Inground Pool Types Explained: Pros, Cons, and What to Know Before You Build

An inground pool is often the gold standard when it comes to pool designs. You will benefit greatly from opting for this kind of swimming pool rather than choosing an aboveground pool design. The longevity and beauty of in-ground pools make them well worth the extra cost to install them, and they are often less costly to maintain.

Inground pool builders will tell you that there are various styles of inground pools, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. You should be aware of your options before you pick a specific pool design. Having the right inground pool can change your outdoor spaces for the better and create a haven that everyone will love spending time in.

Different Kinds of Inground Pools and Their Pros and Cons

There are various styles of inground pool that you can choose from. You need to make sure that you understand your options so that you pick the perfect pool for your needs and goals. The use of your pool can vary, and what works for one person doesn’t work for another. Always think about how you will use your pool most before you make a selection. This will help you to land on the right pool design for your specific requirements.

1. Plunge Pools

This kind of pool is small and affordable and is designed for cooling off or relaxing rather than for swimming. This is a great choice for yards that are too small for large pool designs, and it can be perfect for those who want to just hang out, dip their feet in the water, or spend time near the pool without actually getting in.

Plunge pools are more common in hot areas of the world, but they can still be the right choice in areas where there are cold winters, as you can heat a pool this size just like a larger pool. The pros of this kind of design are the lower installation cost and the easier upkeep, as well as its ideal nature for small yards. On the cons list is that this kind of pool is often not ideal for families who like to hang out in the pool, and it might also be the wrong style of pool for those who are committed to using their swimming pool for exercise.

2. Lap Pools

If you love to use your pool for exercise and you have the space for a larger swimming pool, a lap pool can be perfect for your needs. This kind of pool is often long and narrow and designed with working out in mind. These pools can be made beautiful and comfortable with a lot of different styling and design upgrades without losing the basic design that is centered around getting your laps in each day.

This kind of pool is perfect for those who swim laps on a routine basis, but might be less ideal for those who want to have fun in their swimming pool. Kids will not usually enjoy this kind of swimming pool, and it can be harder to add things like slides or lounging areas to a pool with this shape and overall design.

geometric pool

3. A Standard Geometric Pool

The usual swimming pool is rectangular and might have a deep end and a shallow end. These pools can have added features like lounging decks and water slides. Often targeted at families who want to swim together or have friends and family come over to enjoy the pool, this pool takes up a moderate amount of space and can be readily combined with other areas like patios, barbecue spaces, or outdoor kitchens.

This kind of pool has many pros, among them the flexibility of the design and the friendliness of the finished product for various kinds of swimming. This kind of pool is perfect for those who swim laps, kids who want to swim for fun, and those looking to elevate the appearance of their backyard areas. The main downsides to this kind of pool are that the shape is often static, and the standard sizes for these pools can make installation more costly than other examples in this guide.

4. Freeform Pools

Freeform pools can come in many different shapes and styles. They are often designed to mimic natural shapes and to look like they are part of the overall landscape. These pools usually incorporate things like waterfalls, areas with plants or flowers, and rounded shapes rather than geometric design elements.

These kinds of pools can be very unique and eye-catching, and they are often perfect for people who are looking to preserve the park-like nature of their yard. The downside to this kind of pool is a higher cost for the installation and design processes, and some added upkeep to areas that include things like water features or plant life. The pros for this design are that the pool will look totally unique, be very beautiful, and contribute to the overall vibe and energy of your living space.

right inground pool

Selecting the Right Inground Pool Doesn’t Have to be Tough

There are lots of variables that can make for the perfect swimming pool. The first step before you customize your swimming pool, however, is to look at the designs that you will be choosing between. All of the pool types in this list can be altered and improved to meet your specific aesthetic and use goals and needs. You just need to be sure that you are selecting the right basic swimming pool type before you start changing anything else about the design to suit your specific vision.

A skilled pool builder will be able to help you iron out the details of your pool design project so that you will get a swimming pool that you love to spend time in. Whether you are looking for a pool to soak in or a pool to swim laps in, you will be able to land on the right swimming pool design with the help of this guide.

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