Who doesn’t love the convenience and joy of an in-ground swimming pool? However, before you consider installing a pool, it’s crucial that you plan out the shape, material, and size of what you’re building. After all, a pool is a significant investment, and it needs to be just right for your home. So, what is a good-sized swimming pool?
Generally speaking, a good-sized swimming pool is at least 18×36 feet. This size should give enough room to swim laps and enjoy other water activities. Of course, you can always go bigger if you have the space and the budget. It all depends on the size of your yard, the number of people who will be using the pool, and whether you wish to swim laps or lounge around.
This is, of course, a general estimate. If you’re currently planning to install a swimming pool and are unsure of how large to make it, continue reading below. This guide will explain how large to make your pool depending on specific usages, as well as how deep to make it depending on your family’s ability to swim.
Start By Considering How Much Room You Have
The first step in deciding on a good-sized swimming pool is to consider how much room you actually have. You need to account for the size of the pool, as well as the space around it that will be used for lounge chairs, umbrellas, and other poolside furniture.
In general, you should leave at least 5 feet of space around the perimeter of the pool. This will ensure that there’s enough room for people to move around without feeling cramped. If you have a smaller backyard, you may need to get creative. For example, you could install a plunge pool, which is a small, shallow pool that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
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Consider the Number of People Who Will Use the Pool
Another important factor to consider is how many people will be using the pool at one time. Generally speaking, six to eight people should be able to comfortably share an 18×36-foot swimming pool, depending on its shape. If you have a larger family or often entertain guests, you’ll need a bigger pool.
However, if you plan on using the pool mostly by yourself or with one other person, you can get away with a smaller pool. As a general rule of thumb, you should add an extra foot of pool length for each person who will be using the pool regularly. So, if you have a family of four, you should install a pool that’s at least 24 feet long.
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Consider Your Swimming Ability
If you or anyone in your family is a strong swimmer, you may want to consider installing a deeper pool. The depth of the pool is important both for safety and for swimming laps. If you plan on swimming laps, you’ll need a pool that’s at least 8 feet deep. This will give you enough room to dive and swim without hitting your head on the bottom of the pool.
However, if you have small children or non-swimmers in your family, you may want to consider installing a shallow pool or a pool with a shallow end and a deep end. This will allow everyone in the family to enjoy the pool without worrying about safety. A shallower pool will also save you money by cutting back on the costs of materials and labor.
Consider Your Budget
Of course, the size of your pool is also determined by your budget. In-ground pools can be quite expensive, so you need to make sure you have the money to pay for the pool you want. If you’re working with a limited budget, you may need to get creative with your pool design. For example, you could install a plunge pool or an above-ground pool.
These types of pools are less expensive than in-ground pools, but they still offer the same benefits. Alternatively, you could consider installing a smaller in-ground pool that maxes out at a depth of 5 feet. Most hotel pools are only 5 feet deep, so this should give you enough room to swim around and enjoy the pool without breaking the bank.
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Consider How the Shape of the Pool Will Affect Usability
Along with the general size of the swimming pool, you should also account for its shape. The shape of the pool will affect how you use it and how many people can use it at one time. For example, a rectangular pool is great for swimming laps, but it may not be the best choice if you have a small family.
If you have a family of four or more, you may want to consider installing an L-shaped pool. This type of pool offers the best of both worlds. You can use one side of the pool for swimming laps and the other side for lounging and playing games.
If you’re not sure what shape of pool to install, you could always consult with a professional. They can help you choose the right size and shape for your pool based on your specific needs and offer a fair quote for the overall price of installation.
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How Much Does a Standard-Sized Pool Cost?
Although there is some variation depending on the materials used to create a swimming pool, most standard-sized in-ground pools cost between $25,000 and $50,000. Of course, this price can increase or decrease depending on the size and shape of the pool, as well as the specific features you want to include.
For example, if you want to add a diving board or a waterfall feature, you can expect to pay more. However, if you’re willing to forgo some of the bells and whistles, you can save a significant amount of money.
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Final Thoughts
A good-sized swimming pool is at least 18×36 feet, but the size of the pool will ultimately be determined by the size of your yard, the number of people who will be using it, and your budget. If you’re unsure of what size pool to install, you could always consult with a professional. They can help you choose the right size pool based on your specific needs.