December 7th, 2018
3 min read
By Guest Author
I speak with pool shoppers in Virginia and Maryland, as well as across the country. One of the questions I'm most often confronted with: How big should our pool be?
This is certainly an important question to ask. The pool's size and shape has no means of being pulled, stretched, or even shrunk after it's in the ground. The decision needs to be correct the first time, as there is no turning back.
So how does one know what size to choose?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. I've had dads with 1 or 2 kids tell me, "I want a really big pool."
Naturally, my next question is: "Why?"
I'm not implying that big pools are bad. I just want people to think about why they choose what they choose when it comes to their pool.
The fact is that although kids might say they want a big pool, most of them will end up using a 25-ft.-long pool as much as they would use a 35-ft. pool.
Kids just want to swim, and no child has EVER boycotted a swimming pool because it was too small.
Read More: Small Inground Pools: Sizes, Shapes, Cost, Pros, & Cons
Tether systems allow any pool to be a lap pool.
However, for the person that wants to truly swim laps, I suggest at least 30 ft. in length.
Read More: Large Fiberglass Pools FAQ: Cost, Designs, Pros and Cons
My partner Jason wrote a great blog article about this. Be sure to read his thoughts on proper planning and sizing for a swimming-pool patio.
Like with the patio, you need to figure out your overall size restraints ahead of time.
Once the pool and patio are placed in the yard, be sure you have enough space for other items you'd like to have in your yard, such as a jungle gym or trampoline.
Read More: Ultimate Pool Planning Guide: 11 Things to Consider Before Installing an Inground PoolI hesitate to emphasize this question because I've seen customers make some silly decisions based on having one or two large events at their home each year.
Remember, it's rare that more than 50% of any group is in the pool swimming at one time during an event such as a party or family gathering.
I know it's hard to see into the future, but families change, especially when grandkids enter the picture.
Read More: A Guide to Inground Swimming Pool Size, Costs, and Prices: Everything You Should KnowAlthough there are many more questions to consider, this list is a great start for most people when deciding on the size of your swimming pool.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, the whole point of asking yourself such questions is so that you don't have any regrets down the road about the decisions you're making today with your swimming pool choices.
If you've found this helpful, check out our in-house manufactured pool designs.
Happy swimming!
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Editor's note: This blog article was originally published in December 2009 and has been updated and revamped for accuracy and appearance.
Editor’s note (5/3/24):
This article was written by Marcus Sheridan, (Partner, River Pools Virginia). The opinions expressed are those of the author. Any pricing information is based on information that was readily available at the time of publication.
River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced via the River Pools division of the manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in fiberglass pool manufacturing, we are part of an extensive network of experts relating to all things inground pools. Our own collective experience from over the years spans manufacturing, project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, who are considering having a swimming pool installed in your backyard.
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