How to Pick the Perfect Pool Shape for Your Backyard

Choosing the right fiberglass pool shape is like picking the perfect frame for a masterpiece; it enhances the overall aesthetic and transforms your outdoor space into a stunning oasis. However, with a wide array of choices available at Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools, how can you determine which shape will best complement your backyard? To help you navigate this decision, it’s essential to consider factors such as your yard’s size, your personal style, and how you plan to use the pool. 

We’re here to break down the different styles we offer, guiding you to choose the best option for creating your personal oasis.

Freeform Pools

If you love a natural, lagoon-inspired vibe, Freeform pools are your go-to. With their organic curves, they’re perfect for creating a backyard oasis that feels like a tropical escape.  The most popular freeform pool options of 2024 were the Billabong Splash and the Billabong Cove.  Both pools have lounge pad options that are great for soaking up the sun or dipping your toes in the water while you watch the kids.

Featured pool:  Billabong Splash in Evening Sky

Kidney Pools

With their iconic, retro-inspired shape, Kidney pools offer a cozy, classic design that fits beautifully into almost any backyard layout.  The Opal and the Oyster are two wonderful kidney shaped options at Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools.

Featured pool: Oyster in Ocean Shimmer

Roman Pools

Elegance, meet functionality. Roman pools feature a rectangular shape with rounded ends, giving you that sophisticated “luxury spa” vibe while still being practical for everyday fun. Goes great with a sundeck next to it!  Check out the Milano if you really love this classic style.

Rectangular Pools

Classic, sleek, and oh-so-functional. Rectangular pools are ideal for swimming laps, hosting chic pool parties, or creating a timeless centerpiece for your outdoor space. Rectangular pools were our shining stars in 2024.  Our number one selling pool was the Bondi (U.S. Patent #10,472,839).  In fact, this pool occupied the top 3 spots because Ocean, Evening Sky and Aquamarine were the three most popular shimmer color options. 

Featured pool:  Bondi in Ocean Shimmer

Other Rectangular fiberglass pools that made the Top 10 list at Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools were the Whitsunday Lounger and the Laguna.  We think that the rectangular pool will continue to dominate in 2025!

Clean, Modern Look: Perfect for contemporary outdoor spaces.
Great for Lap Swimming: Fitness lovers, this one’s for you.
Party-Ready: Their straight edges maximize space for hosting family and friends.
Timeless Appeal: This shape will never go out of style.

Featured Pool:  Whitsunday Lounger in evening sky

Plunge Pools
Short on space? No problem! Plunge pools are compact, stylish, and perfect for cooling off or enjoying a therapeutic soak. Plus, they’re a great way to maximize your backyard without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, plunge pools are a trend we’re loving this year!  The Escape Plunge was so popular for us in 2024 that we decided to add to our Plunge Pools Series!  We are excited to see you fall in love with the brand new Coral Cay 30’!  We are so sure of its popularity; we are launching two more sizes of the Coral Cay (26’ and 20’) in Spring 2025.  Why are Plunge Pools the trend everyone is talking about?

Compact & Stylish: Perfect for smaller spaces without compromising on luxury.
Easy Maintenance: Less water, less cleaning, more enjoying.
Year-Round Enjoyment: Add heating, and you’ve got the ultimate relaxation spot all year.

Featured Pool:  Escape Plunge in Evening Sky

Matching Your Style: Geometric vs. Freeform Pool Shapes

If you’re deciding between a geometric and freeform pool, you should always consider your yard shape as well as your home’s style and the surrounding features. If your space is characterized by clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, a rectangular pool—such as the Whitsunday—could be the perfect modern centerpiece to tie everything together. 

On the other hand, for more bohemian designs, tropical surroundings, or fluid design informed by the landscape, a freeform pool, like the Billabong Splash, lends a lagoon-like atmosphere that can transform a typical backyard into a nature-inspired escape. 

At the end of the day, choosing the best pool shape for your backyard comes down to your personal style and how you plan to use your pool.

Considering Your Backyard Size and Layout

Yard size is another big consideration when deciding on your pool. A compact space will benefit from a small backyard pool shape designed to make the most of available space, while large backyards can accommodate more expansive layouts with luxury features like tanning ledges or attached spas. To help you zero in on your ideal pool size, think about sun exposure, existing structures, and how your pool will blend with patios, decks, or gardens.

So, How Do You Pick the Right Pool for your backyard?

Here’s the fun part: You don’t have to guess which one of our pools will fit in your space! Use our Backyard Pool Planner on our homepage!  Plug in your address, your exact backyard pulls up, and you can drag and drop different pools into your yard!  If the pool is too big, it will let you know.  That way you can fall in love with a pool that fits perfectly in your yard!   Once you find the one you love, you can submit the form, and we will connect you with a dealer in your area to give you a quote!

No matter which Barrier Reef fiberglass Pool shape you choose—be it a trendy Plunge Pool or a modern Rectangular Pool—your backyard is about to level up in a big way.

Create a space where memories are made, laughter is shared, and relaxation is the main event.  We look forward to helping you live the dream every day!