How to Choose the Right Pool Size

A Practical Guide for Florida Homeowners

Choosing the right size for your swimming pool is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the design process. The pool must fit your yard, lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs—not just what looks good on paper. At Professional Pool Company, we help homeowners select a pool size that feels comfortable, functional, safe, and proportional to their outdoor space.

This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the ideal pool size for your home.

⭐ 1. Start With Your Lifestyle Goals

The “right size” depends on how you plan to use your pool.

✔ Family Recreation

Ideal sizes:

• 14' × 28'
• 15' × 30'
• 16' × 32'

These sizes offer plenty of space for swimming, games, floats, and shallow lounging.

✔ Lap Swimming & Exercise

Ideal sizes:

• 10'–12' wide
• 40'–45' long
• Straight walls for uninterrupted swim lanes

Lap pools require length more than width.

✔ Entertainment & Parties

Ideal sizes:

• Larger shallow areas
• 16' × 34' or 18' × 36'
• Sun shelf + bench seating
• Space for water features and lighting

Entertainment pools focus more on layout than extreme length.

✔ Relaxation & Aesthetics

Ideal sizes:

• 12' × 24'
• 14' × 26'
• Compact shapes with sun shelves

Great for smaller yards or luxury minimalist designs.

⭐ 2. Evaluate Your Backyard Space

Your yard’s shape and size determine what is realistically possible.

✔ Setbacks & Easements

County and city regulations may limit:

• Distance from property lines
• Drainage easements
• Utility easements
• Conservation setbacks

We evaluate this during the design phase using your property survey.

✔ Existing Structures

We consider:

• Patios
• Screen enclosures
• Retaining walls
• Septic tanks and drain fields
• Trees and landscaping

Your pool must fit comfortably without overwhelming the yard.

⭐ 3. Consider Pool Depth

Depth impacts safety, aesthetics, and usage.

✔ Most Popular Depth Profile

• 3.5' (shallow entry)
• 5' (middle)
• 4' (end)

Perfect for families, games, and general use.

✔ Exercise-Limited Depth

• Uniform 4'–5' depth
• Great for water aerobics and lap swimming

✔ Avoid Diving Depths

Due to modern safety standards, diving-depth pools (8'+) are rare, cost more, and require far more yard space.

⭐ 4. Think About Future Use

Pools last decades—your needs may change.

Ask yourself:

• Will the family grow or shrink?
• Do you plan to entertain more in the future?
• Do you want a spa added later?
• Will a screen enclosure be added?

Choosing a flexible size prevents redesign later.

⭐ 5. Match the Pool Size to Your Home’s Scale

A pool should feel proportional to your home and lot.

✔ Smaller Homes (1,200–1,800 sq. ft.)

Ideal pool sizes:

• 12' × 24'
• 12' × 26'
• 14' × 28'

✔ Medium Homes (1,800–2,800 sq. ft.)

Ideal:

• 14' × 30'
• 15' × 30'
• 16' × 32'

✔ Larger Homes (2,800+ sq. ft.)

Ideal:

• 16' × 34'
• 18' × 36'
• Custom freeform layouts

Large homes can support visually larger pools without feeling crowded.

⭐ 6. Factor in Decking, Furniture, and Outdoor Living

The pool is only part of the backyard.

Consider leaving space for:

• Lounge chairs
• Dining table
• Outdoor kitchen
• Walkways
• Fire pit
• Shade structures

A pool that’s too large may limit outdoor functionality.

⭐ 7. Budget Considerations

Larger pools cost more due to:

• More concrete
• More steel
• Larger pump & filter
• More interior finish
• More decking

You can allocate budget smartly by:

• Keeping the pool size moderate
• Adding a sun shelf instead of adding length
• Using high-impact features instead of size expansion

⭐ 8. Pool Shape Affects Perceived Size

Some shapes feel larger without increasing square footage.

✔ Geometric Pools

Feel bigger and maximize swim space.

✔ Freeform Pools

Blend into landscaping and create the illusion of more space.

✔ Rectangle Pools

Most efficient for lap swimming, covers, and modern aesthetics.

⭐ ProPoolCo Recommendation

Your pool should fit your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans—not just what looks trendy. We design pools that balance aesthetics, functionality, and available space.

A properly sized pool will feel natural, look proportional, and serve your needs for decades.

⭐ Need Help Choosing the Right Pool Size?

Professional Pool Company provides 3D layouts, property survey analysis, and personalized design consultations to determine the perfect pool size for your home.

👉 Call 321-252-7371 or visit propoolco.com to begin your design.

Updated on: 05/12/2025