Find The Inground Pool Shapes & Sizes Right For You

Vinyl, Gunite, or Fiberglass: What Are the Shapes of Inground Pools?

Inground pool shapes and sizes are often among the most exciting variables for homeowners to consider. However, the shapes and designs available may depend on factors like your yard size and layout or which pool type you choose.

Custom shapes and personalized freeform designs are common reasons pool buyers choose vinyl liner and gunite (concrete) pools. Following decades of envelope-pushing innovation, leading fiberglass pool shell manufacturers now offer a wider variety of unique shapes, sizes, and desirable built-in features. 

Vinyl liner swimming pools are generally the cheapest inground pool option in most shapes, but freeform pool shapes can add significantly to installation costs. Custom shapes and complex designs also add to a gunite pool’s price tag. While fiberglass pools are not highly customizable like the other pool types, one benefit in fiberglass’ favor is that pricing doesn’t vary drastically by pool shape.

FIBERGLASS POOL SHAPE CONSIDERATIONS

Shipping and transportation limitations restrict fiberglass pool shells to around 16 feet in width. Despite this constraint, however, the breadth of fiberglass shapes, sizes, and features to choose from often far exceeds the expectations of most new pool shoppers. 

The popularity of fiberglass pools is due, in part, to the aesthetics, durability, and available shapes of pool shells. Fiberglass pools offer built-in features, including steps, tanning ledges, beach entries, swim-outs, and bench seating for a pool experience that feels completely custom and more affordable than a similar final product with another pool type. As a fiberglass pool manufacturer, we are quite fond of them, but we realize you have more options.

GUNITE POOL SHAPE CONSIDERATIONS

Gunite pools have the longest installation timeline of any pool type—particularly if your design includes custom features or a unique shape. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind creation and aren’t concerned about higher labor and installation costs, gunite is probably the pool type for you. It’s easily the most customizable of the three pool types, with no limit to the shape and size possibilities, as concrete is custom-poured on a pool-by-pool basis.   

While a gunite pool design can come in any shape, custom freeforms typically cost more than a standard or traditional rectangle pool. Depending on how personalized or complicated the shape of your unique design is, the complexities can incur significantly more costs to the project’s bottom line. For a direct comparison between only fiberglass and gunite pools, read our post on choosing between gunite and fiberglass.

VINYL POOL SHAPE CONSIDERATIONS

Vinyl liner installation in inground pools begins with interconnected steel, aluminum, or plastic panels. Before setting them in place with concrete, your pool builder can arrange the panels in almost any configuration—from classic rectangles to round or completely custom unique shapes.

While skilled professionals can configure a vinyl liner pool in almost any shape, custom freeform designs can significantly increase upfront installation costs. More complex vinyl pool shapes may also make liner replacements much more expensive. To compare fiberglass with vinyl pools, read our post,  Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Pools: Which is Better for You?

Exploring Inground Pool Shapes Regardless of Pool Type

Now that you’re familiar with the three main pool types, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular inground pool shapes to consider and how they may vary depending on whether you choose a vinyl, gunite, or fiberglass pool.

RECTANGLE INGROUND POOLS

More than just four corners and straight lines, you may be blown away by the variability and uniqueness still attainable with a traditional rectangle swimming pool. This classic shape is highly versatile and can be tailored to achieve a unique look, whether you’re going for a modern, minimalistic style or something more traditional. The sharp, clean lines of a rectangular pool provide a sleek, timeless look that complements elegant and contemporary settings alike. This shape maximizes swimming space and allows for features such as built-in steps, tanning ledges, benches, sloping beach entries, and more. With endless customization options, rectangular pools remain popular for those seeking functionality and style.

FREEFORM INGROUND POOLS

Freeform pools are ideal for those who want to break away from the rigidity of straight lines and embrace a more natural, organic design. These pools mimic the flowing, irregular shapes found in nature, creating a serene, lagoon-like atmosphere. The curvy and flowing lines of a freeform pool allow for creative landscaping and can provide a stark yet pleasing contrast to the structured lines of nearby homes and fences. This shape offers a more personalized aesthetic and can be enhanced with features like integrated spa areas and lush surroundings, making it a favorite for those seeking a custom, resort-like experience.

ROMAN AND GRECIAN POOLS

Roman and Grecian pools draw inspiration from the grandeur of ancient architecture, offering a sophisticated and timeless look. Roman pools are characterized by their rectangular shape with rounded ends, often featuring wide, graceful steps that evoke the feeling of ancient Roman baths. Grecian pools, similar in base shape, have slightly angled corners and straight sides, offering a more geometric and formal appearance. Both designs exude luxury and elegance, making them a stunning focal point that adds a sense of grandeur to any outdoor space.

