When it’s time to install a backyard pool, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to choose an oval or round above ground pool. Both options offer unique advantages and drawbacks, and making the right choice depends heavily on your personal preferences, available space, and lifestyle needs. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to consider before deciding between an oval and round design, helping you choose the best fit for your outdoor retreat.
Pros and Cons of Round Above Ground Pools
Round above ground pools have long been a popular choice for homeowners seeking affordability and simplicity. Their circular shape lends itself well to uniform water pressure distribution, which can contribute to greater durability and a longer lifespan.
Advantages of Round Pools
- Cost-effective: Round pools generally cost less to build and install because of their simple design and mass production.
- Better water circulation: The symmetrical shape allows water to flow more evenly, making it easier to maintain clean, clear water.
- Easier maintenance: Pumps, filters, and cleaning accessories are standardized and often more compatible with round shapes.
- Longer lifespan: The structural uniformity makes them sturdier over time with reduced risk of bowing or warping.
- Fast setup: These pools are often quicker to install due to fewer custom components.
Disadvantages of Round Pools
Despite their many advantages, round pools come with limitations that may make them unsuitable for some spaces or preferences.
Space constraints: Their shape takes up a lot of square footage without offering much in terms of usable wall space for lounging or swimming laps.
Limited design customization: It’s harder to build a truly unique backyard aesthetic around a standard round pool.
Less seating flexibility: Traditional in-pool benches are trickier to incorporate into a circular design, limiting seating options.
Pros and Cons of Oval Above Ground Pools
Oval pools offer a sleeker, more elegant appearance and often allow for more functional use of space. They are increasingly popular among homeowners who want greater versatility in pool design without moving to a full in-ground option.
Advantages of Oval Pools
More usable space: The elongated design allows for designated zones—for lounging, playing, or even practicing simple laps.
Better fit for rectangular backyards: Often blend more naturally with modern landscaping and home architecture that incorporates straight lines and right angles.
Flexibility in features: Because of their size and shape, oval pools can accommodate more advanced features like built-in benches, steps, or swim spas.
Elegant look: Compared to the utilitarian round shape, oval pools often appear more upscale and visually appealing.
Comfort during social use: The elongated shape accommodates more people without feeling cramped, especially ideal for pool parties or gatherings.
Disadvantages of Oval Pools
Higher cost: Oval pools tend to be more expensive because of their custom design and more complex construction needs.
Increased maintenance challenges: Water flow and chemical balance may be slightly harder to regulate throughout all areas of the pool.
Shorter lifespan potential: Without adequate support structures, oval pools are more susceptible to bowing and shifting over time.
Installation effort: Since they’re larger and heavier, installers often need to use construction equipment to secure them properly.
Physical Space Considerations
Available Backyard Space
One of the most significant factors to evaluate is the size and shape of your backyard. Do you have a narrow area that needs a longer but narrower body of water? Oval pools tend to fit better in elongated or rectangular backyards. However, if you have a more open or square lot, a round pool might feel less obtrusive and give more flexibility for surrounding decking or landscaping.
Zoning and Local Regulations
Before making a decision, always check your local zoning laws and homeowner association rules. Some municipalities restrict certain types of pools based on setbacks, minimum lot sizes, or fencing requirements. Oval pools, due to their larger size, may be subject to stricter regulations, so it’s wise to confirm all rules before investing heavily.
Personal Lifestyle Needs
Entertainment and Social Activities
If your goal is entertaining guests or hosting more active pool activities, an oval pool may offer more versatility. Its extended layout makes it easier to divide zones for kids, swimmers, and loungers. Round pools are still suitable for hosting, but their curved walls can limit seating placement and functional areas.
Swimming Activities
For lap swimming, oval pools offer a more practical configuration. A round pool doesn’t fit swimmers attempting to maintain a consistent, straight course without having to constantly turn or adjust. However, this might not be an issue if most of your pool usage is recreational or for relaxation rather than exercise.
Kids and Pool Play
Families with young children will appreciate how easily kids can play in a round pool since the shape encourages circular movement, which supports floating games or water toys. If you opt for a rounded pool, adding bumpers and floating mats can provide more structural security.
Oval pools, with their wider space, are ideal for more active games like pool volleyball or floating basketball. However, the corners of oval pools can sometimes present safety concerns for young children if not properly padded.
Budget and Affordability
Installation and Construction Costs
At the start of your pool buying journey, it’s important to understand upfront costs and how they might affect your overall budget. On average, round pools cost 15-20% less than oval models of similar size. This price difference stems from the less sophisticated engineering involved in creating a circular structure.
