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Swimming pool shapes: What to keep in mind as you design

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There is nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the pool on a warm day. Something about the sun on your skin and the cool, crisp water brings about a pleasant and relaxing experience. If you are thinking of adding a pool to your own backyard, there are several details to consider. One that you may not think of as terribly important is the shape. However, the way you shape your pool greatly affects the price and functionality of your little oasis. Choose a swimming pool shape that gives you the most bang for your buck while serving the purpose you desire.

square inground pool surrounded by greenery
Dimitri Houtteman/Unsplash

What are the best swimming pool shapes?

Swimming pool shapes are widely varied and can be customized for the right price. Within that vast collection, there are some definite favorites. Remember that shape and depth are not the same, so in this instance, we are referring primarily to the outlined shape of the pool itself. First is the oval-shaped pool. This shape is aesthetically attractive, spacious, and decorative by nature. A slight deviation to this is a kidney pool. This shape is round from both sides and curved inwards at an edge. Kidney pools commonly include waterfall features. Rectangular pools are the most common of shapes and can be catered to different plots easily. Grecian pools are great for larger families, as they are wide and rectangular but feature tilted corners that curve inward. Lastly, there are custom shapes you can create, depending on the layout of the land you are working with.

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What is the least-expensive pool shape to build?

The rectangle shape is by far the most cost-effective pool choice, for a few reasons. A rectangular pool can be constructed in both above- and below-ground models. Above-ground pools further whittle down the price, as they reduce excavation and plumbing expenses. However, even if you do opt for a below-ground swimming pool, the rectangular shape provides an easier gradient design when adjusting depth in different parts of the water. Rectangle pools can be sized for large, family-friendly crowds or as small fitness lap pools as well.

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Does the shape of the pool affect cost?

Pools are commonly priced by square footage. For this reason alone, the shape will play a major role in your estimation. Other related details to consider are the fabrication steps. Prefabricated pools, for instance, require minimal labor. This reduces construction costs and material expenses for you. When you customize a pool’s shape, it changes the way that you incorporate plumbing, filtration, and tile. If the objective is to keep costs low, basic is always better.

Are there different types of pools?

Above-ground pool with floating toys
Dimitropoulou/Shutterstock.com

Many varieties of swimming pools exist, and each has a functional purpose. The first is concrete, which is the most popular and expensive sort. The reason is that concrete pools simply last the longest. They have a life expectancy of 40 years or more, making it worth the investment. The second most popular is a vinyl pool. Vinyl pools function as more of a liner, which means that the durability may not always perform as advertised. It would be wise to have a vinyl pool inspected every six years or so to ensure good upkeep. Fiberglass pools are not advisable for a number of reasons. They have the most expensive upfront cost but offer little in terms of customization. They can also be abrasive on your feet and last half the time a concrete pool does — about 25 years at the most.

Different pool shapes are a vital detail when deciding to add your own little oasis to your yard. A home pool can be a fantastic investment when done right. Basic outlines such as rectangle and oval can be adjusted and customized to fit the land they’re built on. That being said, rectangle pools are preferable for their adaptability and low cost. Make sure you select a pool type that will make your expense worthwhile and play into the longevity of the build. Concrete pools require some upkeep against algae growth and the like but last far longer than fiberglass or vinyl. Above-ground pools are more affordable than underground pools, especially when it comes to installation costs. With the right planning, you’ll enjoy a quick dip right outside your door.

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HappySprout Contributor
HappySprout Contributor
Everything you should consider before painting your pool
painting a pool

Some tasks can be quickly taken on in an afternoon, while others weigh on your shoulders. Sometimes this weight is because of the size of the project, while other times, it's because you're not sure what to do. Today we're going to help you tackle a project you might be putting off. We'll talk about why you might want to paint your pool, what you should consider before starting, and how to get started.
Why you might need to paint your pool
One of the main reasons pool owners want to paint their pool is that the original paint is no longer viable. It might be chipping, or the color has faded to an ugly sunburnt shade. Another reason might be simply because of aesthetics. Perhaps your style has changed, or it's a new home and you don't like the style the last homeowners chose. Either way, it's time to repaint the pool. Lastly, you might need to repaint your pool because the integrity of the pool requires repair, so you'll need to patch the paint anyway.

