For cooling off and play
If the pool is for cooling off and for children to play, 5–6 m long and 3 m wide is enough. A depth of 1.10–1.20 m is ideal: every adult can stand, and water volleyball works. See also small pool.
For swimming
To swim without turning all the time, length matters more than width. From 10 m upwards your stroke finds a rhythm. A long, narrow 10–12 × 3 m pool swims better than an 8 × 5 m one with the same water.
For family and friends
8 × 4 m is the most common size because it holds six to eight people comfortably, has room for steps and does not need oversized equipment. We often add wide steps for seating.
What changes with size
- Above 50 m² the permit process changes.
- Water volume sets the pump, filter and heating.
- Surface area sets the number of skimmers, the cover and evaporation.
- The surround needs at least another metre all round.
