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Picking the right pool starts with knowing your options
Once you’ve decided you’d love a pool, the next question comes quickly. What kind? There are more choices than most people expect, and the words used to describe them can get confusing fast.
This guide is here to make things simpler. We’ll walk through the main types of swimming pools you’ll come across for a UK home. We’ll look at how they’re built, where they go, what shapes and styles are popular and what each one does well.
By the end you should have a clearer picture of which options suit your garden, your family and the way you want to use your pool. There’s no single right answer. The best pool is the one that fits your life.
A little about us
We install luxury one-piece pools, swim spas and spas across Surrey and the South East. We also look after pools through aftercare, servicing and repairs, so we’ve seen what works well in real British gardens.
Types of swimming pools by how they’re built
The way a pool is built affects almost everything else. It shapes how long the build takes, how the pool feels, how much care it needs and how long it lasts.
One-piece pools
A one-piece pool is made as a single, seamless shell in a factory. It’s then delivered to your home and lowered into a prepared hole.
The benefits include:
- Speed. Most of the work happens off site, so time spent digging up the garden is usually much shorter.
- Fewer joins. A seamless shell has far fewer places where water could escape.
- A smooth, hard-wearing surface. It’s comfortable underfoot and gives algae less to cling to.
- Consistent quality. Factory conditions mean every shell is made in a controlled way.
The trade-off is that you choose from a set range of shapes and sizes, rather than drawing any shape you like. For most gardens there’s a great fit.
Because the shell arrives ready made, the finish is also very predictable. What you see in the showroom or brochure is what ends up in your garden. Many owners find that reassuring, especially if they’ve heard stories of long, drawn-out builds.
Concrete pools
Concrete pools are built on site, often using sprayed or poured concrete, and then finished with tiles, render or another surface. They can be almost any shape and size. They’re durable, but the build is long and involved, and surfaces like grout lines need care over the years.
Liner pools
These use a built structure with a flexible waterproof liner inside. They offer lots of freedom of shape and a wide choice of colours. The main thing to know is that liners need replacing from time to time. Our guide to liner pools looks at the pros and cons in more detail.
Above-ground pools
These sit on top of the ground rather than in it. They’re the most affordable way to get into the water and need no digging. They’re best thought of as temporary or seasonal, rather than a permanent feature of the home.
Raised and part-sunken pools
Not every pool has to sit fully in the ground. A pool can be partly raised, with a wall around it that doubles as seating. This can work well on sloping sites, or where digging deep is difficult. It also creates a natural barrier, which some families like. Raised designs are one of the more flexible types of swimming pools for awkward plots. The look is striking and modern, and it can reduce the amount of soil that needs to be taken away.
Indoor and outdoor pools suit different lifestyles
Where you put your pool matters just as much as how it’s built.
Outdoor pools
An outdoor pool turns the garden into somewhere to gather. Long summer evenings, barbecues and children splashing about are what many people picture when they dream of a pool. Outdoor pools make the most of the space you already have, and a good cover and heating can stretch the season well beyond the summer months.
Indoor pools
An indoor pool lets you swim all year, whatever the weather. It also offers privacy and fits well with a home gym or wellness space. There’s more to plan, though. The building needs good ventilation and humidity control, and planning and building regulations will be part of the process. Always check with your local council and building control early on.
A middle ground
Some people choose an outdoor pool with a sturdy automatic cover, or a pool house that opens up in summer. Both of these approaches work with most pool designs, so you don’t have to decide on location and construction in one go. A garden room or pergola beside the pool can also give shelter on cooler days, and a place to store towels and toys. These options give a longer season without a full indoor build. If you’re torn, our guide on choosing an indoor or outdoor pool will help you weigh things up.
Popular types of swimming pools by shape and style
Beyond how it’s built and where it sits, the style of a pool tells you a lot about how it will feel to use.
Classic rectangular pools
Clean and timeless, a rectangle suits both modern and traditional homes. It’s great for swimming lengths and easy to fit with a cover. It also makes the most of a square or rectangular garden, and it sits neatly alongside a patio or terrace.
Freeform pools
Curves and soft edges give a relaxed, natural feel. Freeform shapes can work beautifully with planting and landscaping.
Lap pools
Long and narrow, a lap pool is built for swimming. It suits people who want to exercise and have a garden that’s longer than it is wide.
Plunge pools
A plunge pool is small and deep enough to cool off and relax in. It’s a good option for compact gardens where a full pool isn’t practical. A plunge pool can also double as a cold dip after a sauna or workout.