ROUND AND CIRCULAR POOLS

Round and circular pools are ideal for creating a social, intimate environment. Their symmetrical, enclosed shape encourages interaction, making them ideal for gatherings and social events. These pools often include features like wraparound bench seating promoting conversation and relaxation. Their smaller, intimate design makes them a great choice for those who enjoy hosting gatherings or simply want a cozy space to enjoy with family and friends.

KIDNEY POOLS

Kidney-shaped pools offer a unique, asymmetrical design that many find more visually interesting than traditional shapes. The distinctive curve and indentation create a natural flow reminiscent of a small lagoon or pond, adding an element of whimsy and charm to your outdoor space. This shape is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering zones for different activities such as swimming, lounging, and playing. Kidney-shaped pools can also be customized with features like built-in benches, steps, and even waterfalls to enhance their natural, inviting feel.

Pool Shapes To Match Your Lifestyle

ACTIVE ADVENTURERS

Every night is game night in your household, and there’s always a friendly competition brewing. Whether it’s a spirited pool volleyball match or a dunk contest in the deep end, your family thrives on staying active and making the most of every moment together. The TV might be off, but the energy is always on, with everyone eager to get outside and get into the next round of fun. For your family, it’s all about moving, playing, and bonding—because the family that plays together stays together.

A rectangular pool maximizes swimming space, giving everyone plenty of room to splash, relax, and race across the pool. With flat-bottom depths, it’s the ideal setting for installing volleyball nets or pool-friendly basketball hoops, turning your backyard into an all-season sports arena. And when the competition heats up, nearby built-in bench seating in a fiberglass or custom gunite pool offers a spot to take a breather, enjoy a quick snack, or simply relax before returning to the action. Your family’s love for play and togetherness can reach new heights with a rectangular pool.

THE ULTIMATE PARTY HOSTS

You have a big family, and your home is the heart of your community. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones naturally gravitate to your place because they know it’s where the fun happens. Whether it’s a lively birthday party, a heartfelt family reunion, a festive holiday dinner, or an impromptu get-together “just because,” your home is always ready to host the next unforgettable event.

Your pool should be just as inviting and versatile as your social calendar. A large rectangle pool offers wide-open swim lanes that can easily accommodate big crowds, providing plenty of space for everyone to splash around, swim, or simply cool off. But if you want a more dynamic and interactive atmosphere, a curvy freeform pool facilitates socializing across multiple areas. With wraparound benches, tanning ledges, and deep-end swim-outs, guests can comfortably relax, chat, and enjoy the water, creating pockets of conversation and fun throughout the pool.

For a touch of classic elegance, a Roman-shaped pool with wide, welcoming steps and a shallow wading area sets the stage for a truly inviting swimming experience. The grand entry and spacious design make it easy for everyone to enjoy the water together, from the youngest kids to the most seasoned swimmers. Whether it’s a small gathering or a full-blown celebration, your pool will be the centerpiece of every memorable moment, enhancing the joy and connection you bring to your family and friends.

PARADISE STAYCATIONERS

Imagine stepping out your back door and being instantly transported to a world of relaxation and indulgence, where every day feels like a vacation at a five-star resort. If this sounds like the paradise you crave, then a pool designed for the ultimate staycation is what you need. You work tirelessly and deserve a space where you can unwind, recharge, and bask in the sun’s warm embrace. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon floating in the water, soaking up rays on a built-in tanning ledge, or enjoying a sunset dip, your pool should be a sanctuary of leisure.

For homeowners who desire a slice of resort-style luxury in their own backyard, curvaceous, elegantly swooping, and flowing freeform pool shapes are the top choice. These designs mimic the organic beauty of nature, with gentle curves and natural contours that evoke the tranquil ambiance of a secluded lagoon or tropical oasis. With the right landscaping and features like beach entries and cascading waterfalls, a freeform pool can transform your yard into a personal paradise where relaxation and luxury blend seamlessly into your everyday life.

FITNESS-FOCUSED FUN LOVERS

For you, staying in shape isn’t just a goal—it’s a lifestyle. And when it comes to exercise, swimming is your go-to method for keeping fit and energized. Your pool isn’t just a place for weekend fun with the family; it’s an essential part of your daily routine, helping you maintain your active, health-focused lifestyle. A classic rectangular pool is the ideal choice, supporting your commitment to fitness. Its straight swim lanes are ideal for serious lap swimmers like you, offering a streamlined space where you can focus on your technique, endurance, and speed.

If you have the room, opting for an extended length will allow you to maximize your workout, giving you ample space to challenge yourself with longer laps. But even if your yard size is limited, you don’t have to compromise on your training.

Consider having builders install a swim jet system in a smaller pool, providing resistance that simulates the experience of swimming in open water. This setup ensures you get a full, effective workout every time you hit the pool, keeping you on track with your fitness goals while enjoying the convenience of exercising in your own backyard.

