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Are you considering adding an inground swimming pool to your backyard? Hiring an experienced pool builder is the first step. You want a pool builder that will make recommendations and suggestions and listen to your ideas. Together, you and your pool contractor will discuss various aspects of creating and building your dream backyard oasis.
Here are some considerations to think about during the planning phase:
Backyard Size. Some outdoor spaces are conducive to huge free-form pools, while others are more suited for an angular spool. Work with your pool builder to decide what shape would look best in your backyard.
Lay of the Land. Having a level area is easy; what about if your backyard slopes? You can pursue pool installation by working with professional pool builders, even when you're dealing with a hill. However, you'll have to utilize some creativity to make the final result aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe.
Backyard Style. The swimming pool shape you choose will enhance your backyard style. Geometric pools offer sharp lines and a modern futuristic feel, while freeform pools with flowing, fluid shapes give an organic feel to the backyard.
Activities and Features. Do you want to swim laps? What about a tanning ledge? Do you have children or pets? Would you like a waterfall, hot tub, or grotto? Consider the activities and features for which you'll be using the pool.
When designing a unique custom pool, one of the things to consider is, "Which pool shape should you get?" We are all familiar with rectangle or kidney-shaped swimming pools, but did you know there are many different shapes, designs, and swimming pool features? The fun part of designing your custom swimming pool is that you aren't limited to just a square, oval, or rectangle design; your pool can be any shape. In addition to designing your pool in any form that you like, you can also add any pool feature you would like, allowing you to build your dream oasis.
1. Kidney-Shaped Pool
Kidney-shaped pools are classic because fluid style and attractive looks are versatile and enhance the backyard with simplicity. The kidney pool shape is excellent for pools with added water features such as waterfalls and grottos.
2. Rectangular Pool
Rectangle pools are popular for long narrow lap lanes and where space is limited. This pool design style can easily accommodate almost any feature, from tanning ledges and waterfalls to volleyball nets and slides. While rectangles are not the most creative pool shape, they are one of the most common and classic pool shapes.
3. Figure-8 Pool
Figure 8 shaped pools, taper a bit from the middle and are rounded on both ends. One of the best things about figure 8 shaped swimming pools is that you can feel the free flow of water. The curves of this pool shape help the water to circulate instead of being refracted backward.
4. Oval Pool
Oval-shaped pools work great for large oases and yards. If you visit an old Victorian home with a pool, it is common to find this shape of a pool. This type of pool shape is one of the standards when people talk about swimming pools as an "oasis in the backyard," partly due to its size. Natural decorations like palm trees or small hedges go very well with oval-shaped pools.
5. Circular Pool
Circular pools are best suited for open and larger spaces. Circular-shaped pools are also a typical shape for children's pools. These pools are usually smaller and do not have a straight path for swimming laps, but you can swim in circles.
6. L-Shaped Pool
An L-shaped pool can wrap around patios or other backyard features stylishly. There are two variations of the L-shaped pool: "Lazy L" and "T." Lazy L pools are L-shaped but curve in a less angular way than the proper "L." As the name suggests, T-shaped pools are formed like the letter T. This form of a pool is helpful for courtyards with unique needs.
7. Roman or Grecian Pool Shape
Roman or Grecian pool shapes bring memories of grand expanses and architecture days. Elegance is the hallmark of these pool designs with elaborate domes and stairs. The Roman pool shape is a rectangular pool with rounded ends. The classic Grecian shape is also a rectangle pool, but its ends are cut off at 90-degree angles or tilted at 45° like a kite or curved inwards. These shapes are suitable for larger areas and larger families, as they typically can accommodate more people at a time and is best for big yards.
9. Geometric Pool Shapes
Geometric pools feature sharp angles, also known as straight edges. This type of pool shape encompasses many different designs. The contrast of sharp lines will add interest to your backyard oasis and further enhance the appearance of natural beauty.
10. Free-Form Pool Shape
A free-form pool may be the perfect solution for people who prefer a customized, free-flowing design or do not have a specific shape in mind. These pool shapes are the most space-friendly and popular pool shapes. Their design makes it easy to emulate a natural setting and meander around existing landscaping and trees, making it perfect for a more natural or lagoon-style. You can customize your pool's shape that works best for you and your yard.
Which Design Will You Choose?
As you can see, pools come in all shapes and sizes. When designing yours, think about the mood you want to create in your backyard, and then pick the pool shape that will best tell your design story.
Adding water features to your swimming pool design will create beauty and excitement for your custom pool. When deciding what water features you want for your pool, you have many options, including swimming pool gushers, scuppers, sheer descents, weeping walls, waterfalls, pencil jets, and grottos. The design options for a custom pool are endless and as limitless as your imagination.
Once you have answered these four questions, you can begin choosing the best pool shape for you.