Swimming pool designs that are shaping the outdoor living spaces in our homes

Swimming pools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with designs to suit a range of outdoor living spaces. When choosing one for your home, it's important to take a holistic view, thinking about what you intend to use it for, how it will fit in the space and how it will look in its environment. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular swimming pool shapes and styles available in New Zealand to get you started on this exciting journey.

Rectangular pools are the classic and traditional choice for a swimming pool with a shape that will fit well in most backyard layouts. They are efficient in terms of space utilisation and are typically easier to construct than some alternative modern designs.

Rectangular pools are an incredibly versatile choice, especially for the family home. They can be used for laps and fitness as well as recreation as a shape that can easily accommodate pool games and kid's flotation devices.

In terms of design and aesthetics, a classic rectangle pool style will work with most architectural styles but is particularly suited to minimalistic and modern style homes. Practically, it is a good shape for water circulation which can help keep the pool clean and they are an easy shape to find a pool cover for too. You'll find these as both an above-ground and inground swimming pool.

Rectangular pool sizes and dimensions

As with most swimming pool dimensions, there's a bit of variance in the range of sizes but broadly speaking, rectangle swimming pool designs tend to be among the larger sized pools. Typically you'll find they fall within the following:

Length: Ranging from 8 to 12 metres, with 10 metres being a common length for lap swimming in New Zealand.

Width: Usually between 3 to 5 metres, allowing for comfortable swimming and play.

Depth: Often around 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with variations for specific uses (like a shallow end for children).

Kidney-shaped swimming pools have a natural, organic shape, resembling a kidney bean, hence the name. They are perfect for backyards and living spaces that aim to accentuate the natural look of the surrounding landscape.

Their curved outline allows them to have a much softer appearance compared to the geometric form of a rectangular pool. As just mentioned, their organic shape works well with natural landscaping and you'll often see them in environments where a tropical theme has been chosen.

They are also seen as less formal and more inviting than angular designs, which can help create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for social occasions. It's an adaptable shape that is great for casual swimmers, families and those who just like to lounge on floaties.

Kidney-shaped pool sizes and dimensions

Kidney-shaped pools are somewhat similar in size and dimension to rectangular pools, the obvious difference being their curved edges. You'll find their measurements to be around the following:

Length: Usually between 8 to 12 metres. Because of their curved design, they are often slightly shorter in length and less elongated than rectangular pools.

Width: Varies greatly due to the shape, but generally ranges from 3 to 6 metres at its widest points.

Depth: Similar to other residential pools, the depth ranges from about 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with shallow and deep ends.

L-shaped swimming pools are rectangular pools with an additional shorter leg. They are one of the more versatile swimming pool designs that are good for a variety of uses. They are great if you need to designate a specific space as a shallow area making them an excellent choice for families.

The L-shape effectively gives you two pools in one with the longer section that can be used for laps and the shorter section for children and relaxation. These distinct zones also allow the pool to be used for different purposes at the same time.

The L-shaped swimming pool brings a unique aesthetic element compared to the more common rectangular shape and can slot nicely into a corner of a backyard or outdoor space. They are also often used to wrap closely around houses, efficiently using a property's layout. Its shape is also conducive for socialising as it can bring bystanders and those relaxing on deckchairs within the swimming pool space.

L-shaped pool sizes and dimensions

The dimensions of L-shaped pools can vary widely as they are often customised based on a homeowner's property and preferences, but a typical range might be:

Length of Long Section: Generally ranges from 10 to 15 metres.

Length of Short Section: Usually between 3 to 6 metres, depending on the intended use (play area, spa, etc.).

Width: Varies, but often around 3 to 5 metres in both sections.

Depth: Similar to other residential pools, ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with variations for different sections if needed.

Circular and oval pools are less common than the styles and shapes already covered but are still well worth considering. Circular pools have an appealing symmetry which is easy on the eye, acting as a captivating focal point. Oval pools, on the other hand, offer a slightly softer look compared to geometric alternatives making them ideal for landscaped settings.

Both shapes are great for families and recreational swimming and both can typically be accessed from all sides making them perfect for social gatherings too. They can also both be good space-saving options to go for, especially circular pools that can work well in smaller-sized yards.