Maintenance and Long-Term Expenses
While oval pools can often offer more functional benefits, they may incur higher long-term maintenance costs due to the more complex plumbing and water distribution required. Filters, chemical dosing, and vacuuming may require additional effort, compared to the streamlined maintenance of round pools.
Accessories and Custom Features
Customizing either design with safety covers, LED lighting, or integrated lounging areas can significantly change the total expense. However, round pool accessories — like vacuum tracks or perimeter decks — are more mass-produced, which helps keep their cost lower than oval-specific additions.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
Matching Your Home’s Architectural Style
Your pool should harmonize with the design of your house and garden. A round pool works well with cottage-style or rustic homes, offering a soft curvature that blends effortlessly into irregular landscapes.
Alternatively, an oval shaped pool often complements modern or contemporary homes with clean lines and symmetry, especially when paired with geometric decks or architectural lighting.
Customization Options
Both oval and round above ground pools can be enhanced through landscaping, decking, and water features. Round pools often emphasize ease and symmetry, so adding features like waterfall overflows or perimeter stone walls can amplify their look.
Oval pools offer more unique layout flexibility, which makes them ideal for adding swim steps, built-in benches, and integrated spas that can enhance both visual appeal and usability.
Lifespan, Durability, and Structural Integrity
Construction Materials
Most above ground pools—round or oval—are built with similar materials such as resin walls, galvanized steel frames, aluminum supports, and durable polymer liners. High-quality construction, regardless of shape, can ensure longevity.
Structural Differences
Because of the uniform pressure distribution, round pools generally offer better resistance to shifting soil, temperature changes, and water pressure fluctuations. Oval pools often require additional internal bracing, top rails, and stronger wall supports to prevent sagging or bowing.
Expected Lifespan
While a premium round pool can last up to 15-20 years, an oval pool may last around 12-18 years, depending on construction quality and climate. Proper maintenance, liner replacement, and reinforcement are essential for extending the life of either pool type.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Eco-Friendly Considerations
Eco-conscious consumers may want to assess the environmental impact of materials used in pool construction. Both oval and round above ground models tend to use recyclable materials, but round pools, which require fewer unique parts, generally have a smaller carbon footprint.
Energy and Resource Considerations
If you’re concerned about utility bills or water conservation, understand that oval models may demand slightly higher chemical and energy use simply because they can hold more water and require more pumping power, especially in larger versions.
Installation Process and Timeline
Round Pool Setup
Due to their modular nature and symmetrical structure, round above ground pools generally take less time to install. A typical round pool installation might be completed in as little as two to four days, depending on terrain and weather.
Oval Pool Setup
Oval pools, being larger and designed with directional symmetry, often require additional site preparation such as leveling the ground and reinforcing the frame with additional support structures. Installation may last around four to seven days and might involve professional installers working with construction equipment.
Resale Value and Cost Recovery
If you’re thinking long-term, the type of pool you choose could affect your property’s resale value. A high-quality, well-maintained above ground pool of either oval or round design can increase a property’s appeal. However, round pools may offer a broader appeal among budget-conscious buyers, while oval pools appeal more to upscale buyers seeking aesthetic and functional value.
Final Decision: Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, your decision between a round vs. oval above ground pool will depend on several key factors:
- Available backyard space: Narrow backyard—oval. Open square area—round.
- Primary purpose: Lap swimming, entertaining—oval. Family recreation only—round.
- Budget: Tight budget—round. More flexibility—oval.
- Maintenance preference: Easy care and standard maintenance—round. Willingness to invest a bit more for design and usability—oval.
- Style and aesthetics: Soft curves and tradition—round. Modern and elegant—oval.
Expert Recommendations and Industry Insights
Pool manufacturers and dealers also have suggestions based on consumer trends and market data:
| Category | Recommended Pool Shape |
|---|---|
| Smaller yards (under 500 sq ft) | Round |
| Medium to large yards (500+ sq ft) | Oval |
| First-time pool buyers | Round |
| Multi-use backyard needs | Oval |
| Family-centric lifestyle | Round |
| Luxury outdoor living goals | Oval |
Before you finalize your decision, take a test visit to a local pool showroom or neighbor’s backyard to see each type in person. Sometimes, the difference is subtle, but when compared side-by-side, the features and space considerations become more clear.
Conclusion
Choosing between an oval and round above ground pool is an exciting step toward creating a unique outdoor escape. Whether you’re drawn to the functional beauty of an oval pool or the simplified practicality of a round option, each design brings something valuable to your backyard experience.
By assessing your budget, lifestyle, available space, and design preferences, you can confidently make a choice that enhances your property, supports your family’s enjoyment, and brings you closer to the luxury of private backyard living for years to come.
