Choosing an Inground Pool Shape for Your Family’s Stage in Life

Selecting the right inground pool shape goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that fits your family’s lifestyle and stage in life. Whether you are a couple looking for a serene escape or grandparents seeking a safe and accessible pool design, your pool shape can impact its functionality and appeal. Explore inground pool shapes tailored to different family types, ensuring a cherished spot for relaxation, fun, and a lifetime of memories.

Families with Small Children

Families with small children need a pool that prioritizes safety, easy access, and designated shallow areas for play. A well-designed pool for young kids ensures peace of mind for parents and creates a fun and inviting space where children can safely enjoy the water as they grow and gain confidence in their swimming skills.

Key Considerations:

Safety First: Shallow zones, non-slip surfaces, and secure access points are crucial.
Visibility: The pool shape should allow clear sightlines for parents to keep an eye on the kids.
Multi-Level Play Areas: Zones with varying depths cater to toddlers, beginner swimmers, and older children alike.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Beach Entry Pool: The gradual, sloping entry mimics the feel of a beach, providing an ideal play area for small children. It allows them to enter the water slowly and safely, perfect for toddlers and young kids just getting comfortable in the water. With a gentle slope into the pool, the beach entry is ideal for wading, splashing, and sunbathing.
Wading Pool: A wading pool features a shallow, uniform depth, making it an excellent space for young children to play and for adults to relax. It provides a perfect environment for toddlers and pets, offering peace of mind with its shallow water (typically around 18 inches deep). Look for a non-slip surface and built-in benches for easy supervision.
Rectangular Pool: The simple rectangular-shaped pool allows for easy oversight, and a built-in tanning ledge is a perfect spot for small children to splash and play. A defined shallow area is great for play or for parents to relax close to the kids.

Families with Teenage Children

Families with teenagers need a pool that matches their active lifestyle and provides ample space for fun and socializing. From swimming laps to playing water games and lounging with friends, the right pool shape can turn your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot for teens and their friends while ensuring safety.

Key Considerations:

Active Lifestyle: Teenagers often enjoy active water activities like swimming, water games, or just lounging in the pool with friends.
Space for Socializing: The pool should comfortably accommodate groups of friends, with areas for swimming and hanging out.
Safety Considerations: Ensure the design includes proper depth transitions for safe enjoyment.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Rectangular Pool: Rectangular pools offer plenty of space for swimming laps, water sports, and general relaxation. The shape is versatile for various activities and may include tanning ledges for lounging and socializing, as well as built-in steps and swim-outs for easy entry and exit.
Freeform Pool: Freeform pools are natural and playful, perfect for a fun and relaxed environment. The shape features curved edges that create nooks for relaxation while still offering ample swimming space. Tanning ledges, built-in steps, and wraparound benches enhance their aesthetic and functional value.
Spa: Adding a spa to a pool creates a perfect relaxation zone for teenagers and their parents. It’s an ideal space for resting after an active swim or quiet conversation.

Couples

For couples, a pool is often more than just a place to swim—it’s a retreat for peace, romance, and entertaining close friends. The ideal pool shape should prioritize aesthetics, tranquility, and a touch of luxury, creating a serene environment that enhances the atmosphere of your home while catering to intimate gatherings and quiet moments.

Key Considerations:

Relaxation: Couples often prioritize tranquility, aesthetics, and space for quiet, romantic moments.
Entertaining Small Groups: The pool should provide ample space for socializing.
Elegant Design: A focus on style and elegance with mood-enhancing features.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Roman Pool: The classic Roman pool shape offers a touch of elegance with its symmetrical design and rounded ends. It provides ample swimming space with a refined, sophisticated look. Elevate the experience with a tanning ledge, wraparound benches, and built-in steps.
Freeform Pool: A freeform pool offers a more organic and flowing design, perfect for creating a tranquil and romantic environment. Its natural, curving shape blends seamlessly into the landscape, adding a sense of elegance and serenity. Tanning ledges, wraparound benches, and built-in steps are perfect for conversation and relaxation.
Rectangular Pool: The sleek and straightforward rectangular pool design makes it a versatile and sophisticated option for couples. This shape is perfect for swimming laps or simply enjoying a quiet, reflective swim. Clean lines create a modern aesthetic, and options for swim-outs, tanning ledges, and built-in steps add form and function.
Spa: Spas provide an intimate space for relaxation and hydrotherapy, making them a great addition to any pool area. They offer a perfect spot for couples to unwind, soak in the warm water, and experience the therapeutic benefits of jets, enriching the overall ambiance of the backyard retreat.

Grandparents

Grandparents often seek a safe pool that is easy to access and designed for relaxation and family bonding. With a focus on gentle entry points and versatile spaces, the perfect pool shape allows grandparents to enjoy light exercise, cool off on warm days, and spend quality time with grandchildren in a safe and comfortable environment.

Key Considerations:

Ease of Access: Safety and ease of entry/exit are top priorities, with designs considering limited mobility.
Low Maintenance: Simple designs that are easy to maintain and clean.
Relaxation and Family Time: A focus on relaxation with areas for grandchildren to play safely.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Freeform Pool: The freeform’s gentle curves are ideal for creating a relaxing environment with designated areas for both lounging and safe play. Beneficial features include non-skid surfaces, easy entry and exit with built-in steps, swim-outs, and enough space for gentle swimming.
Wading Pool: Shallow, versatile pools for relaxing, light exercise, or letting grandchildren splash safely. It’s perfect for older adults who want a low-impact space to enjoy the water. Features often include uniform shallow depth, non-skid surfaces, and benches.
Beach Entry Pool: The gradual, sloping entry makes it exceptionally easy to get in and out, catering to all mobility levels. It’s perfect for grandparents and young grandchildren alike, providing an accessible space. The gentle slope mimics the beach feeling and allows for sunbathing, wading, and safe play.
Spa: A spa’s hydrotherapy benefits often appeal to grandparents. The warm water and soothing jets help relieve joint pain and promote relaxation, making it an ideal spot for unwinding.

Get the Right Shape For Your Family: Consult a Pool Builder

Choosing a pool shape brings you one step to creating your dream pool and enjoying many memories with your loved ones. In no time, you’ll look out your window and won’t even be able to remember what your yard looked like before your fabulous new pool.

If you need help selecting a shape, contact a local pool builder. Their years of experience designing pool projects and insights from countless backyards can offer invaluable guidance. Get a design consultation today from an independent Thursday Pools dealer.