What to consider before painting your pool
Before jumping right in, there are a few things you should consider before repainting your pool. This is a big project, and to set yourself up for success, you'll want to have everything planned out to ensure it runs as smoothly as it can.
Time of year
If you want to repaint your pool, but you're about to head into the rainy season, you might want to reconsider. A pool will need to stay dry and clear of debris for a long while during the painting process, and if there's a chance you might get rain, you'll want to reschedule.
What color to paint
This might seem elementary, but choosing your color way ahead of time can alleviate any anxiety you have about choosing the right color. If you wait until the day before to decide which shade of blue you're going with, you might not have time to think about it and end up regretting it. The last thing you want to do after painting your pool is to have to repaint it.
Gathering supplies
Nothing slows a project down like a run to the hardware store. Check and recheck your list of supplies and be extra sure that you have everything you need. You might even want to buy double of some things to ensure you have what you need when you need it. If you save the receipts, you'll likely be able to return it if you don't use it. Better to be safe than sorry.
Clean, clean, clean
For the best results, you'll want that pool as clean as you can get it. So while it might be tempting to rush through the cleaning steps, we strongly urge you to resist and deep clean your pool before painting it.
Protective gear
Luckily, painting a pool often means you'll be outside, so the fumes of the paint won't be as big of an issue as they are when inside. However, getting pool paint all over your clothes and skin and possibly your eyes isn't ideal. Be sure to wear protective clothing and maybe even safety glasses to protect your eyes. There are many chemicals in paint, and it's best to avoid them as much as possible.

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Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s time to fire up the grill in your outdoor kitchen one last time before it gets too cold for outside gatherings. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious recipes that take advantage of fresh autumn harvests. In addition to the herbs that you planted in the late summer, you can also whip up meals with all the gourds, leafy veggies, and fruits that you might have in your garden right now. From an herb-stuffed fish as your main dish to sweet grilled apples and pears as dessert, we’ve rounded up the most delicious autumn recipes to try in your outdoor kitchen this October.

Fresh salad with kale, spinach, and arugula
Veggies such as kale, spinach, and arugula do well for early autumn harvests, and they‘re also excellent salad bases. For some autumnal flair, chop up and roast root veggies such as sweet potatoes or beets. Pop in the protein of your choice—chicken breast and tofu are easy go-to's that you can heat up quickly on your grill. To use even more of your garden goods, add herbs such as tarragon and rosemary to enhance the dressing or vinaigrette for your fresh salad.
Barbecued carrots
Barbecued food doesn't only have to be summer fare. A great autumnal recipe for your outdoor kitchen is barbecued carrots with some toasted pecans. After coating your carrots in oil and grilling them for around 20 minutes, toss them in a dressing with vinegar, soy sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, and ginger. Add in toasted pecans or the nuts of your choice for extra texture and flavor. Obviously, carrots aren’t the only veggies that you can grill—you can try cooking broccoli, corn, and more! Grilled veggies make for easy and delicious side dishes that will surely win over your guests.
Grilled fish with lemon and herbs
Fish with lemon and herbs is one of the most laidback recipes you can prepare for your autumn soirées. It’s uncomplicated, but still filling and flavorful. All you need to do is stuff the fish of your choice with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Then, drizzle oil on your fish and leave it on the grill for six minutes or so on each side. Fresh herbs that work perfectly for this dish include parsley, thyme, and dill—whatever is handy in your herb garden!

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When you entertain guests on your patio or in your yard, a built-in outdoor fireplace can be a great way to add heat and ambiance as you wine and dine. A well-designed fireplace can add a touch of coziness to autumn and winter soirees when you want to warm up next to the flickering flames outdoors.

What the built-in style usually entails is a fireplace attached to an outside wall of your home. To ensure that things stay safe, it's important to come up with a thorough plan before installation. More often than not, homeowners will consult professional contractors to ensure the security and durability of their designs, since built-in outdoor fireplaces are often custom projects as opposed to ready-to-go pieces.

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