Pool design guide: shapes, sizes, depth, finishes and safety
Shapes, sizes, depth, finishes, features, budget tiers, and California pool safety-barrier rules.
Get a free pool estimate
Takes about a minute. A licensed local pool pro will follow up to schedule an on-site estimate.
Short answer: Start with how you'll use the pool (laps, lounging, kids, entertaining), then pick a shape and size that fit your yard, a depth that fits your swimmers, and a finish that fits your budget and how long you want it to last. In California, every permitted new or remodeled pool at a single-family home must have at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features (Health & Safety Code §115922). Your Pool Renovation is a free referral service that connects you with an independent, licensed local pool contractor.
TL;DR
- Shape: HomeGuide says rectangular or oval pools typically cost the least; freeform, lagoon, L-shaped, kidney, and geometric shapes cost more.
- Size: HomeGuide reports the average inground pool is about 300–400 sq ft and 6–7 ft deep at the deep end.
- Budget (national, HomeGuide): inground pools average $25,000–$100,000 installed; concrete $50,000–$120,000.
- Finishes (HomeGuide resurfacing figures): plaster lasts about 7–12 years, quartz 10–15, pebble 15–20+.
- Safety: California requires 2 of 7 approved features on permitted new or remodeled pools (§115922).
- Printable: Pool design checklist (PDF).
How do I choose a pool shape?
- Rectangle: good for laps and covers; HomeGuide notes rectangles and ovals typically cost the least.
- Freeform or kidney: a natural look that fits curved yards; usually costs more.
- L-shape or geometric: separates a shallow play area from a deeper end.
- Lap pool: HomeGuide describes traditional lap pools as rectangular and 6–9 ft deep.
Automatic safety covers are usually simplest on regular shapes; ask your contractor whether your shape works with the cover you want.
What size pool do I need?
HomeGuide reports the average inground pool is about 300–400 sq ft. Smaller "plunge" or "cocktail" pools are common for tight yards; HomeGuide lists common sizes such as 10' x 16' and 10' x 20', typically 4–7 ft deep. Leave room for decking, equipment, fencing, and setbacks your city or county requires.
How deep should a pool be?
HomeGuide reports an average deep end of 6–7 ft and notes a diving board may require a deep end of 9 ft or more. It also suggests skipping a diving board unless your family will use it, since deeper ends raise cost. Shallow areas, sun shelves, and beach entries suit kids and lounging.
What safety features does California require?
Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115922), when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home, it must have at least two of these:
- An isolation enclosure meeting §115923
- Removable mesh fencing (ASTM F2286) with a self-closing, self-latching gate
- A safety pool cover labeled to ASTM F1346-23
- Exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access
- Self-closing, self-latching devices on doors with direct access, release at least 54 inches above the floor
- An in-pool alarm certified to ASTM F2208
- Other independently verified equivalent protection
Some pairs don't count together, such as a safety cover plus a pool alarm, or an exit alarm plus a self-latching device on the same door. The local building official inspects the features before final approval. The California Department of Public Health calls a four-sided isolation fence the best barrier.
Which finish should I choose?
National figures from HomeGuide's resurfacing cost guide (1,000 sq ft pool):
| Finish | Reported cost | Reported lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster / marcite | $6,000–$8,000 | 7–12 years |
| Quartz plaster | $7,000–$10,000 | 10–15 years |
| Pebble | $7,000–$15,000 | 15–20+ years |
| Tile | $8,000–$30,000+ | HomeGuide calls it the most durable |
See Pool resurfacing cost and timeline.
What about decking and features?
HomeGuide's national figures for common add-ons: - Lights: $700–$1,800 for inground pool lights; cheaper when installed during construction. - Waterfall: $2,000–$8,800 on average. - Attached spa: $6,000–$15,000 when built with the pool. - Beach entry: $50–$125 per sq ft. - Heater: about $1,500–$6,000 installed, depending on gas or heat pump. - Landscaping: $3,000–$5,000 on average.
Decking material, shade, and seating vary widely. Get decking priced in your written estimate.
What are typical budget tiers?
HomeGuide reports a national range of $25,000–$100,000 for inground pools, with concrete at $50,000–$120,000 and fiberglass at $45,000–$100,000. Think of it in three tiers: - Simpler: a regular shape, plaster finish, basic decking. - Mid-range: a custom shape, quartz or pebble, lighting, upgraded decking. - High-end: a spa, water features, tile, automation, extensive hardscape.
Costs in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO Counties vary; get written estimates.
What should I know about permits and water in the 805?
- Permits: pools generally need a building permit from your city or, in unincorporated areas, the county building department. §115922 ties the safety-feature rules to that permit and final inspection.
- Energy code: California's energy code sets pool pump sizing and control rules (see Pool equipment basics).
- Water: check your local water supplier for any fill or watering rules before you fill.
How long does building a pool take?
HomeGuide reports about 6–8 weeks for a concrete pool and 2–3 weeks for a vinyl-liner pool, not counting design and permits.
Sources
- California Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=115922
- California Dept. of Public Health — Drowning Prevention: Toddler Pool and Spa Safety: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/pages/drowningpreventiontoddlerpoolandspasafety.aspx
- HomeGuide — Inground Pool Cost (2026): https://www.homeguide.com/costs/inground-pool-cost
- HomeGuide — Pool Resurfacing Cost: https://www.homeguide.com/costs/pool-resurfacing-cost
- California Energy Commission — 2025 Single-Family Pools and Spas FAQs: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/energy-code-support-center-22
- CSLB — Before Swimming Pool Construction: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/resources/guidesandpublications/beforeswimmingpoolconstruction.pdf
See also: pool equipment basics, pool resurfacing cost and timeline, and pool contract payment schedules.
Find local pros: pool contractors in Ventura, Santa Barbara & SLO Counties.
Pool design questions
What's the cheapest pool shape?
HomeGuide says rectangles or ovals typically cost the least.
How big is an average pool?
About 300–400 sq ft, per HomeGuide.
How deep for diving?
HomeGuide notes a diving board may need a deep end of 9 ft or more. Your contractor and local code will specify.
What safety features are required in California?
At least two of seven listed in Health & Safety Code §115922 for permitted new or remodeled pools at single-family homes.
Which finish lasts longest?
Per HomeGuide, pebble lasts 15–20+ years; tile is the most durable.
Do I need a permit?
Generally yes. Check with your city or county building department.
Are you a pool contractor?
No. Your Pool Renovation is a free referral service connecting you with an independent, licensed local contractor.
Does it cost anything to use this site?
No. You only pay a contractor if you accept their estimate.