Fiberglass Pool Design Ideas 101

Planning a new pool is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming once you start exploring all the different pool design ideas available today.

Many homeowners assume fiberglass pools have limited customization because the shells are manufactured from molds off-site. In reality, modern fiberglass pools offer a wide range of backyard pool design options, from pool shapes and tanning ledges to spas, water features, installation styles, and finishes.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern pool, a resort-inspired backyard, or a more compact design for a smaller space, there are far more fiberglass pool design possibilities than many shoppers initially realize.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most popular fiberglass pool design ideas and features homeowners consider when planning a backyard pool project.

Fiberglass Pool Shapes and Sizes 

One of the first backyard pool design decisions homeowners make is choosing the shape and size of the pool itself.

Most fiberglass pool models range from roughly 10x20 feet to 16x40 feet due to transportation limitations, though some models may be smaller or larger depending on the manufacturer.

When it comes to pool shapes, most fiberglass pool design ideas typically fall into three major categories:

• Rectangle pools
• Freeform pools
• Roman-style pools

Rectangle Fiberglass Pools

Rectangle pools are one of the most popular choices for modern backyard pool design because of their clean lines and versatility. They often pair well with automatic pool covers, geometric patios, and contemporary outdoor spaces.

Freeform Fiberglass Pools

Freeform pools use softer curves and more natural shapes to create a relaxed, resort-style appearance. These pool designs often blend well with tropical landscaping, waterfalls, and natural backyard settings.

Roman Fiberglass Pools

Roman-style fiberglass pools combine straight walls with rounded ends for a more classic, elegant appearance. Many homeowners choose Roman designs when they want something more decorative than a traditional rectangle while still maintaining a structured layout.

The right pool shape often depends on your backyard layout, budget, and how you plan to use the pool. 

Fiberglass Pool with Tanning Ledge

Tanning ledges have become one of the most requested fiberglass pool design features in recent years.

A tanning ledge is a shallow platform built into or added alongside the pool that creates space for:

• Lounging chairs
• Relaxing in shallow water
• Young children
• Pets
• In-pool socializing

Most fiberglass pools include built-in tanning ledges, while others allow separate ledges to be added during installation.

For many homeowners, tanning ledges help create a more resort-style backyard pool design while adding functional lounging space outside the main swim area.

Fiberglass Pool with Spa

For homeowners looking to combine relaxation and swimming into one backyard pool design, fiberglass pools with spas are another popular option. 

You'll also find many fiberglass pool models with the spa built into the design. This is a great way to save space for those who want a pool and spa but have smaller backyards. Our I25s pool model, for example, is a freeform pool with a spa built into the shallow end.


Like with tanning ledges, many fiberglass pool manufacturers offer separate spas that can be added to the side of any fiberglass pool installation.

Fiberglass Pool with Bench Seating

Let's face it - swimming is a workout. Even casually floating or paddling around for an hour can be tiring.

Most fiberglass pools come with some form of built-in bench seating or courtesy ledge areas throughout the design.

These seating areas give swimmers a place to:

• Relax between swimming
• Socialize comfortably
• Watch children playing
• Enjoy water features or therapy jets

Rectangular fiberglass pool with bench seating 

Roman fiberglass pool with tanning ledge and deep-end bench seating

As you can see, fiberglass pools usually have bench seating at the shallow end or deep end of the pool, but many have both. 

Fiberglass Pool with Deep End

Most fiberglass pool models don't go deeper than six and a half feet because most are small to medium sized (remember the size limits we talked about), but some fiberglass pools can be up to 8 feet deep or more.

Our T40, for example, is 8.5 feet deep and 6 inches deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. It also qualifies as a Type III diving pool.

Fiberglass Pool Installation Designs

Did you know that you can take the same fiberglass pool shell and install it at least five different ways? This results in five unique design outcomes. These installation styles include:

• Inground pool
• Semi-inground pool
• Above ground pool
• Retaining wall
• Infinity edge 

Let's go over these in some more detail. 

Inground Fiberglass Pool

A fully inground fiberglass pool is the most common installation style. This traditional approach is usually the most cost-effective, and it leaves plenty of room for customization between the patio, landscaping, and accessories. 

For many homeowners, an inground installation provides the cleanest and most seamless backyard pool design.

Semi-Inground Fiberglass Pool

A semi-inground pool is a swimming pool that's built or installed partially inground and partially above ground. People build their pools semi-inground either because they like the way it looks or they need to due to uneven terrain or groundwater. 

This pool designs creates opportunities to incorporate seating, a swim-up bar, and elements to your landscaping or patio. 

Above Ground Fiberglass Pool

A fiberglass pool can be installed above ground if the homeowner wants or needs it to be installed that way. Before the pool can be set in place, however, it needs to be built to withstand the pressure of the water without the surrounding earth to balance it. This means reinforcing it with additional fiberglass to make the pool both thicker and sturdier. 

