What Is the Best Size Pool for a Brisbane Family?

A good family pool prioritises width of water. Many families will find that kids jump across the pool more than they do from the deep end. An average size for a Brisbane property is now around 7 x 4m. The Minimum family friendly width is 3.0m. 

How Will Your Family Really Use the Pool? (Thinking in Zones)

Consider the requirements of a family; young children, teenagers, parents, grandparents. Benches and steps should be considered for all ages and for different reasons. A shallow bench for seating will always be the most used space in the pool, ideal for young kids to paddle and wade, somewhere for the adults to sit while the kids bomb-dive in the deep end, and part of an area that is easy to access for older family members without large step downs. Step widths and layouts should factor into the design to allow enough surface area to comfortably enter the pool. A deep end will be used for experimental play and diving by the kids, so it is best not to have benches in this area, unless tucked safely into a corner for a safe zone for those that might not be strong swimmers. 

If a pool is long enough (8m+), it is worth considering having the deep end more centrally located, so that you can create two shallow ends. This helps with kids who may want to play ball games like water polo, so that no one has to tread water to stay above water. The pool depth profile may look something like 1.0-1.2m x 1.8m and back to 1.4m.

The Splash & Play Zone (For the Kids)

The ideal depth for a standard bench is approx 600mm, which means it will generally have 500-550mm of water depth, about chest/armpit height when you sit on it. This is a great depth for kids to experiment, learn to swim and use a safety point to push off and return to.

The Relaxation Zone (For the Adults)

More shallow wading areas (200-250mm water) are a trendy design feature, act as a lovely entry zone to the pool and for relaxing in ankle deep water, but unless you envisage a ledge lounge (see pic above), these spaces don’t need to be particularly big. The same depth benches in the pool are great for adults who want to sit and relax with a glass of bubbles or beer. Having multiple benches in the pool in different areas allows for the kids to be in one area and the adults in another without getting splashed in play times. If you want to get fancy, then we can design and build bar stools and spa seats into your pool to really create a lifestyle element to your pool space.

Common Family Pool Sizes You Build

Family pool sizes are driven by a number of factors. Most commonly this is the block size and width. Smaller blocks generally mean a smaller pool that needs to be balanced with lawn space for families to enjoy other outdoor activities or accommodate the family’s pets.

The Compact Family Pool (e.g. 6m x 3m)

A 6 x 3m is now one of the most common size pools for a 10m wide block. This is a good compromise for a usable swimming area and the rest of the back garden, aiming for a 50/50 split of the outdoor space. 3m of water allows for approx 1.0m paving down the length of the pool for access to the shallow and deep ends, whilst also allowing for a minimal garden bed, retaining walls or other requirements to help soften down boundary fences.

The Classic Family Pool (e.g. 8m x 4m)

4m water width is a sweet spot for your family pool. It gives you less worries when kids jump across the pool, but it also gives you more options for your step and bench design; think less risk of kids accidentally jumping onto a bench in the pool from across the pool. You can get creative with a 4m wide pool and your zoning over an 8m length.

The Large Entertainer Pool (e.g. 10m x 4m+)

A larger pool of 10m+, becomes more of a lifestyle pool. Generally, if you have this amount of space, we are considering outdoor entertaining areas, fire pits and a number of features that really create an extension of your living space and an outdoor room. Smart design is important to give your pool area a point of difference, rather than just being a large rectangular space. 

Key Factors That Should Influence the Decision

Your Family's Age and Stage

Forethought on pool design helps give your pool an aesthetic and functional longevity. Key design elements are enough space around entry zones, both through pool gates and around the step entry to the pool. Future proofing means making sure you can easily access the pool without large drop downs to the steps, or awkward spaces around the pool gates. This is more critical in smaller yards with tight spaces.

Your Backyard Size and Shape

Most blocks are fairly rectangular these days, but it is very rare that a block is perfectly level. The advantage of a concrete pool is that it can be designed and engineered for every situation, whether you have a steep block or an unusually shaped yard. In fact, a non-rectangular yard opens up many design options to create a stunning visual space for your property. You can also use creative design in small backyards to create a larger feel to a tight space. This can be through angled pool walls or curves that lead your eye to certain areas of the yard and create visual depth. The last thing you want to do is design a pool that leaves you with a narrow “cricket pitch” of lawn that is unusable or dysfunctional. 

Beyond Dimensions: Essential Family-Friendly Features

Durable, Low-Maintenance Finishes 

A standard pool finish is a 1mm white pebble which is a natural product. This is a good basic finish but to create a more-family friendly feel, a lot of customers upgrade to a 100% glass bead which is a smooth, polished, coloured 1mm bead which is less rough than the pebble. It is important to keep in mind that any textured surface can take skin off after an amount of time submerged in water, but opting for the smoothest available will help reduce this risk. The ultimate finish is fully tiled, but if this was to stretch the budget, you could opt to tile the top step and benches to give an ultra sleek surface that won’t catch swimwear or skin.

Conclusion: The Best Size is a Custom Size

The best size pool is always the one that suits your needs and your property. The perfect pool will consider all the property elements, and then we work to perfect your design to meet your wishlist and budget. Our team will work with you to design your pool, please contact us for a design and quote.