Typically, a long, rectangular pool is based for laps since it lets you swim in a straight line. A rounded pool would be better for lounging and for recreational swims. These pools are usually smaller and do not have a straight path for swimming laps.
Rectangular pool shapes are universally the most common among all designs. While round pools are more communally social, rectangular pools are better for accommodating different groups of people. This is why most apartment buildings tend to adopt this shape for their pools, especially since landscaping is so limited.
If your yard is longer than it is wide, an oval pool will typically fit better, allowing for more swim space in the available area.
1. Rectangle Pools. Rectangles aren't the most inventive pool shapes available, but they're definitely popular and practical.
When it comes to construction, take note: Rectangular pools typically cost more than curved pools. The reason why is increased perimeter footage. Rectangles may require more square footage in a backyard. A perfect rectangle provides zero flexibility to incorporate or allow for the intrusion of other structures.
Cost of Rectangular Pools
Rectangular pools are much simpler than curved pools, because of their straightforward angles. If homeowners wanted to build a concrete pool themselves as an extensive DIY project, a rectangular pool would be the most likely option because of its simplicity.
Lower upfront costs - Vinyl liner pools are known as the cheapest inground pools to build. Customizable shape - Choose from freeform, geometric, or even custom designs.
Larger round pools can offer the best lap swimming along with plenty of room for additional swimmers in the pool. ( The largest oval pool is 18′ wide by 33′ long whereas the largest round is 33′ each way offering more room to swim laps either way.)
In general, the most common inground pool sizes are: 5-10 ft long (spa size) 10-15 ft.
Most modern swimming pools are rectangular in shape. Kidney shape and curved pools were hugely popular in the 80s. It's up to you what shape you choose, but rectangular pools provide maximum pool space.
Why People Get a Round Pool
The cost to install a round pool is also considerably less than it is with an oval. Due to its shape, a round pool can distribute the heavy weight of the water easier and therefore doesn't need that buttress system that is difficult to assemble.
Round pools start at 12 feet in diameter, with 24-foot-diameter pools, which can fit four to five people, being the most popular choice, Carnes says. The most popular oval pools are 15 feet by 30 feet. The depth of your pool depends on the wall height.
If you have a 24-foot round pool you will be able to have roughly 30 swimmers.
How small can an in-ground pool be? Most of the smallest in-ground pools across all pool types, on average, are around 12' by 24', 10' by 15', or even a 10' x 10' Spool/Cocktail pool! In-ground pools can be even smaller.
It's recommended having a depth fewer than six feet to meet most pool needs. For a family of six to eight people, an 18 foot by 36-foot pool is recommended. This should be sufficient to avoid crowding and allow for the playing of games. Rectangle shaped pools look best for this size.
A 12x24 foot pool has a surface area that covers 288 feet, so it should be big enough for your needs based on this rough calculation.
12x24 Inground Pool Cost
The cost for this size, on average, will be between $26,000 and $38,000, depending on the type of material used. Materials and their average associated costs are as follows: Concrete, $38,000. Fiberglass, $34,000.
The 18' was plenty enough room for 2-3 people floating around and good bit of people standing, but that's it, no diving or swimming laps.
In an above-ground configuration, the round pool has many advantages: due to its perfect roundness, it's free-standing, which makes it the most sturdy option for an above-ground pool. It also allows optimum water flow and thus very efficient filtration. This shape is less suitable for a fully in-ground pool, however.
Most affordable inground pools – Vinyl Pools
Generally, vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial costs. Thus, you will spend the least amount of money purchasing a vinyl liner pool. On average, vinyl liner pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 to install. Homeowners can customize this pool into various shapes and designs.
When it comes to inground pool prices, not many differences can be found between the cost of a free form pool and a rectangle pool.
The cost of additional patio is usually the most expensive option to the pool because most people get at least 300–700 extra square feet of patio beyond their initial 3–4' border.
Lazy L shaped swimming designs consists of two small rectangles joined at right angle. They say that this kind of shape for swimming pool can be used to strongly define the shallow and deep ends. It is said to be the best options when the deep end of the pool is meant for diving.