Adding a custom swimming pool to your backyard is an exciting investment that enhances your home’s beauty, functionality, and value. But before you dive into construction, choosing the right pool shape is crucial to maximizing your outdoor space.
At COCPools.com (Clearwater Outdoor Creations), we design and build custom in-ground pools tailored to any backyard size. Whether you have a cozy courtyard or a sprawling estate, we’ll help you find the perfect pool shape to match your lifestyle and available space.
Let’s explore the best pool shapes for small, medium, and large backyards to help you find the ideal fit!
Even with limited space, you can still have a stunning custom pool! The key is choosing a compact and efficient design that maximizes every inch of your backyard.
✔ Size Range: 10–16 feet long, 6–10 feet wide
✔ Best For: Relaxation, small yards, and urban spaces
A plunge pool is perfect for cooling off and unwinding in a small backyard. These pools are deep enough for soaking, yet compact enough to fit in tight spaces.
💡 Pro Tip: Add built-in seating, a spa feature, or a tanning ledge to enhance functionality!
✔ Size Range: 10–20 feet long, 6–12 feet wide
✔ Best For: Small entertaining spaces, dual spa/pool use
A cocktail pool, also called a spool (spa + pool), is a versatile option that combines warm spa-like jets with cool-water swimming capabilities.
💡 Pro Tip: Opt for a heated spool so you can enjoy it year-round!
✔ Size Range: 10–25 feet long, 8–12 feet wide
✔ Best For: Sleek, modern aesthetics, narrow backyards
A rectangular pool is a space-efficient design that provides a clean, modern look. It fits well along townhome yards, patios, or side yards.
💡 Pro Tip: Install LED perimeter lighting for a contemporary night-time aesthetic!
✔ Size Range: 12–24 feet long, 8–16 feet wide
✔ Best For: Maximizing corner spaces, dividing shallow and deep ends
An L-shaped pool works well for backyards with odd layouts and corner placements. It provides two functional areas—a shallow section for wading and a deeper section for swimming.
💡 Pro Tip: Use stone or travertine coping to define pool edges and create a luxury look!
A medium-sized backyard allows for more creativity and functionality in pool design. You can integrate entertaining areas, water features, and lounge spaces for a resort-like feel.
✔ Size Range: 20–35 feet long, 12–18 feet wide
✔ Best For: Natural aesthetics, tropical or lagoon-style pools
A freeform pool has curved, flowing edges that create a natural, organic feel. This style is perfect for homes with lush landscaping or rock waterfalls.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a Baja shelf or tanning ledge to create a luxurious shallow area for sunbathing!
✔ Size Range: 20–40 feet long, 12–20 feet wide
✔ Best For: Classic and elegant aesthetics
A Roman pool has rounded ends, while a Grecian pool features cut-corner angles for a timeless and formal design. These pools pair beautifully with brick patios and columned pergolas.
💡 Pro Tip: Use mosaic glass tiles to give the water a high-end, shimmering effect!
✔ Size Range: 25–40 feet long, 12–20 feet wide
✔ Best For: Multi-purpose swimming and relaxation
A Lazy L pool offers the benefits of a traditional rectangular pool, with an added angled section that serves as a shallow wading area or entry step.
💡 Pro Tip: Add underwater bench seating along the “L” for extra relaxation spots!
If you have ample outdoor space, your pool can become a jaw-dropping luxury feature with multiple zones for swimming, lounging, and entertaining.
✔ Size Range: 30–60 feet long, 18–30 feet wide
✔ Best For: Luxury homes, backyard retreats, tropical landscaping
A large freeform pool creates a resort-style oasis by incorporating waterfalls, grottos, swim-up bars, and fire features.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a lagoon-style deck with palm trees for a tropical escape in your backyard!
✔ Size Range: 30–50 feet long, 15–25 feet wide
✔ Best For: Maximizing swim space and entertaining areas
A figure-8 pool provides two distinct swimming zones, making it ideal for families and entertaining.
💡 Pro Tip: Incorporate a spillover spa or LED-lit waterfall feature for added luxury!
✔ Size Range: 30–60 feet long, 15–30 feet wide
✔ Best For: Scenic views, high-end homes, luxury aesthetics
An infinity pool (vanishing edge pool) creates a stunning visual effect, making the water appear to blend seamlessly into the horizon.
💡 Pro Tip: Use dark-colored pool finishes to enhance the infinity effect!
Choosing the right pool shape is crucial for maximizing space, functionality, and visual appeal. Whether you have a small, medium, or large backyard, there’s a perfect pool design for your home.
At COCPools.com, we specialize in custom in-ground pools designed to fit any backyard size and style.
📞 Ready to build your dream pool? Contact us today for a free consultation!