What are the main differences between oval and round above ground pools?
The primary difference between oval and round above ground pools lies in their shape and how that affects their functionality and aesthetics. Round pools are symmetrical, which promotes even water circulation and helps reduce stress on the pool walls. They also tend to be more affordable and simpler to install due to their uniform structure. Oval pools, on the other hand, have a more elongated shape, offering a different visual appeal and allowing for varied use of space, especially in rectangular or narrow backyards.
Structurally, oval pools typically require more complex support systems, such as stronger walls and additional braces, due to their asymmetric design. This often results in a higher price point compared to round pools of similar size. While round pools are generally preferred for their durability and efficiency, oval pools give homeowners more flexibility in terms of layout and design to suit specific landscaping or functional needs.
Which pool shape is more cost-effective?
Round above ground pools are generally more cost-effective than oval pools. Their symmetrical design requires fewer materials and less engineering to ensure stability, which reduces manufacturing and installation costs. Additionally, round pools have been the standard for many years, so there’s a broader range of available sizes and models, often leading to competitive pricing among retailers.
Oval pools, while more expensive, offer added value in terms of aesthetics and space utilization for certain backyard layouts. Their price includes additional structural reinforcement to support the longer sides, which increases the cost of materials and labor. If budget is a primary concern and the backyard space is flexible, a round pool is typically the more economical choice without sacrificing functionality or enjoyment.
How does the shape affect the available swimming space?
While both oval and round above ground pools can have similar square footage, the way the space is utilized differs due to their shape. Round pools offer a centralized swimming area that allows for unrestricted movement and are ideal for smaller families or casual swimming. They also create a more uniform water flow, which helps with filtration and chemical distribution.
Oval pools provide a longer axis, making them suitable for lap swimming and for those who want to simulate a more traditional in-ground pool look. However, the corners of oval pools can create “dead zones” where water circulation is less efficient, potentially leading to algae buildup if not properly maintained. The choice between the two should consider how the pool will be used—whether for relaxation, exercise, or socializing in a compact space.
Which shape is easier to install?
Round above ground pools are typically easier and quicker to install compared to oval pools. Their symmetrical design simplifies the leveling and assembly process, and many round pool kits come with standardized instructions and parts that make installation more straightforward. Additionally, finding help or resources for round pool installation is easier because they are more commonly purchased and installed.
Oval pools require more precise ground preparation, especially for ensuring even support along the longer walls. Uneven terrain can pose a greater challenge, increasing the time and effort needed for a secure installation. They also require additional bracing and careful wall alignment to maintain structural integrity, which often means professional assistance is more likely needed, adding to the overall installation cost and time.
Which pool shape is better for small backyards?
In small or cramped backyards, a round pool is often more versatile because its symmetrical shape can fit better in a variety of yard sizes and layouts, especially with round designs typically ranging in smaller diameters. The uniformity of a round shape allows for more flexibility in placement, even in asymmetrical or oddly shaped spaces. Additionally, the open center of a round pool promotes better movement for multiple swimmers.
However, oval pools can work well in narrow or rectangular spaces where length is more available than width. If the backyard has limited width but adequate length, an oval pool can be a better fit than a round one of the same water volume. The key is to measure the available space carefully and consider not just the pool’s dimensions, but also the necessary clearance around it for safety and maintenance access.
Do oval pools look more like in-ground pools?
Many homeowners feel that oval above ground pools offer a more sophisticated, in-ground aesthetic compared to round pools. Their elongated shape can blend more seamlessly with traditional landscaping designs and home architectures that typically feature rectangular or linear elements. This resemblance can enhance curb appeal and make the pool feel like a more integrated part of the outdoor living space.
While round pools are instantly recognizable as above ground due to their circular structure, oval pools can sometimes be partially embedded or have their sides obscured by decks or stone work, further mimicking the appearance of in-ground pools. If aesthetics and blending in with the landscape are a top priority, an oval pool may offer a more elegant visual solution while retaining the affordability and ease of installation of an above ground model.
Which shape has better resale value or longevity?
Round pools generally have better longevity and resale value because their design is structurally sound and time-tested. The even distribution of pressure around the circular walls reduces stress, minimizing potential damage and leak risks, which leads to a longer lifespan. Additionally, due to their popularity, there is a greater demand in the resale market for used round above ground pools.
Oval pools, while durable when properly installed and maintained, may not hold up to the same wear over time due to their more complex engineering. Uneven ground or improper installation can lead to structural issues, such as bowing walls or compromised seams. However, if the oval pool is well-maintained and the backyard layout favors its shape, it can still provide a solid return and a longer-term solution, particularly for buyers who prefer its design advantages.