Common lengths of residential pools will range from 30 to 40 feet. Lap pools can extend to 75 feet in length, on average.
The standard length of any swimming pool will depend on its purpose. As mentioned, you can expect most residential pools to stay between 30 to 40 feet in length.
Your specific needs will ultimately decide how long your pool will be. Understanding the different pool categories can help you make the most informed decision possible.
Here’s a quick comparison between pool types and their average lengths:
| Residential Pools | 30 To 40-Feet Long |
| Public Pools | 82-Feet Long |
| Olympic Pools | 164-Feet Long |
Average Residential Swimming Pool Sizes
The average backyard swimming pool dimensions usually measure 10 x 20-foot, 15 x 30, and 20 x 40, with a standard depth of 5.5 feet. Today, 10 x 20 is generally considered a small pool, with 20 x 40 being one of the largest sizes.
12 x 24 pools, reaching a depth of 5 feet, will usually hold up to 10,800 gallons of water. This is one of the smaller, rectangular designs overall. Larger pools, such as 16 x 32 pools with a depth of 5 feet, can hold more than 19,000 gallons of water. Meanwhile, a 20 x 40 pool can hold nearly 30,000 gallons.
One important consideration for every homeowner is the exact shape of the pool they desire. Not every homeowner wants a standard rectangular pool in their backyard. The amount of space in your outdoor area plus shape will determine how large or small your pool will ultimately be.
Pool Length Factors
There are several factors that play a role in determining the size of your backyard swimming pool. The biggest factors include any custom designs and exactly how the pool will be used in the backyard.
Custom Designs
The pool’s design is about as important as the overall size. For instance, if kids will be using the pool to swim, you may want to add a shallow area. It’s important to consider how people will enter and exit the pool. Will you be adding a ladder for entry or will the pool feature stairs for easy access?
Shallow steps or even a beach entry point, for example, can make access much easier for children and individuals with mobility problems.
How The Pool Will Be Used
If you plan to use your pool for daily lap swimming, it’d be wise to install a large rectangular pool. Perhaps you want to add a water slide. Always determine how you’ll be using the pool before settling on a specific design.
A larger pool also works best if you plan on hosting family and friends frequently. Of course, things like add-ons and family size can all make your dimension choices easier.
Pool Size Limits
There are some factors that will play a role in your ability to install the largest pool possible featuring any customizations. Pool size is without a doubt the biggest factor impacting total cost. Longer construction time and more materials lead to higher costs, in general. Bigger pools will come with more unique maintenance needs, as well.
What Is The Best Pool Size For You?
If you are ready to build a backyard pool but are unsure of the sizing, there are several factors to consider. First off, there are a wide array of pools for homeowners to choose from today. Each and every one will be designed for different activities, coming with multiple dimensions.
Every home and backyard will present its own unique design and available space. When it comes to the size of your pool, make sure it works best for your lifestyle, available space, and budget.
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