The Best Pool Shapes and Designs for South Florida Homes

Choosing a shape for your home

A pool's shape should fit your lot, match your home's architecture and suit how you will use it. In South Florida the pool is often visible through large glass doors, so design matters as much as function. Here are the common shapes and what each does well. For how we plan a build from start to finish, see new pool construction.

Geometric pool designs

Geometric pools have clean lines and defined angles. They suit contemporary and transitional homes.

Rectangular

The rectangle is versatile. It maximizes swimming area on smaller lots, works for laps and pairs with modern and Mediterranean homes. A raised spa at one end and a sun shelf at the other is a popular combination. Simple lines also make decking and enclosure design more straightforward.

L-shape

An L-shape creates zones: one leg for swimming, the other for lounging, a spa or shallow play. It works well on wider lots and when you want to separate the pool from an outdoor dining or kitchen area.

Roman (Grecian)

A rectangle with curved or angled ends. It softens a pure rectangle while keeping a formal look, and the curved ends are a natural place for steps, benches or a spa.

Infinity or perimeter overflow

One or more edges let water spill over into a hidden catch basin, so the water appears to continue past the pool. The effect is strongest facing a canal, lake or golf course. These pools need more engineering and cost more than a standard design. EDX has built infinity and zero-edge edges as part of its renovation work, and leak testing the basin is part of doing them right. See pool renovation.

Freeform pool designs

Freeform pools use organic curves. They suit tropical landscaping and irregular lots.

Kidney

A classic freeform shape with gentle curves and a good swimming area. The concave side is a natural spot for a spa, rock waterfall or planting.

Lagoon

Highly organic shapes, rock features, waterfalls and lush planting. They cost more because of the custom rock and landscape work.

Figure-8

Two connected areas, handy for separating a deeper swimming section from a shallow play or lounge zone.

How your lot shapes the design

• Standard suburban lots: Common in Coral Springs, Parkland and Boca Raton. Rectangular and geometric shapes tend to use the space best.
• Large lots: Allow large freeform pools, bigger decks and more features without crowding.
• Narrow or townhome lots: Plunge pools and compact designs work well.
• Irregular lots: Corner and pie-shaped lots often suit freeform designs that follow the property lines.
• Waterfront lots: Canal and Intracoastal homes may have extra rules about seawalls, setbacks and permits. Ask your city before you fall in love with a plan.

Setbacks, easements and HOA rules often decide what is possible, so read our permit guide before you finalize a design.

Styles we see requested

• Clean contemporary: Simple geometry, a dark or deep-toned finish, light porcelain pavers and a few strong water features.
• Resort style: A big sun shelf, an integrated spa with spillover and layered lighting.
• Indoor-outdoor: A pool lined up with large sliding doors so the pool is part of the view from inside.
• Compact luxury: A smaller pool, sometimes a spool (spa and pool combination), with higher-end finishes in place of more square footage.

Working with a designer

Bring inspiration photos and think about how you will really use the pool: laps, entertaining, family play or quiet relaxation. Be open about budget, since shape and features both move the price. For a walk-through of your yard, request a free on-site estimate.