How to Choose the Perfect Fibreglass Pool Shape and Size

It sounds very simple: pick a pool and jump in. 

But when you start looking, the choices are endless: sizes, shapes, colours, and so many features. Suddenly, finding the right fibreglass pool for your backyard feels complicated and even a little overwhelming.

It's easy to choose the wrong size or shape. Maybe the pool doesn't fit well, it's hard to keep clean, or it doesn't quite suit your family. Without good advice, you could end up with extra costs, tricky council rules, or a pool you don't love.

Don't worry. In this easy guide, you'll find out what really matters when choosing the fibreglass pool size and shape for your space and your lifestyle. With simple steps and expert advice, you'll be ready to pick one that fits your garden, ticks all your boxes, and lasts for years.

1. Understand Your Backyard and Site Conditions

It all starts with your backyard. The layout, ground conditions, and even the local regulations will ensure your new pool is safe, sturdy, and compliant with the law. 

A well-planned site makes installing the pool easier and safer, so you can enjoy swimming worry-free for years to come.

How Much Space Do You Have?

The very simple yet essential thing to do is to measure your backyard or the area where you want to install the pool. Grab your tape measure and take note of the length and width of your backyard. It's important not to just look at the bare space, but to think about where the pool will sit. 

Take a walk around the area to check for the sheds, trees, or garden beds you want to keep. Remember to allow space around the pool if you want room to walk, sit, and maybe even add a barbecue or some plants. 

Even in a small yard, clever planning can help you fit a pool, so don't worry if you think your space is too tight at first.

What's the Ground Like?

The type of ground in your backyard makes a big difference when installing a fibreglass pool. In many places across Australia, backyards will have sandy soil, clay, or rocky ground. 

Sandy soil drains water easily, but sometimes needs extra support to prevent the pool from shifting. Clay soil is trickier; it can expand and contract a lot when wet or dry, sometimes causing cracks or uneven pool surfaces if not managed well. 

A soil test is not really a requirement, but it is recommended. If you're unsure about your soil, it's a good idea to consult an expert or have a soil test conducted.

Slope, Access, and Council Rules

Look closely to see if your backyard is flat or sloped. A gentle slope can be helpful for drainage, but too much of a slope might mean you need extra work to level the area before the pool goes in. 

Also, think about how the installers will get access to your backyard. Planning this before installation starts can save a lot of trouble later. Some installers, like us, don't have the equipment to fit down a 900mm access point, so we require a minimum of 1600mm for site access. 

In Australia, there are also strict rules regarding the placement of pools in backyards. Your pool has to be a set distance from fences, buildings, and drains. All pools require a fence around them to comply with safety laws, which sometimes means leaving extra room for the boundary fence. 

So before you do anything, check the local council rules. You may need their approval before you start any digging, or you can ask a professional for advice on this matter.

2. Identify the Pool's Purpose

Perhaps you have a large backyard, but you are just a family of three. You can consider getting a large fiberglass pool for your family, but it may seem like a wasted investment. That's why you need to think first about how you want to use your pool and how many will use it.

For Family Fun

If you're after a pool for family fun, you'll want one that everyone can enjoy. Kids, teens, and adults. Medium-sized pools are often best for families, giving you enough space to play games but still easy to keep an eye on the kids. 

You may consider a kidney-shaped or rectangular pool, as these often have areas with different depths and enough clear space for pool toys or splashy activities. Avoid pools that are too deep all the way through, as these can be tricky for little ones. 

If you want your pool to double as a hangout spot for the whole family, you might also like models with built-in benches or even a small spa area attached.

For Exercise and Fitness

If your main goal is fitness, you should pick a pool that's long and straight enough for swimming laps. Lap pools are a great choice, as their rectangular shape lets you swim without turning as often, especially when they have clear, open swim space and not too many built-in seats.

Look for a pool that's at least 8m long if you can, as this gives you a decent distance to stretch out your strokes, even if you're swimming at home.

You should also consider the depth. A pool that is at least 1.2 metres deep is easier for swimming laps, but you can go deeper if you like to do other exercises or want to add a swim jet.

