Keep in mind that this does not include space for water features, a spa, slides, or extra patio work around the pool. If your backyard space is smaller than 1,200 square feet, you may still be able to get an inground pool, but it likely will not be bigger than 12 feet by 24 feet.
As a general rule of thumb, you want your pool and pool surround to occupy about 25% of the total available area. So, if your yard is either small or medium size (approx. 150 square meters), consider building a small pool of about 20-28 square meters with a suitable small pool surround area.
Any swimming pool smaller than 12 by 14 feet will probably be too small for swimming, playing, and exercising. Some tiny pools are made specifically for relaxing and cooling off in the summer, but you won't get the traditional inground pool experience with anything smaller than 12x14 (or 400 square feet).
As a general rule, your pool should occupy around 25% to 35% of the available space – 45% if you are passionate about it. For a small or medium-sized pool (20-30 square meters), you will need a yard of about 150 square meters. Then, there is the question of the type of pool to consider as well.
Most people need between 600 and 900 square ft. of patio around a pool. That's enough room for a table and chair set, some chaise lounges, and a comfortable walking space around the perimeter of the pool. Consolidate most of the patio in 1 or 2 areas, rather than distributing it evenly around the pool.
However, in general, you'll want to add at least 1 foot of space to the total width of the pool and 3 feet of space to the total length of the pool. If your indoor pool is 10 by 20 feet, you'll need 11 by 23 feet or 3.4 by 7 meters of space inside the room.
If an in-ground swimming pool is constructed of concrete, it will need coping, which is a cap for the edge of the pool. Coping surrounds the shell of the swimming pool and protects it. This piece keeps any water and debris from going in behind the shell, thus safeguarding it from damage or cracking.
10 x 20 is considered a small in-ground pool, while a 20 x 40-foot pool is on the larger side of things.
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.
While the sizes and dimensions of pools vary, anything that's about 10 feet by 10 feet or smaller is typically considered a small pool. In terms of depth, three feet is standard for soaking and floating, and four to five feet and above is the best depth for lap pools.
Traditional lap pools are about 10 feet wide, though widths between 8 and 10 feet are common. (In competition pools, swim lanes are 2.5 meters wide, or about 8.2 feet.) You don't want to go too narrow with a lap pool.
A rectangular 7m or 8m is the most common size families with up to 4 kids go for and is plenty big enough. If the kids have flown the coop, think of future grandkids who will love a shallow end at first and deep end as they grow older.
16 x 32 Rectangle (most popular)
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.
There's a common perception out there that effective squad training can only be done in a large-length pool – wrong! It's not the length that matters, it the technique being taught.
Most swimming pool owners choose blue tiles for their pools to match the color that reflects the sky's blue color. Blue is also a highly desirable water color. In fact, many vacationers search for countries surrounded by blue ocean water and white sand beaches.
1.5" is standard overhang for most pools with this style of coping. As much as 3" is used for pools that are not built to square (to hide the lines) or pools that have an automatic pool cover with rails mounted on the underside of your coping.
Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per linear foot to install pool coping. This is the ledge around the edge of an in-ground pool, often in stone or concrete. It's designed to complement the deck but cannot replace its function as a lounge space.
Small Pool Sizes
We consider small pools to be up to 26' long and up to 12' or 13' wide. These are still considered full-size pools, but you may also want to consider a plunge pool or cocktail pool, both of which are designed to provide functional pool activities in a compact space.
You'll want to minimize the shallow end as much as possible to elongate the swimming area. We recommend a depth of 4-6ft. Another good option for swimming laps is to opt for an L shaped pool, with a shallower area on the shorter side and a depth of between 4-6ft on the longer side.
For a family of 8 people, a pool size of 18 by 36 feet is adequate. Even if you all decide to swim at the same time, there will be enough space for everyone. A rectangular shape is the best choice for this size of the pool. If there are six or less in your family, a pool size of 16 by 32 feet will be sufficient.
Although not a limit, but used as a guideline, it is common to have no more than 1 swimmer per 15 square feet. If you have a 24-foot round pool you will be able to have roughly 30 swimmers.
Size up your pool.
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.