So we are debating between a rectangle pool or an L pool. In the L pool, the smaller part would only be 10 ft long by 16 ft wide. That would be a sunshelf and step leaving us with the 16x 36 open swim space. Or we could do a 16 x 36 just rectangle where one end would be the sunshelf taking up about 10 ft of the pool and no way to really do a lap where you touch one end to the next... but if we did the rectangle we could potentially get an automatic cover. What do you think?
Shape of pool advise
- Thread starter ivparker
- Start date
I have a very old school rectangular pool. Its best feature is easily the auto-cover. Covered most of the time, my pool has near-zero evaporation and much reduced free chlorine loss. And the auto-cover obviously keeps out debris, animals, and children. I love my auto-cover and can live with the relative ugliness of a rectangle.
Where I live, we never close our pools for winter. Looks like you might be far north enough to need to close for winter freeze? Be aware the auto-cover rests on the surface of the water. If you have to winterize, you'll need to leave the auto-cover open and use some other kind of cover in winter, or the auto-cover will sag and break.
Where I live, we never close our pools for winter. Looks like you might be far north enough to need to close for winter freeze? Be aware the auto-cover rests on the surface of the water. If you have to winterize, you'll need to leave the auto-cover open and use some other kind of cover in winter, or the auto-cover will sag and break.
RS220
Gold Supporter
I was facing the same decision, and ultimately went with the L. Our little L is 8 x 10, otherwise very similar to what you're thinking. Now that the gunite is in, I'm very happy with the shape and dimensions. The 8 x 10 ledge feels very spacious, enough to put two lounges and still have play room for kids without feeling cramped. A 10 x 16 ledge would be huge!
We ultimately went with the L shape to allow for swimming laps and playing volleyball and what not in the main pool. I also like the little nook it creates on the patio for the firepit. Also we would probably never spend the money on the auto cover.
We ultimately went with the L shape to allow for swimming laps and playing volleyball and what not in the main pool. I also like the little nook it creates on the patio for the firepit. Also we would probably never spend the money on the auto cover.
L all of the way! Small end for Watermellon ball (BEST water game out there!) and big end for swimming, dving down and laps. win win for everyone!
Kim
Kim
RuralTexas
Well-known member
I went with a rectangle, my dream pool would have been an "L" with a beach entry......
I dreamed of an L (and still think it would've been great!), but we didn't have quite enough room for it, and I also wanted the autocover. I'm glad we got the autocover! We keep our water really warm, so the water evaporates pretty easily already. The cover helps so much! I just dread the day that the cover lets me down in some way....
OGSW20
Well-known member
We went with a rectangle for a cleaner modern look as well as being able to utilize the autocover. Our sun shelf is the same dimensions as our spa, so technically, our pool is still a perfect rectangle for short laps. Also, the spa is flush with the pool, so when covered up, its still a perfect rectangle.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,211
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Pretty much. We can go up to 40 ft but would only have room for about 4 ft of decking.