How Much Backyard Space Do You Need for a Pool?

Professional Pool Company — Understanding Space Requirements Before You Build

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

“Do I have enough space for a pool?”

The good news is that many Central Florida backyards — even smaller ones — can support a well-designed pool. The real answer depends on your setbacks, usable yard area, access, and preferred pool features. This article breaks down everything you need to know.

⭐ 1. Most Homes Need 25–40 Feet of Usable Depth

While every property is unique, the general guideline is:

• 25–30 ft minimum for a compact pool
• 30–40 ft for a standard family pool
• 40+ ft for large pools with decks, spas, or sunshelves

This measurement is taken from your rear wall to the nearest setback line, not the fence.

⭐ 2. Setbacks Matter More Than Lot Size

Florida does not determine pool space by lot size — it’s determined by setbacks, which are required distances from the property lines.

Typical setbacks (varies by county):

• 5–10 ft from side property lines
• 5–10 ft from rear property lines
• 10–20 ft from water bodies, easements, or conservation zones
• 4–6 ft equipment setbacks

A backyard may look large, but easements can make the usable area smaller.

Professional Pool Company verifies your exact setbacks during the design phase.

⭐ 3. Pool Size Examples by Yard Depth

Here’s what typically fits:

✔ 25 ft of yard depth

• Cocktail pool
• 10×15 or 10×20 rectangle
• Small sunshelf
• Limited deck space

✔ 30–35 ft of yard depth

• 12×24 or 14×28
• Freeform or geometric pools
• Sunshelf + moderate deck space
• Small spa option

✔ 35–45 ft of yard depth

• 15×30 or 16×32
• Spa + sunshelf + features
• Section for seating or firepit

✔ 45+ ft of yard depth

• Large family pool
• Oversized sunshelf
• LED lighting, features, large spa
• Expanded deck with seating zones

Even tight or irregular yards can support a pool with the right engineering.

⭐ 4. Width Requirements

Most homeowners need:

• 13–18 ft minimum width to fit a functional design
• 20–30+ ft for larger or freeform pools

Corner lots and pie-shaped yards often require custom layouts — which we handle in the design phase.

⭐ 5. Don’t Forget the Decking Space

Decking is required around the pool for:

• Walking
• Seating
• Safety
• Access to equipment
• Screening (if included)

Most homeowners choose 2–5 ft of deck on each side, but custom decks can extend 10–15 ft.

⭐ 6. Certain Properties Need Extra Consideration

Easements

Drainage or utility easements can't be built over.

Slopes

May require retaining or grading adjustments.

High water table areas

Require engineered mitigation.

Small access paths

Can still work, but may slow excavation and increase cost.

Our team handles all of these during your planning phase.

⭐ 7. The Best Way to Know: Your Survey

Your property survey shows:

• Lot lines
• Setbacks
• Easements
• Encroachments
• Existing structures
• Drainage flow

This allows us to instantly determine:

✔ The maximum pool size

✔ Where the pool must sit

✔ How much deck space is possible

✔ Whether a spa or sunshelf fits

If you have a survey, you're already halfway there.

⭐ 8. We Design Pools for Backyards of All Sizes

Whether your yard is:

• Small
• Narrow
• Sloped
• Corner lot
• Pie-shaped
• HOA-restricted
• Has drainage swales

— we design pools that maximize your usable space while respecting all county rules.

⭐ Want to See What Fits Your Backyard?

We can overlay a pool design directly onto your survey and show you exactly what fits.

👉 Start your free 3D design and backyard layout today.

Updated on: 28/11/2025