or premium decks can rival the shell cost depending on site, market, and assembly.
• Shallow, sun-exposed water changes heating and sanitizer demand.
• Layered lighting adds fixtures, controls, conduit, and service points.

What defines it

• Generous deck on three sides
• Large ledge
• Layered lighting
• Outdoor kitchen adjacency

A size to try

Lay out your usual group with full-size furniture, walking paths, shade, wet and dry areas, steps, and the fence. Let that decide how much water and deck you need.

Equipment to plan early

Parties create a big short-term load on the water. Size the sanitizer for busy days and make the lights, heat, cleaning, and features easy to control.

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