At Neave Group, we believe your lifestyle should be the main factor in choosing your pool size. If you’re training potential Olympic divers, your needs will differ significantly from those with young children who prefer the shallow end.

Do you swim laps or entertain large groups? Are your children older or younger? Our expert designers consider all these pool size considerations, ensuring your pool fits your family and is a stunning addition to your home.

The law requires pools to be at least 8 feet deep and 24 feet from the back wall to the shallow end for diving. If you prefer a pool slide, a 6-foot shallower deep end might suffice. Our designers at Neave Group consider local terrain and property layouts to ensure optimal safety and functionality.

Pool designers say the biggest regret homeowners have about their inground pools is they wish they had a bigger shallow end.

Think about it. Most pool fun happens in the shallow end. It’s where you hang out, where small kids are most comfortable, where you goof around with friends and family.

The shallow end is a pool’s most valuable real estate.

Decades ago, the pool industry built pools to specific sizes. That’s because the vinyl liner industry produced only certain sized liners —16 by 32, 18 by 36, 20 by 40.

That created a mindset that many homeowners still stick with today. When it comes to choosing a pool size, they think in terms of dimensions.

But these days, you can have any pool shape and size you want.

That means a more realistic way to think about pool size is square footage, not dimensions. That’s how we measure the size of our homes and apartments. And it’s how we should think about the size of our pools.

Don’t Forget the Shallow End

The most common pool size and shape is a 16 by 32-foot rectangle. That’s the minimum size you need for an 8-foot deep end.

That gives you 8 feet of the shallow end.

Bump up to a 16 by 40-foot pool, and you double your shallow end to 16 feet.

Designers recommend allowing for as much shallow end as possible for maximum pool fun.

In short, forget the traditional mindset of specific dimensions. With Neave Group, you can customize any pool shape and size based on square footage, which is a more realistic approach to fitting a pool into your lifestyle. For example, an 800-square-foot pool comfortably accommodates up to 16 people.

Your lifestyle should also guide the size of your pool deck. Hosting big family gatherings? Plan for a deck that matches your pool size, ensuring everyone enjoys comfort and space. If you have a 600 square foot pool, plan on a 600 square foot patio.

Ready to start your pool project with the best? Call us at 845-463-0592 or fill out our contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation. Discover why Neave Group is the trusted choice in Hudson Valley, Westchester, and Connecticut.

From the initial consultation to the final touches, Neave Group ensures a seamless and personalized pool design experience. For three years in a row, we have earned the title of “Best of Houzz” for excellence in customer service. Let us help you create your perfect swimming pool design.

If you’re not sure what size to make your pool or what features to add, download our design guide and trust Neave Group to make your dream poolside retreat come true!