Pool Shapes Based on Yard Size

Your yard’s dimensions, layout, and overall landscape can influence which pool shapes will fit and enhance your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling estate, a compact urban backyard, or something in between, selecting the right pool shape can help you maximize your available space while creating a stunning and functional aquatic retreat.

SMALL YARDS

When it comes to small yards, every square foot counts. With the right pool shape, you can enjoy a refreshing dip without compromising the rest of your outdoor space. Small yards require smart design choices that maximize functionality while maintaining an appealing aesthetic.

PLUNGE POOLS

Plunge pools are an excellent choice for small yards where space is at a premium. These compact pools, designed for soaking rather than swimming, are great for homeowners who want a relaxing water feature without taking up too much room. Plunge pools can be installed in various shapes, such as square, rectangular, or even circular, allowing you to choose the configuration that best fits your yard’s dimensions.

SPOOL POOLS (SMALL POOLS)

Spool pools, a blend of spa and pool, are another great option for small yards. These petite pools offer the benefits of both a swimming pool and a spa, allowing you to swim, relax, and entertain in a compact space. Spools can be rectangular or freeform, giving you flexibility in design. With features like jets for hydrotherapy and built-in seating, spools can turn even the smallest yard into a luxurious retreat.

COMPACT FREEFORM POOLS

Compact freeform pools can be a great fit for those who want a more natural look in their small yard. These pools offer flowing shapes but are scaled down to suit smaller spaces. The irregular curves can be customized to fit around existing landscaping or structures, creating a harmonious and visually appealing backyard oasis. While they may not provide extensive swimming space, compact freeform pools create a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere.

SMALLER GEOMETRIC POOLS

Geometric pools, particularly square, rectangular, or L-shaped designs, are ideal for small yards. These pools can be tucked into corners or along property lines, making the most of your available space. Their clean, modern lines complement contemporary home designs and can be easily integrated with other yard features, such as decks or patios. Geometric pools are also highly versatile, offering plenty of options for incorporating features like tanning ledges or built-in seating within a compact footprint.

NARROW YARDS

Narrow yard configurations can restrict your space, and many homeowners assume no pool will fit comfortably within their narrow confines.

ROUND AND KIDNEY POOLS

Because they often leave unused corners and gaps in narrow or rectangular yards, round pools may not be the best choice for homeowners with narrow yards who want to maximize their available space. Similarly, kidney-shaped pools’ irregular shape makes it difficult to align the pool with the boundaries of your yard, often resulting in wasted space.

RECTANGULAR POOLS

Rectangular pools are the most space-efficient option for narrow yards. Their straight edges align perfectly with the boundaries of your yard, leaving no wasted space. They are versatile and can be customized in length and width to fit snugly into tight spaces, making them ideal for maximizing the swimming area without sacrificing other yard features.

ROMAN & GRECIAN-SHAPED POOLS

Roman and Grecian-shaped pools offer a stylish and space-efficient alternative for those who desire a touch of classic elegance in their narrow yard. With their rectangular base, Roman and Grecian pools provide a traditional aesthetic that complements a variety of home designs. The straight sides allow for efficient use of space, while the angled ends add a sophisticated flair without significantly reducing the usable swimming area. This design is lovely for homeowners looking to blend functionality with timeless beauty in a narrow yard.

LARGE YARDS

When you have the luxury of a large yard, the possibilities for pool shapes and designs are nearly limitless. With ample space to work with, you can create a pool that not only meets your recreational needs but also enhances your outdoor environment’s overall beauty and functionality.

FREEFORM POOLS

Freeform pools are ideal for large yards for those who prefer a more natural, organic look. These pools, with their flowing curves and irregular shapes, can be designed to mimic the contours of a natural body of water, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. In a large yard, a freeform pool can be surrounded by lush landscaping, rock formations, or waterfalls, creating a serene, resort-like atmosphere. The flexibility of a freeform design also allows for the integration of various features, such as cascades, swim-up bars, or connected wading pools, enhancing your outdoor space’s overall aesthetic and functionality.

ROMAN AND GRECIAN-SHAPED POOLS

For a pool that exudes elegance and grandeur, Roman and Grecian shapes are great for large yards. In a large yard, these pools can become the centerpiece of your outdoor living space, anchoring the landscape with their striking beauty and serving as a stunning backdrop for entertaining.

RESORT-STYLE POOLS

Consider a resort-style pool to transform your large yard into a luxurious retreat. These pools often feature freeform and rectangular designs with integrated amenities such as swim-up bars, beach entries, or infinity edges that seamlessly transition between the pool and the surrounding landscape. Resort-style pools offer a range of features that cater to both relaxation and entertainment. With a large yard, you can create a true escape from the ordinary, making every day feel like a vacation in your backyard.

