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A pool is a beautiful thing. If you want to add this luxury to your property, the right pool size is essential. With these 7 steps you can determine the perfect dimensions of the pool.

In a nutshell

  • no size should be chosen that exceeds the budget
  • the pool size should not fill up the available plot too much
  • the pool shape will affect the final size of the
  • The number of people who use it regularly determines the width of the pool
  • the intended use of the pool should be considered for the perfect pool size

First of all: available capital

If you want to install a whirlpool next to the actual pool, you should definitely include this in the cost calculation. An outdoor hot tub can significantly increase the price of the project. The prices differ significantly depending on the type of pool:

  • Above ground pool: 100 to 2,500 euros (depending on material and size)
  • Built-in pool: from 7,000 euros

Of course, prices can fluctuate even more, since you ultimately decide on the material, size and type of pool. This is precisely why it is so important that you think about the budget beforehand. If you have a set maximum amount that you can spend on the pool, you should not exceed it. You should preferably lower this so that you have something left over in case problems arise.

Notice: If you have problems with the statement of costs, you should ask a specialist company for advice. This will not only realize the pool for you, but also list the costs that will arise from the project.

plot size

Just as you should not exceed your budget, the size of your property is important for the ideal dimensions of the pool. Since you probably don't have a lot of space available forever, you should think carefully about the maximum size of the tank. For example, if your garden has an average size of 300 square meters, it should not exceed the volume of 75 cubic meters. That corresponds to 25 percent of the property, which still leaves you enough space.

Determine size: Consider the shape of the pool

One of the best ways to determine the perfect pool size is to determine the shape you want. Each pool shape has a different effect on the size, which you should consider accordingly in order to achieve the best possible result. The location shape, the rectangle, is particularly common. Angular and resembling a large tub, this pool shape comes in a variety of standard sizes that you will come across on the market:

  • 600cm x 300cm
  • 600cm x 400cm
  • 700cm x 300cm
  • 700cm x 400cm
  • 800cm x 400cm
  • 900cm x 400cm
  • 1,000cm x 400cm

On average, these have a volume of 20 to 50 cubic meters and can be found in numerous gardens. The rectangle is the simplest and at the same time cheapest shape, as it is angular and can therefore be implemented without much effort. But there are other shapes that determine the pool size:

  • oval
  • around
  • kidney shaped

If a pool is oval, the corners are rounded, which saves space. So you can still order a typical 800 x 400 centimeter pool that is no longer square. You can use an oval if you don't want the size to deviate from the rectangle, but the corners take up too much space. If, on the other hand, it is round, the width and length no longer work, since only the diameter is decisive here. If the pool is to be round, select this according to your wishes. It is different with kidney-shaped and special pools. These do not adhere to the classic forms and must therefore be planned very carefully. A kidney-shaped pool, for example, has a curve or narrowed portion that gives you more space in one place and removes it in another. Lanes of up to ten meters can still be implemented excellently.

Recommended pool depth

In addition to the length and width, the depth is of course an important point in relation to the dimensions. Since the shape of the pool only has a minor effect on this, there are some dimensions that are available for most pools on private property. These are used for numerous standard models that you will find on the market and are mainly used for the swimming area. If you want to integrate pelvic areas at different depths, these can be deeper or shallower. The standard dimensions are:

  • recommended minimum depth: 135 cm
  • comfortable depth: 150 cm

These measurements are recommendations to be used for pools you intend to swim in. If you only want a paddling pool, depths of 30 to 60 centimeters are sufficient. In most cases, these only need to be deep enough for children and adults to sit down and relax in the water. Of course, the water can be even deeper, depending on your taste. If there are seniors in your family who want to use the pool regularly, you should definitely exceed the minimum depth of 135 cm. 150 cm should be mentioned here, because this allows older people to spend relaxed time in the water without putting too much strain on their joints.

number of users

One of the classic methods of choosing the right pool size is the number of people who will be using the pool together on a regular basis. The following applies here: the more people using the pool at the same time, the wider it should be. In this way, they offer the individual person enough space for a lane, which is especially recommended for larger families. You can use the following values as a guide:

  • Width for 1 person: min. 250 cm
  • Width for 2 people: min. 400 cm
  • Length: from 800 cm

These determine the recommended width for a pool in your own garden and help to determine not only the dimensions, but the shape of the pool more precisely. If you want to use the pool specifically for swimming, these dimensions are essential and are often used for the standard pool designs. If there are more than two lanes, two meters should be added for each lane. But keep in mind that the size changes quickly and may no longer fit in your garden. In this case, it would be advisable to swim one after the other, because a pool that is just six meters wide can cost a lot of money or take up space. Pools designed specifically for lounging or splashing around don't need to be as strictly aligned with these values.

