A pool in the garden is wonderful on warm days. Children can play, you can cool off and the garden instantly becomes a lovely place for summer water fun. But which pool is the best fit for your garden?
The right choice depends on the space you have, the age of your children, how you want to use the pool and how much maintenance you are comfortable with. In this buying guide, we help you choose step by step.
Start with the space in your garden
Before choosing a pool, it is smart to decide where it will go in your garden. Measure the space carefully and do not only think about the pool itself. Around the pool, you also need space to walk, get in and out, and place the filter pump.
When choosing the spot, pay attention to these points:
- Is the ground flat and firm?
- Is there enough space around the pool?
- Is the pool not too close to sharp edges, branches or garden furniture?
- Is there room for a pool ladder, filter pump or pool dome?
- Do you want the pool mainly in the sun or partly in the shade?
A pool under trees may seem pleasant because of the shade, but leaves and dirt can get into the water more quickly. That often means more cleaning too.
Round or rectangular pool?
The shape of your pool determines how it sits in your garden and how you use it. A round pool feels playful and natural. A rectangular pool is often practical when you want to arrange the space neatly.
When does a round pool suit your garden?
A round pool is a good choice if you have an open spot in the garden. The round shape invites children to play, splash and float together. A round pool also often looks lovely when the pool really becomes part of the garden.
A round pool is a good fit if:
- You like a natural shape
- The pool will be placed in a central spot in the garden
- You have enough walking space around the pool
- You want a friendly, playful look
For young children, a round pool is often easy to keep an eye on. They can move around easily and play games.
When does a rectangular pool suit your garden?
A rectangular pool is useful if you want to use the space in your garden efficiently. Thanks to its straight shape, you can often place the pool neatly along a patio, fence or garden path. A rectangular shape is also handy if children like swimming back and forth.
A rectangular pool is a good fit if:
- You have a neat garden layout
- You want to place the pool along an edge or in a corner
- Children enjoy swimming lengths
- You want to use the available space practically
- You are looking for a calm, modern look
Do you have a narrower garden? Then a rectangular model can sometimes make more sense than a round model.
Compact and low or large and high?
Besides the shape, the height is important. It largely determines how children use the pool. A lower pool is pleasant for young children and families who mainly want to splash and cool off. A higher pool gives more room for swimming, diving under the water and active play.
Compact and low pool
A compact, lower pool is a good fit for young children or a smaller garden. The pool takes up less space and is often easy to oversee during use. A lower pool is also handy when you are mainly looking for a place to cool off and play.
This type of pool is a good fit if:
- You have young children
- Your garden is not very large
- You are mainly looking for water fun and cooling off
- You want to use the pool quickly and easily
- You prefer a manageable size
Even with a lower pool, supervision is always important. Make clear agreements with children and do not let them swim without guidance.
Large and high pool
A larger and higher pool is a good fit for older children or families who want more swimming space. Children can move more actively, swim underwater and play games together. For adults, a higher pool is often more comfortable for cooling off too.
This type of pool is a good fit if:
- You have older children
- You have more space in the garden
- You really want to be able to swim
- The whole family uses the pool
- You want to use the pool more often in summer
Keep in mind that a larger pool also needs more water, more space and more maintenance.
Do you want a pool with a dome?
A pool dome can be useful if you want to use the pool more often and protect the water better from outdoor dirt. A dome can also be pleasant on days when the weather is less good.
A pool with a dome is a good fit if:
- You want to get more out of your pool season
- You want fewer leaves and less dirt in the water
- You want to cover the pool when no one is swimming
- You would like extra comfort
- You are looking for a complete solution
A dome does make the pool stand out a little more in the garden. So also check carefully whether the look suits your outdoor space.
Or would you rather choose a pool canopy?
A pool canopy is especially nice on sunny days. It provides shade while swimming and makes playing in the water more comfortable when the sun is strong. This is handy for families with young children or for gardens with little natural shade.
A pool canopy is a good fit if:
- Your pool is in a sunny spot
- You would like shade over part of the water
- Children play in and around the pool for longer
- You are looking for an airy solution
- You may want to expand later
With a pool canopy, always pay close attention to the size and height of your pool. Not every canopy fits every pool.
Pool without a dome or canopy
Of course, you can also choose a pool without a dome or canopy. That keeps things simple. However, dirt can get into the water more quickly and the water warms up faster on sunny days.
Still unsure? When choosing, check whether you can add a suitable dome or canopy later. That way, you keep your options flexible.
Think about your budget too
Pools come in different price ranges. Your budget does not only depend on the pool itself, but also on what you choose with it. Think of a pool ladder, pool dome, pool canopy, pool cover or maintenance products.
Ask yourself these questions beforehand:
- Do you want a compact pool or a larger model?
- Will you choose a cartridge filter pump or sand filter pump?
- Do you want a pool dome or canopy straight away?
- Do you still need accessories for maintenance?
- Do you want to be able to expand later?
This way, you avoid looking only at the purchase price. A pool that suits your garden and the way you use it often brings more enjoyment than one that is just too big, too small or too much work.
Which look suits your garden?
A pool is often in the garden all summer. So the look matters too. A calm colour or natural look can blend beautifully into the garden. A sleeker design works well in a modern outdoor space.
When choosing, do not only look at the size, but also at how the pool looks from your patio or from inside the house. That way, the pool becomes part of your garden instead of something that looks temporarily placed there.
Which pool suits your situation?
Do you have young children and a smaller garden? Then a compact, lower pool is often a good fit. A round model feels playful, while a rectangular model can be useful if you have limited space.
Do you have older children and more room? Then a larger and higher pool is worth considering. Especially when you really want to swim or when the whole family often wants to get in the water.
Do you want less dirt in the water and more comfort? Take a look at a pool with a dome. Is your pool in a sunny spot? Then a pool canopy can be a nice addition.
Do you want to start simply? Then a cartridge filter pump can be a good fit. If you choose a larger pool or expect intensive use, a sand filter pump is worth considering.
How to choose the right pool step by step
Do you want to quickly discover which pool suits your garden, family and wishes? Use the pool guide. You fill in your preferences step by step, such as the shape, height, dome, filter pump and your budget.
That makes choosing much easier: after filling it in, you immediately see pools that match your answers. This means you do not have to search through the entire range yourself and can compare more specifically which option best suits your garden.
After that, it is time to enjoy refreshing dips, games in the water and long summer days outside!
