How Much Space Do You Need For A Swimming Pool?
Dreaming of your own backyard oasis with a refreshing swimming pool? One of the first steps is determining how much space you’ll need.
The space needed for a swimming pool varies depending on factors like pool type and size. For lap pools, you’d need at least 25-30 feet in width and 40-45 feet in length. Casual family pools are typically about 15-20 feet wide and 30-40 feet long. For above-ground pools, allow 6-10 feet of deck space around the pool. The distance from a pool to a property line depends on local codes, generally requiring 3-5 feet from rear and side lines.
Here’s an in-depth look at how to calculate pool dimensions.
Determine the Type of Pool You Want
Choosing the right pool type, whether in-ground or above-ground, impacts design, installation, and additional features. Consider space, shape, and your desired pool features.
In-ground vs Above-Ground
The most fundamental decision you’ll make regarding your pool is whether it will be in-ground or above-ground.
An in-ground pool can be customized to any shape and size, but requires extensive installation. Above-ground pools are easier to install, but are limited in shape and size options.
In-ground pools require excavating a large hole, installing plumbing and electrical systems, pouring a concrete foundation, building the pool structure, adding tile and coping, and installing the filtration system.
The installation is permanent. Above-ground pools use pre-fabricated kits with vinyl liners that take 1-3 days to install on level ground. They can be disassembled if needed.
Lap Pool, Freeform, or Combination
Lap pools are long and narrow for swimming laps. They are often 16-20 feet wide and 40-50 feet long. Freeform pools have curved or rounded shapes.
Combination pools merge the two styles, with a rectangular lap section and a curved freeform section. The shape you select will significantly impact the amount of space needed.
Additional Features
Other features like water slides, fountains, grottoes, and hot tubs will increase the space requirements. Plan for slide runouts, splash areas, and access paths.
Fountains and grottoes also need surrounding space for aesthetics. For hot tubs, allow 5-6 feet access space on all sides.
Determine How You Will Use the Pool
When designing a pool, consider its primary use, whether for recreation or lap swimming, and factor in entertainment space, landscaping, and convenient access to your home.
Recreation Only or Lap Swimming
Decide if the pool is purely recreational, with occasional swimming, or if you plan to regularly swim laps for fitness. Recreational pools can be modest 15-20 feet wide to allow basic swimming. But if you want to swim daily laps, a minimum 25-yard length is better.
Entertainment Space
Factor in whether you want poolside space for lounge chairs, tables, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment areas. This drives the deck space needed. For a gathering area, plan for 10-15 feet of deck around the entire pool.
Landscaping
Consider the pool’s placement in relation to trees, gardens, and other landscaping. Avoid locating it under trees due to leaves falling in, and allow room for planting aesthetically pleasing vegetation around the pool area.
Access to the House
Plan for convenient access between the pool and your home. Locate it near doors, gates, and pathways. Remember it will often be wet, so allow room to dry off before going inside.
Follow Building Codes and Safety Standards
When installing a pool, adhere to essential safety standards, including fence and gate requirements, electrical considerations, structural engineering, and compliance with local permits and inspections.
Fence and Gate Requirements
Most codes require a 5-6 foot tall fence around pools, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Latches should be 48-54 inches high, out of reach of small children. The fence and gate help prevent unsupervised access.
Electrical and Lighting Needs
Proper wiring must be installed for pool pumps, heaters, filters, and lighting. Underground electrical lines may be needed. Consider where switch boxes, outlets, and lights will be placed. Outlets should be weatherproof and at least 10 feet from the pool.
Structural Engineering
In-ground pools require evaluation of the soil and grading to properly design structural support. Loose or sloped soil may demand extra foundations or retaining walls. A qualified pool contractor will assess this.
Local Permits and Inspections
Most areas require permits and inspections for pool installation. Know your local requirements to ensure the pool design complies with zoning setbacks, lot coverage limits, codes, and health regulations.
Determine the Pool Size
Here is a table showing typical dimensions and surface areas for different sizes of swimming pools:
| Pool Size | Length | Width | Surface Area |
| Small | 25-30 feet | 15-20 feet | 375-600 sq ft |
| Medium | 30-40 feet | 15-25 feet | 450-1000 sq ft |
| Large | 40-50 feet | 20-30 feet | 800-1500 sq ft |
| Lap Pool | 40-50 feet | 20-40 feet | 800-2000 sq ft |
| Competition Pool | 50-75 feet | 25-40 feet | 1250-3000 sq ft |
- Small pools are best for modest backyard settings
- Medium pools accommodate casual family recreation
- Large pools provide more generous space for swimming and entertaining
- Lap pools are longer for fitness swimming
- Competition pools are Olympic-sized for races and events
The table gives sample length, width, and total surface area dimensions for different common pool sizes to help visualize spatial needs.
Swimming Area Needed
Consider how many people may use the pool at once and if swimming laps is important. More swimming area is preferred for regular exercise versus occasional use. As a general rule, allow 20-24 square feet per swimmer.
