The most popular residential pool is a 16×32 ft in-ground rectangle (~21,000 gal, $25K–$60K installed). For budget-friendly options, an 18 ft round above-ground (~7,600 gal, $2K–$6K) is the top seller — it fits most backyards and holds 4–6 swimmers comfortably.
Choose Your Pool Type
Tap a type to jump to its size chart with full dimensions and capacity data.
Above Ground Pool Sizes
Measured by diameter (round) or length × width (oval). Depths range from 48 to 54 inches. All capacities assume water filled to 6 inches below the top rail.
| Pool Size | Dimensions | Water Capacity | Surface Area / Swimmers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft Round | 12 ft diameter · 48 in depth | 113 sq ft · 2–3 people | |
| 15 ft Round | 15 ft diameter · 48 in depth | 177 sq ft · 3–4 people | |
| 18 ft Round Popular | 18 ft diameter · 52 in depth | 254 sq ft · 4–6 people | |
| 24 ft Round | 24 ft diameter · 52 in depth | 452 sq ft · 6–8 people | |
| 15 × 30 Oval | 15 × 30 ft · 52 in depth | 353 sq ft · 5–7 people | |
| 18 × 33 Oval | 18 × 33 ft · 52 in depth | 468 sq ft · 6–9 people | |
| 21 × 43 Oval | 21 × 43 ft · 54 in depth | 710 sq ft · 8–12 people |
In-Ground Pool Sizes
Custom dimensions with varying depths from 3 to 8 ft. Rectangle, kidney, freeform, and lap configurations available.
| Pool Type | Dimensions (L × W) | Avg. Depth | Water Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Rectangle | 10 × 20 ft / 3 × 6.1 m | 4.5 ft | |
| Medium Rectangle | 14 × 28 ft / 4.3 × 8.5 m | 5 ft | |
| Large Rectangle Popular | 16 × 32 ft / 4.9 × 9.8 m | 5.5 ft | |
| Extra Large | 20 × 40 ft / 6.1 × 12.2 m | 6 ft | |
| Kidney Shape | 16 × 30 ft / 4.9 × 9.1 m | 5 ft | |
| Freeform | 18 × 36 ft / 5.5 × 11 m | 5.5 ft | |
| Lap Pool | 10 × 50 ft / 3 × 15.2 m | 4 ft constant |
Pool Depth & Safety Guide
Depth determines who can safely use the pool and which activities it supports. Diving requires a minimum 8 ft depth in the designated area.
| Depth Type | Measurement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kiddie Pool | 1–2 ft / 0.3–0.6 m | Toddlers & young children (supervised) |
| Shallow End | 3–4 ft / 0.9–1.2 m | Standing, playing, wading, lounging |
| Transition Zone | 4–5 ft / 1.2–1.5 m | Swimming and water games |
| Deep End | 5–6 ft / 1.5–1.8 m | Swimming laps, treading water |
| Diving Depth | 8–12 ft / 2.4–3.7 m | Safe diving from board or platform |
| Constant Depth | 4–5 ft / 1.2–1.5 m | Above-ground pools, lap pools |
Visual Size Comparison
See how small, medium, and large in-ground pools compare. Hover over each pool for details.
Pool Size Calculator
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Pool Costs at a Glance
Installation costs vary widely by pool type. Larger pools also cost more to operate annually due to higher chemical, energy, and maintenance needs.
Above Ground
$2,000 – $6,000
Installed. Cheapest to operate — small pumps, low chemical use. Annual upkeep ~$600–$1,000.
In-Ground Vinyl Liner
$25,000 – $50,000
Liner replaced every 7–12 years ($3K–$5K). Good balance of cost and longevity.
In-Ground Fiberglass
$30,000 – $60,000
Factory-molded shell. Low maintenance, smooth finish. Limited to pre-made shapes.
In-Ground Gunite
$40,000 – $100,000+
Fully custom size and shape. Longest lifespan. Highest annual maintenance (~$2,500–$4,000).
Annual operating costs for a mid-size 16×32 ft pool: $1,500–$2,500 for chemicals, electricity, and basic maintenance. Heated pools in cool climates add $1,000–$3,000/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
For in-ground pools, the 16×32 ft rectangle is the most popular residential size. It holds about 21,000 gallons, fits 8–10 swimmers, and works for both recreation and lap swimming. For above-ground pools, the 18 ft round is the best seller — it offers 254 sq ft of surface area at roughly a tenth of the cost of an in-ground pool.
Take your pool dimensions and add 5–10 ft on each side for code setbacks from property lines, plus 3–5 ft for deck/patio on accessible sides. Equipment pads need another 4–6 ft of clearance. A 16×32 ft pool requires at minimum a 26×42 ft yard area. Map the location to avoid underground utilities, septic systems, and tree roots before committing.
Above-ground pools are ideal if your budget is under $6,000, you want easy installation (often same-day), or you may move within a few years. They’re limited to 48–54 in depth and round or oval shapes. In-ground pools offer custom sizes, varying depths, and much higher property value impact — but cost 5× to 20× more and take 2–8 weeks to install.