Infinity and overflow pools
These pools let water spill over one or more edges, creating a sleek, mirror-like surface. They look stunning, particularly on a slope or with a view. They do need extra engineering and careful planning.
Family pools
For many households, the pool is mainly for the children and their friends. In that case, the details matter more than the headline shape. Wide steps make getting in and out easy. A shallow end or a sun ledge gives younger swimmers somewhere safe to play. A good cover adds peace of mind when the pool isn’t in use. Think about where parents will sit, too, so there’s always a clear view of the water.
Wellness and fitness pools are growing in popularity
More and more people want their pool to support their health as well as their summer fun. That has led to a rise in pools designed around exercise and relaxation.
Swim spas
A swim spa is a compact pool with a powerful current that you swim against. You can swim for as long as you like without turning. Many also have seating and massage jets at one end, so you get exercise and relaxation in one. Swim spas suit smaller gardens and can be used all year round.
Spas and hot tubs
A spa is designed for soaking rather than swimming. Warm water and massage jets help you unwind after a long day. A spa can sit alongside a pool or work on its own where space is limited. Some owners add a spa first and a pool later, or the other way round. Planning the layout with both in mind from the start makes that much easier, as pipework, power and paving can all be arranged to suit. It also helps the two feel like one joined-up space.
Exercise and therapy features
Some pools include features like counter-current jets, underwater benches or gentle massage areas. Talk to us about the features you’d find useful, and we’ll let you know what’s possible for your project.
Water care options differ between types of swimming pools
How you keep the water clean is another choice to make. It affects how the water feels and how much looking after it needs.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most familiar way to sanitise a pool. It’s effective and well understood. Kept at the right level, it shouldn’t smell strong or irritate swimmers.
Salt systems
A salt system uses a small amount of salt in the water to produce chlorine automatically. Many people find the water feels softer. You’ll still need to test and balance the water.
Natural pools
Natural pools use plants and biological filtration rather than chemicals. They’re beautiful and wildlife friendly, but they take up more space and need a particular kind of care. They’re a specialist option rather than something we install.
Our guide to choosing a saltwater pool, chlorine or natural pool goes into more detail.
Choosing between the different types of swimming pools
With so many options, it helps to come back to a few simple questions. For a clearer idea of the numbers, our guide to swimming pool cost explains what affects the price.
- How will you use it? Fitness, family fun, relaxation or a bit of everything?
- How much space do you have? Measure the garden and think about access for machinery.
- When do you want to swim? Summer only, or all year round?
- How much upkeep are you happy with? Some pools need more hands-on care than others.
- How much disruption can you live with? Build times vary a great deal.
- What does your budget look like? We’re always happy to give a tailored quote.
What every pool needs, whatever the type
Whichever style you choose, a few things make a big difference to how much you enjoy it:
- Good filtration and circulation to keep the water clear
- Heating that suits how often you want to swim
- A cover to keep out debris and hold in warmth
- Lighting so you can enjoy the pool in the evening
- Safe access with pool steps or a ladder that suit everyone in the family
- Aftercare so small issues are dealt with quickly
These features are just as important as the shape or the build method, so it’s worth building them into your plans from the start. Our guide to above ground pools covers this in more detail.
Your answers will usually narrow things down quickly. If you’d like to see what we offer, you can explore our full range of pools and swim spas. For more ideas, take a look at our article on container swimming pools.
Pool type questions we get asked a lot
What is the easiest type of pool to maintain?
Pools with smooth, non-porous surfaces, good filtration and a cover tend to be the easiest. A one-piece pool ticks those boxes for many owners.
Which pool type is quickest to install?
Above-ground pools are the quickest, but for a permanent pool, a one-piece shell is usually much faster in the garden than a pool built on site.
Do I need planning permission for a pool?
Many garden pools don’t need it, but it depends on your property and location. Always check with your local council before you start.
Can I swim all year in an outdoor pool?
With good heating and a cover, you can extend the season a long way. A swim spa is often the easiest way to swim outdoors all year.
What size pool do I need?
It depends on how you’ll use it and how much space you have. We’ll help you find the right size for your garden.
Are swim spas good for exercise?
Yes. The adjustable current lets you swim steadily for as long as you like, which makes them great for fitness.
Friendly advice on the types of swimming pools that suit you
Choosing a pool is exciting, and it’s also a big decision. Taking a little time to understand your options now will pay off for years to come.
We’re always happy to talk through your ideas, visit your garden and help you find the right fit. There’s no pressure, just honest advice.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
