Did you know when the average pool owner "uses" their swimming pool they actually spend about 90% of their time on the pool patio and not in the pool? Interesting huh!
That makes the pool patio an essential part of the poolscape that you must get right....and hopefully the first time!
However, when the budget gets tight, and it often does, the first thing sacrificed is usually pool patio space. The #1 regret we hear from pool owners is that they underestimated the importance of their swimming pool patio and didn't either: get enough patio initially or plan for patio expansion in the future.
Ok, now I'll get off my soapbox and give you some pool deck dimensions to help you determine how much area you actually need.
How much patio space do I need for my inground swimming pool?
Depending on what you are using your space for, you will most likely want 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. To create gathering spaces you may want to consider consolidating most of the patio in 1 or 2 areas, rather than distributing it evenly around the pool.
How much patio space do different pool features need?
Whether you are hosting, or enjoying your alone time, you are going to want space outside of your pool to decorate. There are multiple ways to customize and use your patio space. Listed below are some ideas and measurements to help get the creative juices flowing.
A conversation area for 3 to 6 people requires a 10'x10' space.
A dining area for four people should be at least 10'x10'
A dining area for six to eight people should be at least 12'x12'
A chaise lounge requires an area 4'x7', but figure 7'x7' for two.
You want a minimum of 30" between any patio furniture and the pool’s edge.
Pathways and other traffic areas should be a minimum of 3' wide at all points.
Two chairs and a small table require a 6'x6' area.
A grill and small side table need a minimum of 6'x6'.
6' feet of space is needed between the base of a set of steps and the water's edge of the pool.
An average hot tub requires a 10'x10' space.
A fire pit needs 30"–36" of open space between the pit and the furniture or seating area.
A water slide requires a minimum area of 7'x15' beside the pool.
**River Pools® strongly recommends that slides not be installed or used, given the inherent dangers associated with slides. If despite this warning and recommendation, the owner decides to install or use a slide, they require a minimum depth and distance and must only be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturers' specifications and the National Pool and Hot Tub Alliance standards.
Diving boards* require a minimum area of 8' long by 6' wide on the end of the pool.
Allow at least 24"–30" of space between any water feature and the edge of the patio.
An outdoor shower needs an area at least 5'x5'.
The average pool deck size is approximately 600–900 square feet, but many are much larger. It is very likely you won’t be using every one of the suggestions listed above. Sometimes, less is more. But, no matter how you use your space, it is important to be prepared and take into consideration dimensions when installing your pool.
Pro Tip: Be sure to consider local building codes when designing the shape and size of your pool’s patio. This will help you avoid costly unplanned modifications that may be required to pass your final inspection.
Build on to your patio later
Have you tallied up what you need and found that it just doesn't fit into the budget? Don't get discouraged.
Tackle your pool patio in stages. This is a very common approach for new pool owners.
How to pull this off will be the topic of another article, but the most important thing now is to determine how much patio space you’ll ultimately want whether you're getting it now or later.
This will ensure that at least 90% of the time spent around your pool will be enjoyed to the max!
Hope you've found this helpful.
Thanks and, as always, Happy Swimming!
Up Next:
5 Ways to Make Your Pool Project More Affordable
A Guide to Inground Swimming Pool Size, Costs, and Prices: Everything You Should Know
Ultimate Pool Planning Guide: 11 Things to Consider Before Installing an Inground Pool
**River Pools® strongly recommends that diving boards and slides not be installed or used with its pools, given the inherent dangers associated with diving boards and slides in residential pools. These dangers include brain, spinal cord, and other severe permanent injuries, and death. For that reason, River Pools® does not manufacture or sell diving boards or slides. If, despite this warning and recommendation, the owner decides to install or use a diving board or slide, the owner assumes all risks inherent with a diving board or slide, and River Pools® further warns that diving boards and slides require minimum depths and distances and must be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturer’s specifications and ANSI/NSPI, ANSI/APSP, and ANSI/APSP/ICC standards, as well as in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The owner is responsible for making sure the pool is appropriate for diving boards and slides and otherwise meets all standards and laws for diving pools, and the owner must consult the diving board or slide manufacturer and/or installer as to the appropriateness of the pool for the diving board or slide and that its installation, location and use meet all standards and laws for diving and slide pools.
Editor's note: This article was originally written by Jason Hughes and was updated on November 4, 2024, with current information. River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.