For Socialising and Entertaining

If you love to entertain, pick a pool that's big enough for your friends and has features for gathering. Larger rectangular or L-shaped pools work well, giving you plenty of swim area and space for everyone to spread out. 

Shape matters here. Straight edges make it easier to add decking, set up tables, or place outdoor furniture along the poolside. If you like parties or barbecues, make sure there's room not just for swimming but also for people to gather alongside your pool.

Think About the Future

If you have little children now, will you need deeper water or a spa area as they grow? Will grandparents or anyone else use the pool and need easy access?

It's smart to consider who will use the pool in the next few years, so think about the future as well. This also helps you choose a pool that you'll enjoy for many years, not just in the present.

3. Consider Pool Features and Aesthetics

After deciding why you want a pool, it's a good idea to consider its features and how the pool will fit into your space. A good pool does more than hold water. It fits your style, is easy to use, and makes your backyard better.

The features you choose shape your whole pool experience. Some make getting in and out safer, some help you relax, and some just add a nice look. 

But remember: fibreglass pools are pre-made, so expect that some features can't be added on installation. It's better to check your preferred installer's pool range first.

Here are some pool features you can consider:

• Steps and entry points: These make it simple for kids and grown-ups to get in and out. Some pools have big steps that double as seats.
• Swim-out ledges and benches: Ledges give you a spot to sit, rest, or watch the kids, without leaving the water.
• Built-in seating: Seats in the pool are great for relaxing or chatting with friends. Some pools offer seats in the corners or along one side.
• Spa areas: Spa zones with jets let you unwind and can turn your pool into a mini day spa.
• Water features: Waterfalls, bubblers, or jets can help you relax and add a calm sound to your garden.
• Lighting: Underwater lights make swimming at night safe and fun. They also let you show off your pool after dark.
• Pool covers: Covers keep your pool clean, save water, and help hold in heat.
• Heating: Adding a heater helps you swim for more months of the year, even when it's cooler.

How the pool looks is important, too. The pool shape should work with your home and garden. 

If your house has sharp angles, a rectangle or square pool fits in best. If your yard has lots of plants, a kidney-shaped or curved pool looks more natural. The colour you pick for the pool finish - like blue, white, or grey - changes how the water looks in the sun.

4. Know Your Budget

We know this should be the first one, but we're sure you're not planning on getting a fibreglass pool without money to spend. 

Work out how much you can spend on your new pool before you start shopping. Remember, the price isn't just for the pool shell itself. You'll also need to allow for installation, council approval, fencing, landscaping, and extra features like steps, lighting, or heating.

When thinking about your budget, talk openly with a pool builder. They can help you find options that fit your price range but still suit your needs. Sometimes choosing a slightly smaller pool or fewer features means you get a top-quality finish that will last longer.

And if you want to add extras later, plan space for them now, so you don't miss out down the track.

5. Decide on Pool Shape and Size

So you have already completed all the steps above. We've been talking about rectangular and freeform pools earlier because you've likely already seen them.

If not, let's break down what you need to know so finding your perfect pool is simple.

Popular Pool Shape

Pools come in different shapes, and each has its own job. Here are four that work well in most Aussie backyards:

• Rectangular Pools: Great for swimming laps or doing water exercises. It looks modern and is easy to cover or clean. This shape fits well in most gardens and gives you a straight line to swim.
• Freeform Pools: Curved and wavy, this pool blends with your garden for a relaxed and natural feel. If you want your pool to look like it belongs among the plants, freeform is a good pick.
• Kidney-shaped Pools: Looks like a bean with a soft curve in the middle. This shape fits smaller yards, gives you cosy corners to relax in, and works for play and lounging.
• Roman Pools: These pools are usually rectangular but have rounded or arched ends, giving them a fancy, classic look. They're great if you want something timeless and elegant.

