I am often asked which one is better. There isn’t a good, better, or best when it comes to deciding between a round or an oval-shaped pool. This decision has more to do with where it’s going in the backyard, how many swimmers will be using the pool, your potential exercise needs, and your personal preference.
One of my first questions will be
How many swimmers will be using the new pool?
Consider the surface area when trying to figure out how large of a pool is necessary for your swim space needs. The following is the surface area of above-ground swimming pools. This is helpful when trying to figure out what size is good for your family.
| Pool Size ft | Surface Area Sq Ft | How Many Swimming Comfortable |
| 12 | 264 | 1-2 |
| 15 | 365 | 2 |
| 18 | 481 | 3 |
| 21 | 610 | 4-5 |
| 24 | 754 | 5-6 |
| 27 | 912 | 6-8 |
| 30 | 1084 | 8-10 |
| 33 | 1270 | 9-11 |
| 12×17 | 348 | 2-3 |
| 12×24 | 469 | 3-4 |
| 15×26 | 579 | 3-5 |
| 15×30 | 658 | 4-6 |
| 18×33 | 809 | 6-8 |
| 18×40 | 996 | 8-10 |
| 21×43 | 1148 | 9-12 |
Your Backyard Can tell you which shape is best
Not every yard is made to order like the examples above. But your yard layout will give you the best clue as to which shape works best. When choosing a size consider the swim size of a pool is not the final space needed for the pool. The sizes you see advertised are the inside swimming dimensions of the pool. The actual size needed will be based on which model or manufacturer layout you look at.
When we excavate for a new pool we always make a larger cut to accommodate the pool. We adjust this space needed more when an oval pool has buttresses instead of non Buttress frame. A Buttress pool will need a larger excavated space compared to a Buttress Free pool.
Get ahold of your city or town’s building department and get a plot plan and rules for how far away from property lines you need to be. You’ll need to know how far away from septic tanks, leaching fields, other structures, etc.
The following video gives you the 4 initial steps to above-ground pool ownership.
The following chart is the size we typically excavate for the common-sized pools.
Excavation Size Chart
| Pool Size ft | Excavation size needed ft |
| 12 | 15 round |
| 15 | 18 round |
| 18 | 21 round |
| 21 | 24 round |
| 24 | 27 round |
| 27 | 30 round |
| 30 | 33 round |
| 33 | 36 round |
| 12×17 | 17×19 |
| 12×24 | 17×26 |
| 15×26 | 20×28 |
| 15×30 | 20×32 |
| 18×33 | 23×35 |
| 18×40 | 23×42 |
| 21×43 | 26×45 |
Pro-Tip
Determine before excavation where the filtration system’s location will be (Approx). Excavate that area outward a few extra feet. Most cities and towns require electrical to be 5-6ft away from the finished pool wall. By having this space already excavated placing pumps and performing electrical duties will be easier.
How Much Will The Average Monthly Costs be?
You’ll need to use a filtration system for circulation. There are electricity costs. If your going to heat the pool it will require additional costs. How much exactly will depend on how large the pool is and the equipment being used. The following is a guide to how much it will; potentially cost you.
Remember the larger the pool the larger the costs of maintaining it. The following are the upfront and usage monthly costs associated with sanitation chemicals.
Sanitation Chemical Costs
| Based on 12 hr usage | Upfront Costs | Monthly Costs |
| Chlorine | Under $200 | $50-100 |
| Salt System | $500-$1,500 | $20-50 |
| Mineral System | $200-$500 | $25-50 |
| Oxygen System | $399 | Under 20$ |
Upfront Equipment and Monthly Electical Costs
The following are costs associated with the electrical costs. Based on 12 hours a day usage and not knowing the exact efficiency your systems will require. This is a ballpark estimate of costs.
| Pool Size ft | Upfront Filtration system | Monthly Electricity for Filtration | Upfront Heater Cost | Monthly Heating costs |
| 12 | $500-1,200 | $15-305 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 15 | $500-1,200 | $15-40 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 18 | $500-1,200 | $25-50 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 21 | $500-1,200 | $35-75 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 24 | $500-1,500 | $50-100 | $1,500-5,000 | $75-200 |
| 27 | $500-1,500 | $75-150 | $1,500-5,000 | $75-200 |
| 30 | $500-1,500 | $100-300 | $1,500-5,000 | $100-300 |
| 12×24 | $500-1,200 | $25-50 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 15×26 | $500-1,200 | $35-75 | $1,200-4,000 | $50-100 |
| 15×30 | $500-1,500 | $50-100 | $1,500-5,000 | $75-200 |
| 18×33 | $500-1,500 | $75-150 | $1,500-5,000 | $75-200 |
| 21×43 | $500-1,500 | $100-300 | $1,500-5,000 | $100-300 |
Round Vs Oval Pool Prices and Semi In-Ground Pools
Oval pools cost more for the pool and they cost more to install. the reason ovals cost more is they have straight sides which require more support. The side frames have many more parts and there is a strap system that connects these side frames. This affects the assembly process as well. installation is more because of the extra assembly required.
Semi In-Ground Pools require a lot more excavation than typical on-ground pool applications. This will create more excavation services. They also require material to be placed back around the pool after installation.
The amount of material that has to be dug up is often overlooked. The following chart gives you an idea of how much material (your yard) needs to be dug up in order to install a round, oval, or semi-In-Ground pool.
Cubic Yards to be Excavated
Please keep in mind slope of the yard can dramatically decrease the amount being excavated.
| Pool Size ft | Excavation area | 6″ Cubic yards | 12″ Cubic yards | 28″ semi in-Ground Cubic Yards |
| 12 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 24 |
| 15 | 18 | 6 | 12 | 29 |
| 18 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 34 |
| 21 | 24 | 9 | 18 | 44 |
| 24 | 27 | 12 | 24 | 58 |
| 27 | 30 | 17 | 34 | 77 |
| 30 | 33 | 20 | 40 | 98 |
| 33 | 36 | 24 | 48 | 120 |
| 12×24 | 18×26 | 9 | 18 | 44 |
| 15×26 | 21×28 | 11 | 22 | 56 |
| 15×30 | 21×32 | 13 | 26 | 59 |
| 18×33 | 24×35 | 16 | 32 | 75 |
| 21×43 | 27×45 | 22 | 44 | 110 |
Ultimately it comes down to your personal preference whether an oval or round pool will suit you and what your family needs. If you have more questions please email us at info@abovegroundpoolbuilder.com.
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