Overall Length and Width
Pool lengths typically range from a minimum of 25 feet up to 40-50 feet for lap pools. Widths range from 15 feet for narrow recreational designs to over 20 feet for wide lap pools. Larger pools feel more spacious.
Shallow and Deep End Depths
The shallow end depth is usually 3-4 feet and the deep end 8-10 feet or more for diving boards. Freeform pools may range from 3-8 feet throughout. The depths impact the overall pool volume.
Surface Area and Volume
Multiply length x width to get the surface area. Volume depends on the average depth, but a good guideline is 5-10 gallons per square foot of surface area. Bigger pools require more chemicals, maintenance, and costs.
Plan for Equipment Space
To ensure efficient pool operation and safety, this plan outlines key considerations for equipment placement, plumbing, pads, and chemical storage in a concise 25-word introductory statement.
Pump and Filter Location
The pool circulation pump and filter require proper installation and maintenance access. Allow 5-10 feet of clear working space on all sides. Locate away from entertaining areas due to noise.
Underground Plumbing
Underground PVC plumbing from the pool to the pump and filter needs a 2-3 foot wide trench. The lines must slope downward for drainage. Consider accessibility for future repairs.
Equipment Pads
Equipment like pumps and heaters require a concrete pad, typically 10 x 10 feet or larger. Allow access space around the pad. Locate where drainage, electrical supply, and venting are feasible.
Chemical Storage
Proper chemical storage is vital for safety. Store chemicals in a secure, dry area away from the pool. A separate shed or exterior cabinet works best. Consider ventilation needs.
Allow Deck Space Around the Pool
When designing a pool deck, consider safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. Allow ample space for lounging, access points, and raised bond beams while ensuring proper drainage.
Perimeter Decking
A concrete deck around the pool provides access, and is often required by code. As noted earlier, allow 10-15 feet of deck beyond the walls for lounging and entertaining.
Pool Entry Access
Provide deck space around ladders, steps, or zero-depth beach entries into the pool. Offset top steps from the deck for safety. Open corner areas ease movement in and out.
Raised Bond Beams
Some codes require raised bond beam decks, which are 12-18 inches higher than the pool water level. This reserves deck space if the pool overfills. Consider this added deck height.
Coping and Drainage
Allow for a 6-12 inch wide coping or cantilevered edge around the entire pool perimeter. Plus, factor in proper drainage slope away from the pool.
Leave Room for Future Changes
When planning a pool addition, it’s crucial to think ahead. This section highlights the importance of leaving room for future changes, landscaping, equipment upgrades, and safety improvements.
Pool Additions
Consider an area for future expansion like adding an adjacent spa, water feature, or extended deck and barbecue. Leaving room makes this simpler later.
Landscaping Flexibility
Don’t overplant the area immediately surrounding the pool. Leave space to adjust landscaping as the yard matures. Plants spread over time.
Mechanical Equipment Upgrades
Pool equipment has a service life of 5-10 years. Allow space for upgrading pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators, and automation systems in the future.
Safety Improvements
Safety standards evolve constantly. Leave room for adding or upgrading safety measures like fences, gates, lighting, signage, alarms, and other features.
Factors Affecting Swimming Pool Space Requirements
Here is a table summarizing the key factors that determine how much space is needed for a swimming pool:
| Factor | Considerations |
| Pool Type | In-ground or above-ground; Custom shape options |
| Pool Shape and Size | Length, width, depths; Areas for swimming, lounging |
| Features | Slides, fountains, hot tubs, etc. require more space |
| Usage | Casual recreation vs. lap swimming; Entertainment space needed |
| Codes | Fencing, setbacks, electrical, permitting, etc. |
| Equipment | Pump, filter, wiring, vents, storage for chemicals |
| Decking | Perimeter and in-pool access; Coping, drainage, bond beams |
| Future Changes | Space for additions, remodeling, upgrades over time |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Space Do You Need For A Lap Pool?
For lap swimming, you need about 25-30 feet wide by 40-45 feet long as a minimum. This allows swimming short laps back and forth. Longer pools from 45-50 feet are better for fitness swimming.
What Is The Most Popular Pool Size?
The typical backyard pool is about 15-20 feet wide and 30-40 feet long. This accommodates casual swimming and recreation for most families. Very large or small pools are less common.
How Much Room Do You Need Around An Above-Ground Pool?
Allow 6-10 feet of clear deck space around the entire above-ground pool for access. Consider more space on one or two sides for lounging and entertaining. Check local codes for barriers too.
How Close Can A Pool Be To A Property Line?
Most codes require pools to be at least 3-5 feet from rear and side property lines. Front yard pools often have greater setbacks. Easements may also apply. Check your local zoning.
How Much Does An In-Ground Pool Increase Property Value?
Adding an in-ground pool typically increases property value about 7-15%, or $15,000-$30,000 on average. But costs typically exceed the value added, so pools are not a wise investment solely for this purpose.
Summary
The amount of space needed for a swimming pool depends on the pool type, size, shape, features, decking, equipment, access, safety factors, and usage.
Carefully evaluate all these elements using the guidelines provided to determine the appropriate pool dimensions and surrounding area for your property.