With just a few warm days, your mind starts wandering to how lovely a cool dip would feel in a swimming pool.
If your kids are too big for the paddling pool, and the garden hose does not provide what you consider a fun sprinkler, you may be seriously considering a swimming pool for your yard.
But first, how big does your yard to be for a swimming pool?
Not as big as you are thinking!
In This Short Article – We want to share what the yard dimensions can be for you to have a pool of your own, plus some fantastic options for having your own pool in a yard of any size.
How big does a backyard need to be for a pool?
Backyards, like pools, come in all different sizes and shapes, which allows for a swimming pool to be added, even in a relatively small space.
Generally, as a rule of thumb, the best use of your backyard is to allow for the pool, deck and patio space take up no more than one-third of the total backyard space.
This will ensure you have a backyard of some sort, and are able to step out of your backdoor and not drop straight into the pool!
The type of swimming pool determines the size of the backyard
There are different pool alternatives depending on your backyard size and installation requirements that you’ll want to weigh quite heavily.
Here are the most common backyard pool alternatives:
- Above-ground pools: These are installed on the ground in your yard and are usually constructed from vinyl aluminum and steel. They are inexpensive and can be assembled or taken apart as a do-it-yourself project.
- In-ground pools: Contractors install in-ground pools in the ground of your garden, making them a permanent feature. They are usually made of fiberglass or resin and have been sunk into the ground much like a pond.
- Lap Pools: This type of pool is for people who wish to swim in their pool. They are long, and narrow, so that you can swim a length.
- Infinity pools: Commonly used by celebrities and rich people, the infinity pool has a stunning disappearing edge design that resembles a beautiful waterfall, it also requires lots of space and a complicated installation.
- Swim spas: These are a smaller, more recreational style of pool. Swim spas use a jet of water to create a current that a swimmer can swim against and not cover a lot of distance, or a swimming version of a treadmill.
- Hot tubs and spas: These are small, and compact, very popular pool options are purely recreational and are used only for lounging in water, and not swimming.
Knowing the size of your garden can help you pinpoint the pool size that will work for your property
If you are flexible with the size/dimensions of type of pool, most gardens will allow you to meet the one-third rule for pool size.
Sometimes you may get lucky with shape and dimension and be able to get a larger pool!
Just search pool options that have a footprint that works with the yard size you have available. The most common in-ground pools are typically between 20 to 30 feet long.
The following table lists the minimum footprint you will need for the most common/decorated outdoor pools:
| Pool size (feet) | Minimum yard size (feet) |
|---|---|
| 40′ x 20′ | 52′ x 30′ |
| 36′ x 18′ | 48′ x 28′ |
| 30′ x 15′ | 42′ x 25′ |
| 28′ x 14′ | 36′ x 24′ |
| 24′ x 12′ | 34′ x 22′ |
| 20′ x 12′ | 32′ x 22′ |
Minimum yard size by pool dimensions
Pools need yard space
A good pool will quickly become a focal point in your backyard, but there is much more that needs to be considered beyond the swimming pool itself.
Be sure to have the following covered for your garden setup:
The number of people using the pool
Just think about it. Obviously, you wouldn’t let a swarm of crazy teenagers bomb your hot tub.
Stick to the recommended maximum number of people that the manufacturer recommends can use the pool at a time.
Clearly, if you have large enough swimming pool, the more the merrier, but safety is always first!
If your backyard(small) and of course the pool(limited), then you may have to take turns!
The shape of your pool
The usual rectangular swimming pool shape with a 2:1 ratio may not be ideal based on the dimensions of your yard.
This could be a great opportunity to open your mind and consider the option of a non-traditional shape!
A circular, square, or completely custom shaped pool is often a great option when working with a more narrow or very small yard.
You’ll need room for depth
You need to consider a depth of your new swimming pool if you want a real swimming pool experience or a place for the kids to practice their cannonball safely.
With swimming pools, you need to have length in order to create depth so that the angle to the deep end is safe and gradual.
What is going to surround your pool?
Countless pool owners like to fence in their pool area, with gated materials that take up even more space.
In some areas, this is mandatory for the safety of children or animals falling into the pool.
Also, lounge chairs will take up even more space, along with umbrellas, slide, and other water features.
If your yard is small, these hacks could make a pool workable
With strategic landscaping, you get to break the rules and have a teeny tiny pool for your summer garden improvement.
Here are some clever ideas for incorporating a small pool into your garden.
Your pool can double-up as a water feature
Get inventive and turn a small pool into a smart water feature.
Change up your tile and choose a more subdued finish such as tiling in a natural stone colored tile that matches your garden decor but still reflects the light.
A raised edge on an above-ground pool makes for a place to plop down and dip your toes.
A plunge pool is a great compromise
Plunge pools are a timeless choice for petite outdoor spaces as they are small but deep enough to allow complete immersion.
You may not be able to swim laps, but you can wade, lounge or float in this elegant pool style. The pool can even have integrated steps for seating.
Use edges
If your zoning rules or neighbors allow it, take advantage of the edges or corners of your property to squeeze in that pool you’ve fantasized of having.
Rounding up
A pool is the epitome of luxury in a garden, but when you have a small backyard, installing one can pose a challenge.
Ideally, you’d want a backyard with space for a pool, but there are ways to be adventurous and cool off in a small pool that has been thoughtfully placed.