Rectangular vs. Shaped Pools – Which Type is Best For You?
So you’ve decided to get an inground pool, wonderful news! Whether this was an idea that you just committed to, or you’ve been thinking about a pool for a while, you’re probably wondering, “Should I get a rectangular or shaped pool?” We’re here to help you with that.
This can be a difficult decision to make, and one that you will have to live with. Royal Pools and More loves both rectangular and shaped pools, but it is up to you to determine not just which kind of pool you want, but which will best suit your backyard, landscaping, and swimming needs. There are several factors that you should consider before making the choice, and by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding as to which type of pool will work best for you!
Which Look Do You Prefer?
This is the most important factor. In the simplest terms, which type of pool do you like the best? Purchasing a pool is an investment in your happiness, so it’d be best to know what it is you like, and what you don’t. When comparing shaped and rectangular inground pools, we’re essentially talking about the classic vs. modern look. Rectangular pools provide you with the classic inground pool look that you would associate with Olympic or public swimming pools. A shaped inground pool is typically round or curved throughout, offering an undeniably gorgeous and uniquely modern look. An inground pool is a long-term investment in your happiness, which is why this factor is so important.
What Are You Using the Pool For?
I’m curious, why are you getting an inground pool? Will the pool be used more for swimming and working out, or lounging and parties? Determining this will help you figure out which type of pool will be best for your needs. Rectangular pools are fantastic for swimming laps and using water to get good exercise in because they offer a straight path to swim. By design, shaped pools are smaller and great for people to lounge in. If you fall flat into either of these two categories, be sure to consider the pool that would be best for you.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Everyone knows that budgeting is a vital aspect of any big purchase, especially one like an inground pool. How much you spend on your pool is more contingent on the type of pool you want to get, meaning fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete, rather than the shape of the pool. Another very important indicator of the price will be the size of the pool. If you’re interested in a larger pool, you’re going to be spending more than you would be if you got a small or medium-sized pool. Budget according to what type of pool you want and how big you want your pool to be!
How Big Is Your Backyard?
Considering the size of your backyard when picking between a rectangular and shaped pool is vital. Rectangular pools are better for larger backyards because they take up more space, especially if you’re getting a large inground pool. Shaped pools, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and take up less space, meaning the pool itself holds less water and doesn’t take up as much room in your backyard.
What Will Work Best With Your Landscaping?
When thinking about the size of your backyard, you must also consider your landscaping. Whether you have a garden or a playground or a large patio, accommodations may have to be made to fit a pool in your backyard. If you have a larger backyard with ample pool room, this might be a non-issue for you. If maintaining your existing landscaping is a priority, then a round or shaped pool would work better for your yard. If you have minimal landscaping or are willing to sacrifice some backyard space, then a rectangular pool might be the way to go!
How Big of a Pool Do You Want?
One of the best things about pools is they come in multiple different sizes! There are pools for all sized yards, and it is again very important that you determine what it is you want. If you’re interested in a smaller inground pool, consider going with a shaped pool. Consider a rectangular pool if you’re interested in a larger inground pool. Say you choose to go with a fiberglass pool, with a rectangular mold you can have a pool anywhere between 12×25 feet and 16×41 feet. With a large rectangular pool, you get more bang for your buck than you would with an equally large-shaped pool with rounded floors and limited water capacity.
Do You Want A Pool Cover?
One of the most popular pool add-ons you will see when researching inground pools is covers! Covers protect your pool from contaminants and debris entering the water during the winter and whenever you’re not swimming. Any pool shape can have a cover on it, but it can be difficult to put a cover on some shaped pools, especially if you are interested in an automatic cover. That’s not to say automatic covers can’t be installed over shaped pools, just certain ones with shapes too complicated for a cover to be put on. A mesh or auto cover can easily be installed on a rectangular pool hassle-free.
Are You Interested in Any Additional Pool Add-Ons?
An inground pool is only as fun as the pool features you put around it, right? Certain pool add-ons tend to look better on rectangular pools and vice versa. You often find basketball hoops and diving boards around rectangular-shaped pools. You tend to find waterfalls and slides around shaped pools. These features can be put around just about any kind of pool, but if you know the features you want to add, you should consider what combination would give you the best look possible for your backyard.
Conclusion
Investing in an inground pool should be an exciting process! There’s a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from and with the information you now know, you will have a better idea knowing which shaped pool will work best for you. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you get the inground pool you want at the best price and guided by the best professionals possible.
Royal Pools and More helps dozens of homeowners pick the perfect pool for them every year. We know that it can be a difficult decision to make, but once you know what it is you want, it will all be worth it. No one wants to regret their decision, we call that buyer’s remorse. But with the right guidance and research finding the right pool can be a breeze. Weigh your options, be cognizant of your landscaping, and remember, a pool is an investment in your happiness. Happy hunting!
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