Above-ground fiberglass pool designs are often paired with:

• Large decks
• Modern patios
• Elevated entertaining spaces
• Smaller backyard layouts

This style creates a very different backyard pool design aesthetic compared to traditional inground installations.

Fiberglass Pool with Retaining Wall

If your home is on a slope or your yard's terrain is uneven, you may have to build your swimming pool with a retaining wall.

Beyond their structural purpose, retaining walls can become a major backyard design feature by incorporating:

• Waterfalls
• Fountains
• Planters
• Fire bowls
• Accent lighting
• Decorative stonework

Retaining walls often add visual depth and dimension to a backyard pool design.

Fiberglass Pool with Infinity Edge

An infinity edge pool (also known as a vanishing edge) is a pool that's installed fully or partially above ground with water spilling over one side. This gives the illusion that the water stretches out to infinity, or at least over the hilltop or out into your landscaping. 

Fiberglass pools can become infinity pools during the installation. The builder will typically make the pool either semi-inground or entirely above ground to integrate the waterfall feature.

Let's explore some of the accessories that you can add to your fiberglass swimming pool.

Fiberglass Pool Water Features

Homeowners often tell us that one of the best parts of designing their pool project is choosing the pool accessories and water features.

Some of the most popular fiberglass pool water features include:

• Waterfalls
• Bubblers
• Deck jets
• Bench jets
  

Waterfalls are often integrated into retaining walls or landscaping to create a more natural appearance and relaxing sound. 

A pool bubbler is a small fountain of bubbling water that can be placed in any shallow area of the pool surface. They are commonly installed on tanning ledges and pool steps.

Bench jets can be installed around bench seating to create a more spa-like experience, while deck jets are installed in the surrounding patio and send streams of water into the pool like fountains. Both features can add movement, sound, and visual interest throughout the pool area.

Remember, your pool's landscaping will also make a big difference in your pool's overall design and can give you a lot of room to add your personal touches to the space.

Fiberglass Pool Finishes

Pool color and finish can have a major impact on the overall appearance of your backyard pool design.

Many fiberglass pool manufacturers offer finishes in colors such as:

• White
• Blue
• Light blues
  
• Grays
  
• Sandstone 

Colors River Pools offers below 

Lighter finishes often create a bright tropical appearance, while darker finishes can create a more modern or reflective water color.

The pool finish you choose may also influence water color appearance, heat absorption, and overall aesthetic.

Custom finishes may be available depending on the manufacturer and installer.

What's the Best Fiberglass Pool Design for You?

The best fiberglass pool design ultimately depends on your backyard space, how your family plans to use the pool, and the overall atmosphere you want to create outdoors. 

Some homeowners prioritize lounging features like tanning ledges and spas, while others focus more on swim space, water features, or dramatic installation styles like infinity edges and retaining walls.

The good news is that fiberglass pools offer far more flexibility than many homeowners initially expect. From shapes and finishes to installation styles and accessories, there are countless pool design ideas available to help create a backyard pool design that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the most popular fiberglass pool design ideas?

Some of the most popular fiberglass pool design ideas include tanning ledges, built-in spas, bench seating, deep-end pools, water features, and modern rectangle pool designs. Many homeowners also customize their backyard pool design with retaining walls, waterfalls, lighting, and landscaping features.

Can a fiberglass pool have a deep end?

Yes. Some fiberglass pool models include deep ends that are suitable for jumping, pool games, slides, and even certain diving applications. However, deeper pools typically require more backyard space and larger excavation areas.

Can fiberglass pools be installed above ground?

Yes. Fiberglass pools can be installed inground, semi-inground, or fully above ground depending on the property and backyard design goals. Above-ground and semi-inground fiberglass pools are especially common on sloped properties or in backyards with elevation changes.

What water features can you add to a fiberglass pool?

Many homeowners add water features like waterfalls, bubblers, deck jets, bench jets, and spillover spas to enhance their backyard pool design. These features can add sound, movement, and visual interest while helping create a more resort-like atmosphere.

From the Author 

Backyard pool design is about much more than simply choosing a pool shape. From tanning ledges and built-in spas to water features, deep ends, and unique installation styles, there are far more fiberglass pool design ideas available than many homeowners initially expect.

I’m Marcus Sheridan, co-founder of River Pools Virginia, and I wrote this article to help simplify some of the most popular pool design ideas so you can better understand your options and feel more confident planning a backyard pool design that fits your goals. 

From the Manufacturer 

At River Pools, we work with homeowners and independent installers across a wide range of backyards, property types, and project goals. Through those conversations, we’ve seen how backyard pool designs can change the overall look and feel of a fiberglass pool project. 

That’s why fiberglass pools are available in a wide variety of shapes, layouts, features, and installation styles. Our goal with resources like this is to help homeowners explore different backyard pool design possibilities and better understand how various features can work together to create a space that fits their lifestyle. 

If you’re ready to start exploring fiberglass pool design ideas for your own backyard, the next step is connecting with a trusted independent installer in your area.

Ready to start the conversation?