Choosing the right pool size isn’t just about filling space—it’s about making the most of your backyard, your budget, and how your family plans to live and play outdoors. For young families in Perth, a pool isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle feature that encourages outdoor fun, keeps the kids active, and creates a space where everyone wants to hang out. But how big should you go? And how do you balance practical considerations with design goals? Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the right pool size for your home—and how to get it right from the start.
Start With How You’ll Use the Pool
Before you get caught up in measurements, think about why you’re installing a pool. Your lifestyle will often determine the ideal size more clearly than any rule of thumb.
- Young kids? You’ll want a shallow area or step zone where they can safely splash and play.
- Active swimmers or teens? A lap lane or deeper section could be important for proper swimming and diving.
- Entertainers? Consider space for poolside seating, lounging ledges or swim-up features.
- Low-maintenance lovers? A compact pool still makes a big impact without the upkeep of a large one.
Every family is different. The key is designing a pool that works for you, not just what looks good on a design board.
Think About Backyard Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a pool that’s too large for their yard. A huge pool might seem exciting—but if it leaves no room for outdoor dining, lounging, play areas or future additions, it can quickly feel cramped.
Young families often want a multi-use space. You might need:
- A grassy patch for kids or pets
- Space for a pergola or BBQ area
- Room for poolside seating and shade
- Clear access from the house
Even in a smaller backyard, it’s possible to include all of these—but it takes smart planning and a pool that’s the right size, not just the biggest that fits.
A good rule of thumb? Try to keep your pool to no more than 30–40% of your total backyard area, allowing space for other zones to complement it.
Visualise Your Pool with Our Canibuild Tool
To make this easier, we offer our handy canibuild tool—an interactive platform that lets you map view your property and visualise how different pool types and sizes would fit in your actual backyard. You can quickly see what works within your block’s boundaries and make more confident decisions early on, before committing to a design. It’s a great way to play with possibilities and ensure the pool you’re eyeing is truly the right fit.
Standard Pool Sizes (and What They Suit)
Here’s a quick guide to common pool sizes and what kind of household they suit best:
- Plunge or Courtyard Pool
Perfect for compact backyards or inner-city homes. Plunge Pools are ideal for families who want a cool-off spot and stylish design but don’t need lots of swim space. - 2.6m – 6.9m – Small Family Pool
A great balance between swim space and backyard usability. Good for young kids and parents who want space to lounge and play. - 7.0m – 9.4m – Medium Family Pool
Excellent for families with growing kids who want room to swim laps, dive or play pool games. Still leaves space for garden or entertaining zones. - 9.5m+ – Large Pool
Great if you’ve got a big block or love entertaining. Offers plenty of room for everyone but requires more maintenance and budget.
Barrier Reef Pools Perth offers a wide variety of fibreglass pool sizes and shapes to suit different homes, from compact plunge pools to family-sized entertainers. And because they’re pre-engineered, installation is often faster and more cost-effective than you might expect.
Consider Local Regulations and Access
Pool size isn’t just a design choice—it’s also subject to council regulations and property access.
In Perth, you’ll need to meet strict pool safety fencing laws, ensure there’s sufficient clearance from boundary lines, and factor in access for installation. A professional pool builder like Barrier Reef Pools Perth will take care of permits and compliance, but it’s good to keep these points in mind early on so you’re not caught off guard.
If your backyard has tricky access (such as narrow side paths or sloping blocks), the available pool size might be affected. Fortunately, fibreglass pools come in a range of sizes, so there’s usually a smart solution.
Don’t Forget the Pool Depth
While size matters, depth is just as important. A deeper pool takes up more volume, which means more water, more heating, and more cleaning.
For most families, a gradual depth from 1.1m to 1.8m works well—it allows safe play for younger children at one end and deeper swimming at the other.
If the pool is mainly for lounging and light exercise, a shallower option might be ideal. If you’re thinking about diving or water sports, chat with your pool builder about the depth you’ll need for safety.
Fibreglass Pools: Ideal For Young Families
Barrier Reef Pools Perth specialises in high-quality fibreglass pools that are not only beautiful but also family-friendly. Here’s why fibreglass is a smart choice:
- Soft underfoot for children
- Non-porous surface for easier cleaning and fewer chemicals
- Quick installation—often just a few weeks
- Built-in safety features like entry steps, benches and ledges
Many models even have integrated wading areas, perfect for younger kids or relaxed lounging without taking up extra space.
Choosing the Right Pool Partner
Picking the right pool size is important—but picking the right pool builder matters just as much. Barrier Reef Pools Perth brings decades of experience, local knowledge, and a wide range of pool options designed for West Australian families.
Their expert team helps you make smart choices based on your block, your budget, and your long-term goals—not just what looks good in a brochure.
You’ll get honest advice, detailed site assessments, and a smooth process from planning to splashdown.
Let’s Design Your Dream Backyard
Whether you’re imagining a compact plunge pool to beat the heat or a spacious family pool for long summer afternoons, Barrier Reef Pools Perth is here to help make it happen—without pressure or guesswork.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and find out which pool size is the perfect fit for your backyard and your family’s lifestyle.
We’ll walk you through the options, show you what’s possible for your block, and help you design a space that grows with your family.