Circular and oval pool sizes and dimensions

Both tend to be smaller in size than other options featured with dimensions on average close to the following:

Diameter of circular pools: Typically ranges from 3 to 6 metres, depending on the space available and the owner's preferences.

Depth of circular pools: Generally varies from 1.2 to 1.8 metres.

Length of oval pools: Commonly ranges from 6 to 10 metres.

Width of oval pools: Usually between 3 and 5 metres.

Depth of oval pools: Similar to circular pools, with a range of 1.2 to 1.8 metres.

At this point in the article, we transition to specific types of swimming pools, in this instance, the infinity pool. The reason for this is that many people often think about pools by their type first, as opposed to their shape, seeking information on their dimensions and details thereafter.

An infinity pool is a luxurious addition to any home, known for its visually stunning edge that disappears into the horizon. They are the epitome of leisure and relaxation, often found in high-end resorts and hotels but increasingly in residential homes too.

Their size can vary as they are often customised to the situation, and positioned in a way to make the best use of the view at the location. They can be quite large and lavish but can also be small, depending again on the space available.

Infinity pool sizes and dimensions

As they are often customised to their setting, the sizes and dimensions of infinity pools are fairly loose. Because of this, the standard dimensions of a swimming pool in New Zealand is a fair estimation, stipulated below:

Length: Usually between 8 to 15 metres, depending on the property size and design requirements.

Width: Often around 3 to 6 metres, tailored to the space and view.

Depth: Generally ranges from 1.2 to 1.8 metres, with some variation based on homeowner preference and safety considerations.

A plunge pool is almost always designed for relaxation and cooling off, as opposed to exercise and activity and is usually much more compact as a result. This makes them viable for large and small spaces alike, particularly the latter where other types of swimming pools aren't practical.

While most are symmetrically circular or square, you will find options in the New Zealand market that are long and rectangular for those who also want to use them for low-impact exercises. One common trait that they all share is that they have a consistent depth, instead of a shallow and deep end.

Plunge pool sizes and dimensions

Plunge pools have much smaller dimensions which are usually close to the following:

Length: Usually between 2 to 6 metres (longer lengths for rectangular options only).

Width: Often ranging from 2 to 3.5 metres.

Depth: A consistent depth ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 metres.

Spa pools and hot tubs are popular type of pool in New Zealand, enjoyed for their therapeutic benefits and a great way to relax and unwind. They are designed to maintain heated water and also feature hydrotherapy jets that provide massages, which can help sooth muscles and improve circulation.

Like plunge pools, they are compact and size but unlike them, don't have a long rectangular option which is understandable given the heating and hydrotherapy requirements. They are also shallower than plunge pools to accommodate the inbuilt seating.

Their smaller size creates a cosy, social setting and makes them easier to maintain. Being heated, they can be used throughout the year, arguably even more so in the colder months. They also make an attractive focal point for an outdoor space to pivot around.

Spa pool and hot tub sizes and dimensions

As mentioned, spa pools and hot tubs are small pools for relaxation and generally come by the following dimensions:

Diameter (for round models): Usually ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 metres.

Length and width (for square models): Common dimensions are around 2 x 2 metres up to 2.5 x 2.5 metres.

Depth: About 0.7 to 1 metre.

Lap pools are designed specifically for swimming laps making them perfect for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Because of this, they are long and narrow in shape and uniform in depth, optimised to allow an individual to swim back and forth.

This design trait makes them incredibly space efficient, enabling installation in a variety of different settings. Their sleek look also makes them surprisingly aesthetic, considering they are primarily designed for a practical purpose.

Despite being designed for a fitness focus, they can still be used for more leisurely swimming and relaxation, making them more versatile than you might think.

Lap pool sizes and dimensions

Length: Anywhere between 10 to 25 metres for custom designs.

Width: Often around 2 to 3 metres, sufficient for one person to swim comfortably without touching the sides.

Depth: A uniform depth that is usually 1.2 to 1.5 metres, deep enough for safe lap swimming without being overly deep.

As you can see, the type of swimming pool you choose can have a tremendous impact on your outdoor living space, more so than you might think. By understanding the nitty-gritty including the different swimming pool shapes and sizes and the way they can be used, you'll be in a far better position to make a choice that delivers in every way you need it to and more.

Related article: Things to know about glass pool fencing in New Zealand