We know it’s not uncommon to say, “We have a pool!” when you have loved ones begging and pleading for a small (or large) group to call their own. The process of choosing a fiberglass pool online is a good idea to learn more about your options.
You might be realizing that there’s a lot to sort through and decide when it comes to getting your own: shape, size, color, type, location, builder, etc. We encourage you to research all of these options as much as you can so that you can feel confident when you sit down with your builder for the first time. Today, we will focus mainly on that first point: the shape.
We’ll cover what shape options are available with pools, what feeling each of them can create, and what makes modern pool designs so you can work to make a decision for your home pool design.
Table of Contents
Available Pool Shapes:
As you probably know, fiberglass pools come in predetermined shapes and designs. They’re not available for customization like you can get with gunite or vinyl liner pools. That said, there’s a fairly wide variety of options to choose from: there are rectangular/square pool designs, freeform/curved designs, and Roman pool shapes. This doesn’t include other fun things you can get like add-ons or smaller options that aren’t pools like spas or kiddie pools. There are simple pool designs, more complex designs: with the multiple fiberglass pool manufacturers out there, we believe it will be hard not to find at least one pool that catches your eye.
Let’s break down each available shape option. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each pool shape and what kind of person or need might be best suited for each one. We’ll start with the classic rectangle:
Rectangle
Pros:
- Clean and modern look.
- Easier for certain swimming activities (laps, for example).
- Automatic pool cover easier to install.
Cons:
- Lacks “curve” appeal.
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic. For many, when they think of an in-ground pool, they picture one with 4 straight edges. These sharp, clean lines and angles give rectangular pools a very modern feel, as curves in design tend to harken back to past trends (which is totally fine if that’s the look you’re going for!).
If you want your home to feel modern and updated with current trends, a rectangular pool will be your best bet. Do you have a lot of trees in your yard or a lot of potential debris that could reach the pool? This shape is also great if you’re looking for an automatic cover, as it’s easier to install on a pool with straight edges.
Freeform
Pros:
- Has a natural and fluid feel.
- Adds a bit of extra personality to your yard.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have as much modern feel as rectangle or even Roman in some cases.
- May sacrifice some swim space due to curved edges.
Freeform shapes serve a slightly opposite function to rectangles. Now we say “slightly” because they’re still elegant and luxurious anyway! But what makes them different is that their rounded edges give off a natural water feel. It’s very rare to find something in nature with perfect, straight edges in every way, so this style of pool can mimic a body of water you might find in nature (think of a cute little pond).
Roman
Pros:
- “Best of both worlds”: straight edges and curved ends.
- Classic ambiance.
Cons:
- Might be a bit trickier to include automatic cover (but probably easier than freeform).
- You may not find as many options as with rectangle or freeform.
Roman pool designs offer an elegant yet classic feel with their straight vertical edges and more rounded ends. Like other architectural pieces with Roman or Greek influence, they often stand the test of time and remain to be seen as a beautiful decorating style.
Someone who appreciates a middle ground between clean/modern and fun with curves may find Roman designs appealing. If you like more classic designs in homes and buildings, then this shape may be just what you need.
Keep in mind that your yard and the exact amount of yard you have to work with can partially determine the pool design you’ll end up with. Access is extremely important with fiberglass pools, as they come to your home in one piece and will need to be maneuvered to be placed into position.
Custom
Pros:
- The world, er, design, is your oyster (for the most part).
- Potentially, you can have a pool that no one else has.
Cons:
- Rules out fiberglass as an option.
- You may not be able to get an automatic cover.
- It will likely cost more depending on how complex the design is.
Maybe it came to you in a dream. Or you saw it in a movie once. Regardless of where you got the idea, sometimes you have an image in your head of the “perfect” in-ground pool, and it’s none of the above shapes. There are definitely ways to make that dream a reality, especially with gunite pools, as they have virtually infinite customization possibilities. So, if you’re someone who wants a pool that no one else in the world has had, then a custom pool might be the path you should take.
Modern Features Available for In-Ground Pools:
We talked about how a rectangular pool can help you achieve your modern and current home goals. But what other pool features can give you that modern excitement? What makes a pool look modern?
Other modern and trending features you can find in today’s pools are beach entries, sun shelves, and built-in spas (all of which can be found in fiberglass pools!).
The decor and landscaping around your pool can also help give it a modern feel, like the concrete or decking you choose. Your pool builder should be able to guide you in the right direction based on your vision.