Tip: Especially with a large family, it is important to have a much wider pool. In this way, the entire family, including friends and acquaintances, can use the pool without causing space problems.

Pool Size: Purpose

Not only the number and the age of the people is decisive for determining the optimal pool size. Important and all too often overlooked is the actual purpose of the pool. Not everyone builds a pool solely for relaxation, which needs to be considered. For this reason, you should take a special look at what you want to use the pool for. There are a variety of uses that should be factored into the planning:

  • Relaxation
  • for playing or for large families
  • as a natural pool
  • for swimmers or divers

For example, if you swim extensively, you must not choose the pool size too small. For such a purpose, you should specially build a so-called swimming lane. This is a swimming pool that is not as wide but much longer. The lengths of these start at ten meters and can reach up to 50 meters depending on the available budget and the size of the property. On average, 15, 25 or 30 meters are chosen. A relaxation or family pool should be sized using the steps above. A relaxation pool can usually be a bit smaller compared to a family pool. The natural pool is completely different. The following points apply to this:

  • recommended minimum depth: 150 to 250 cm
  • recommended size: from 35 m³
  • Pool shape only marginally important

Such pools are also known under the term swimming pond. If you have decided on this variant, the swimming pool should not be too small, otherwise the water will have difficulty cleaning itself. In this case, you would have to pay more attention to cleaning or install appropriate devices that do the work for you. A pool for diving is particularly rare. Since you are building these downwards, you must decide on a depth that is necessary. A deeper plunge pool than necessary drives up costs immensely and can adversely affect the structure.

Don't forget: pool size and maintenance

An important consideration when planning the ideal pool size is maintenance. You need to clean your pool, prepare it for winter or completely refill it. It is also necessary to regularly check components such as the pump so that there are no problems with the water circuit. These points will affect the final size of your pool. The reason for this is the maintenance effort and the costs, which also increase with the size of the pool and the adjacent terrace. If you are using your swimming pool purely for relaxation or family use, a smaller size is a good choice if you don't want to invest too much time, money and effort in maintenance. Especially mini pools and swimming ponds are very easy to maintain.

frequently asked Questions

Up to what size does the pool not require planning permission?

If you are planning a swimming pool, a building permit is required for a volume of 50 cubic meters or more. This means that all sizes below this value can be converted without problems. It doesn't even matter which pool shape you choose. All pools larger than 50 cubic meters require a permit, which you apply to the responsible authority. A fee must be paid for the permit, the cost of which differs in each municipality.

Should the depth of the pool be reduced because of children?

The answer here is clearly no. Children should not play or swim in the pool without supervision, at the same time they grow very quickly and after a few years the pool is no longer too deep. It just wouldn't be worth reducing the depth of the pool because as a teenager or young adult a normal depth is needed to be able to swim comfortably. A comfortable depth should be selected, especially if several generations live in your household.

When is a counter-current swimming system recommended?

A counter-current system is a device that creates a current in the pool that allows you to swim in place. It is often used by swimmers to train effectively even in smaller pools. For this reason, you should think about purchasing such a system if your pool cannot exceed a length of six meters due to lack of space.

What affects the size of the terrace around the swimming pool?

Every swimming pool has a terrace, the size of which depends on various factors. As with the pool, this must be adapted according to use and equipment. This includes, for example, the possibility of sunbathing, setting up planters or a privacy screen and placing a table for several people. It is best to calculate the size of the terrace when planning the pool.

When is the best time to build a pool?

Once you have decided on the final pool size, all you have to do is commission the pool or build it yourself. Autumn has established itself as the ideal time for this project. Reasons for this date are the end of the bathing season and the main work in the garden. If the pool is built in autumn, the pool can be used immediately for the coming season. There is no time pressure here.

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Category:

Garden design