The Pool Range We Offer

Maybe you're wondering what pool shapes we offer. To make things even easier, here's an overview of the main pool shapes we provide. All pools suit different spaces and needs:

• The Caesar: A large, elegant rectangular pool with curved ends and generous built-in seating.
• The Classic: A spacious rectangular pool with right-side entry, deep end seating, and safety ledge.
• The Contemporary: A modern rectangular pool with centre entry and deep end seating for entertaining.
• The Harvest: A contemporary kidney-shaped pool with right-side entry, generous seating, and safety features.
• The Lap Pool: A long, narrow rectangular pool with consistent depth, perfect for fitness swimming.
• The Miami: A compact, contemporary kidney-shaped pool with generous seating and consistent depth throughout.
• The Oz: A spacious rectangular pool with left-side steps and open swim area on right.
• The Retreat: A rectangular pool with L-shaped seating, multiple entry points, and safety ledge.
• The Swim Spa: A compact rectangular swim spa with generous seating and optional swim jets for exercise.
• The Urban: A practical rectangular pool with deep-end seating, perfect for smaller urban backyards.
• The Venice: A unique stepped pool with a bold modern shape, generous seating, and deep swim area.
• The Waterhole: A compact rectangular pool with angled corner entry steps and generous seating.

Each pool in this range is designed for a purpose, whether that's swimming laps, relaxing, playing, or fitting neatly into your yard.

Just sharing: The Contemporary and The Retreat just keep flying out our door, especially for DIY kits. We can't say for sure why Mackay folks love them so much, but one reason could be their balance of style and practicality. 

The Contemporary has a simple, modern look with a safety foot ledge and comes in several sizes, so it's easy to match to most backyards, while The Retreat stands out because of its L-shaped seating, multiple entry points, and a safety ledge, making it both comfy and easy to use for everyone.

If you would like to know more about each pool shape we offer, you can click on the name of your desired shape or visit this page.

Typical Pool Size

When it comes to pool size, you want one that fits your space and your needs, without taking over your whole backyard. Here's a guide to help you pick:

• Small Pools: These are perfect for small backyards or courtyards. Sizes usually start at about 3m x 1.9m and go up to around 5m x 3m. Small pools are great for cooling off, relaxing, or even adding spa jets for extra fun. They're easy to keep clean and don't take up much space.
• Medium Pools: These are the most popular for families. They usually measure between 6m x 3m and 8m x 4m. These pools are big enough for swimming, playing games, and even having a few friends over. If you have a family of four or five, something around 8m x 4m is a great fit.
• Large Pools: If you've got a big backyard and love to entertain, a large pool might be for you. Large fibreglass pools in Australia can be up to 9m–12m long and 3-4m wide, such as lap pools (12m x 3m). These are perfect for swimming laps, big gatherings, or if you want to make a splash in your neighbourhood.

Don't forget, it's not just about the pool alone. Think about walkways, plants, and sitting areas. You'll want to move around easily and leave space for sunbathing, barbecues, or playing on the grass.

6. Get Professional Advice

Don't stop at number 5. This is the last and most important step before you start your pool project. No matter how much research you do, talking to a local pool expert makes a real difference. 

They know the local rules, council approvals, and the Australian Standards for fibreglass pool installation. A professional can visit your backyard, check your soil, and measure your space. They can point out things you might have missed, like drainage problems or difficult access points.

Getting professional advice helps you avoid expensive mistakes. Your installer will make sure your chosen pool shape and size really suit your site and how you want to use it. They can even show you a plan or 3D design so you know exactly what to expect. 

With their help, your pool will be a safe, lasting, and happy addition to your home.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right fibreglass pool shape and size is all about knowing your space, your needs, and how your family wants to enjoy the water. With the right plan, your new pool will fit perfectly into your backyard and give you years of easy fun and relaxation.

When you start measuring your backyard and conducting a soil test on your own, take your time and list your must-haves before making any final decisions. Talking it through with those who'll use the pool most often helps make sure everyone is happy with the result.

If you ever need help with your fibreglass pool project, just reach out to us. We are licensed installers with years of experience installing fibreglass pools in Mackay, and we're happy to chat or give you a quote.

And if you're still thinking about which fibreglass pool to choose, check out the fibreglass pool designs our partner offers. There's always something for every backyard and budget.