Inground Pool Costs: How Do Pool Shapes Impact Pricing?

How much your new inground pool costs will depend on several factors, first and foremost including the type of pool you choose, whether fiberglass, vinyl, or gunite, as well as the pool shape. While different pool types have distinct pool cost structures, the shape and complexity of your pool’s design can also significantly impact the overall budget.

RECTANGLES

A rectangle pool is generally the most cost-effective pool shape because it’s simple to design and construct. Fiberglass and vinyl liner options are widely available in standard rectangular configurations, which lowers manufacturing and installation costs. For gunite pools, a rectangular shape is also typically less expensive compared to custom or freeform designs, as the straightforward structure requires less labor and fewer materials.

FREEFORM

Freeform pools are growing increasingly popular for their organic, natural look. The curved lines and flowing shapes add complexity to the design and construction process; however, they often lead to higher costs. Vinyl liner and gunite freeform pools require custom panels or meticulous concrete work to achieve the desired curving shape, increasing both material and labor expenses. Pre-molded fiberglass freeform pools are typically a more cost-effective option but may still be more than standard shapes due to special manufacturing processes.

ROMAN & GRECIAN

Roman and Grecian pools offer a classic and sophisticated design but can be more expensive to build, particularly in gunite. The semicircular ends, curved entries, wide steps, and symmetrical lines require additional craftsmanship to get right, increasing labor costs. Vinyl pools may require custom panels for Roman or Grecian designs, and shallow wading areas or wide steps are more difficult to achieve with vinyl liners. Fiberglass options are the most cost-effective for Roman and Grecian pool shapes.

COMPLEX & UNIQUE SHAPES

Custom pool designs, like intricate freeform layouts or highly personalized shapes, are possible with vinyl and gunite pools but often come with significant cost increases. The more complex the pool shape, the more labor-intensive the project becomes, driving up costs. These custom designs require specialized liners and panel configurations for vinyl pools, while gunite pools demand extensive hand-troweling and finishing work.

SIZE & FEATURES

In any shape, the size of your pool plays a major role in determining the overall costs. Larger pools naturally require more materials, labor, and long-term maintenance. Built-in features such as tanning ledges, beach entries, wading areas, or an attached spillover spa, popular in various fiberglass and gunite pool shapes, can considerably add to the pool’s final price tag.

Inground Pool Maintenance: How Pool Shape Affects Upkeep

It’s essential to consider how your pool’s shape may impact its maintenance before you make a final decision. Keeping a pool clean and in good condition requires regular attention, and the shape of your pool can play a significant role in how easy—or difficult—it is to maintain. From skimming leaves to ensuring water circulates properly, the shape of your pool can impact everything from debris collection to chemical balancing.

RECTANGLES

Rectangle pools are generally the easiest to maintain and are compatible with most automatic pool covers, making them a popular choice for homeowners prioritizing convenience. Straight lines and symmetrical designs allow for optimal water circulation, helping keep debris from settling in hard-to-reach areas. Pool cleaners and robotic vacuums can often efficiently navigate rectangle pools’ smooth, predictable shape, and the uniform structure promotes chemical level balance.

FREEFORM

Freeform pools offer a beautiful and natural look with flowing curves and organic shapes. However, the irregular designs can make maintenance more challenging.

Curves and varying depths often contribute to “dead zones” where water circulation is less effective, leading to areas where debris can accumulate. These spots can require extra attention during routine cleanings. Automated robotic cleaners may miss certain parts of a freeform pool due to complex contours, so investing in a high-quality pool vacuum or manually brushing the pool’s edges and corners is necessary.

ROMAN & GRECIAN

While Roman and Grecian pools add timeless sophistication to any backyard, their unique design elements can impact maintenance. Curved semicircular ends and symmetrical steps may create pockets where debris gathers, requiring more frequent manual cleaning. Regular brushing around the round edges and steps will help prevent buildup in these areas, while an efficient pool cleaner can handle the rest. The overall rectangular base of Roman and Grecian pools still promotes proper water circulation, especially in smooth fiberglass shells resistant to algae growth. 

ROUND & CIRCULAR

Circular pools are compact, symmetrical, and relatively easy to maintain. Their even shape allows for balanced water flow, reducing debris buildup, and curved walls make it difficult for dirt and algae to cling to the pool surface. Round pools are often smaller and may require more frequent water testing and chemical adjustments, especially after heavy use.

KIDNEY

Like freeform pools, kidney shapes can have areas with reduced water circulation, particularly in the indentation. This stagnation can lead to debris buildup and algae growth if not properly managed. Using a combination of automated cleaners and manual brushing will help ensure that all areas of a kidney-shaped pool remain clean. Additionally, paying close attention to water circulation by strategically placing return jets can help improve flow and reduce stagnant areas.