How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size for You and Your Family

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?

How do I choose the right pool size for my family?

Who are the pool's main users? How often will they likely use the pool?
Does anyone plan on doing laps in the pool?
How much patio would I like to have around the pool? What objects (grills, furniture, etc.) would I like to fit on the patio?
What are the pool's setbacks off the house and property lines?
How often do we plan on entertaining? What is the likely number of people at our gatherings?
Will our family change size in the coming years?

Who are the pool's main users, and how often will they likely use the pool?

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.

Does anyone plan on doing laps in the pool?

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.

How much patio would I like to have around the pool, and what are the objects (grills, furniture, etc.) that I'd like to fit on the patio?

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.

What are the pool's setbacks off the house and property lines?

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.

How often do we plan on entertaining, and what is the likely number of people at our gatherings?

I 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.

Will our family change size in the coming years?

I know it's hard to see into the future, but families change, especially when grandkids enter the picture.

Although 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.