Yes, but you’ll need at least 30 ft of length for short laps. For serious training, a dedicated lap pool of 10×50 ft with constant 4 ft depth is ideal. If space is tight, swim-jet or resistance-current systems let you swim in place in pools as short as 10–15 ft, effectively giving you an endless pool experience in a compact footprint.
For rectangular pools: Length × Width × Average Depth × 7.5 = gallons. For round pools: Diameter × Diameter × Depth × 5.9 = gallons. A 16×32 ft pool at 5.5 ft average depth holds about 21,000 gallons. An 18 ft round at 4 ft water depth holds about 7,600 gallons. Knowing your volume is essential for sizing pumps, filters, heaters, and calculating chemical doses.
Annual operating costs depend on pool size. A small 14×28 ft pool typically runs $1,200–$1,800 per year for chemicals, electricity, and basic maintenance. A large 20×40 ft pool costs $2,500–$4,000 annually. Above-ground pools are cheapest at $600–$1,000 per year. Heating adds $1,000–$3,000 in cool climates. Costs scale roughly with water volume — double the gallons, roughly double the operating budget.
Complete Pool Buying Guide
In-depth advice on choosing, sizing, and installing a swimming pool. Expand any section to read more.
Start by measuring your available yard space and subtracting setbacks required by local codes, typically 5 to 10 feet from property lines. Account for pool deck or patio area around the pool, adding 3 to 5 feet on all accessible sides. Equipment pads for pumps and heaters need 4 to 6 feet of clearance. A 16×32 foot pool requires a yard area of at least 26×42 feet including minimum deck, or larger for generous outdoor living space.
Consider how you’ll actually use the pool. If it’s primarily for cooling off and kids playing, a small-to-medium pool (14×28 ft or 18 ft round above-ground) is plenty. For swimming laps, prioritize length over width — at least 30 ft for short laps, or a dedicated 40–50 ft lap pool. If you entertain frequently, size up to 16×32 ft or bigger so multiple groups can swim and lounge at once. Match pool size to realistic usage rather than maximizing area, since operating costs increase with volume.
Round above-ground pools are the most common and economical, ranging from 12 to 24 feet in diameter. The 18 ft model is ideal for families, providing enough space for swimming and games with 254 sq ft of surface. Larger 24 ft rounds suit families who entertain, offering 452 sq ft and holding 13,500 gallons.
Oval above-ground pools provide more swimming length in narrower yards. Common sizes include 15×30, 18×33, and 21×43 ft. An 18×33 oval offers similar surface area to a 24 ft round but fits better in rectangular yards. Ovals cost 20–40% more than comparable rounds due to additional bracing for the straight sides, but provide noticeably better swimming space.
Depths are limited by wall height — typically 48, 52, or 54 inches. Water fills to within 4–6 inches of the top, creating actual depths of 42–50 inches. This is adequate for wading, playing, and casual swimming, but too shallow for diving.
Rectangular pools are classic and versatile, ranging from 10×20 ft plunge pools to 20×40 ft family pools. A 14×28 ft rectangle is a popular medium size — 392 sq ft for families of four to six. The 16×32 ft is considered large residential, accommodating eight to ten people. Rectangles align with property lines efficiently and maximize swimming length for a given area.
Kidney and freeform pools offer organic shapes that blend into natural landscaping. They typically measure 16–18 ft wide by 28–36 ft long with curved edges. Freeforms accommodate rock features, waterfalls, and planted areas. They sacrifice some swimming length compared to rectangles of similar area, but create a resort-style aesthetic.
Lap pools are narrow rectangles built specifically for exercise: typically 8–10 ft wide and 40–50 ft long at a constant 4 ft depth. Their narrow profile saves space and reduces operating costs. Swim jets allow effective lap swimming in pools as short as 10–15 ft.
Most family pools feature sloped bottoms: 3–3.5 ft at the shallow end, transitioning through a 4–5 ft middle section, and reaching 5–6 ft in the deep end. The transition zone should slope no more than 1 ft per 8–10 ft of horizontal distance for safety. Children and non-swimmers use the shallow end safely, while experienced swimmers enjoy the deep end for laps.
Diving requires a minimum of 8 ft directly below the board and extending 10–12 ft forward. Residential diving boards are rare in modern pools due to liability concerns. Most new pools limit depth to 5–6 ft, eliminating diving capability but reducing excavation costs and water volume significantly.
Visit neighbors or friends with pools of various sizes to experience them firsthand. Swim in pools you are considering to assess whether they feel spacious or cramped for your family. Visualize the pool in your yard by marking the outline with stakes and string, then imagine it filled with people.
Think long-term — pools last 15 to 30 years. Will you have more children or grandchildren using the pool? Oversizing slightly provides flexibility as needs change, while undersizing leaves you wishing for more space within a year or two. A well-chosen pool size balances current needs with future possibilities, providing decades of recreation that enhances both your quality of life and property value.