How to Choose the Right Size and Shape for Your Garden

A swimming pool can transform a garden into a true outdoor living space. But before choosing a model, it’s worth considering how the pool will fit into the available space, the style of the garden and the needs of the people who will use it.

The ideal pool is not simply the biggest one that fits. It is the one that works naturally with the surroundings and leaves enough room for circulation paths, relaxation zones and technical installations. After all, the space around the pool should remain comfortable and functional — allowing people to move freely, access the water safely and enjoy the garden without feeling restricted by the layout. Below are several practical guidelines that can help when selecting the right pool size and shape.

The first step is always to evaluate the garden layout.

When planning the installation area, remember that the pool itself is only one part of the project. Space should also be reserved for access around the pool, filtration equipment and optional accessories such as heat pumps or filtration boxes. In practice, the installation area should be slightly larger than the pool dimensions to ensure safe access and proper setup.

The pool can be installed in several ways depending on the design of the garden:

-above ground
-partially in ground
-fully embedded in the ground
-integrated into a terrace

Each of these options changes how the pool interacts with the surrounding landscape.

Limited outdoor space does not mean giving up the idea of a pool. In smaller gardens or urban backyards, compact pools or spool-type designs can provide the perfect balance between comfort and space efficiency.

Smaller pools work well when the goal is relaxation rather than long swimming sessions. They are ideal for cooling down on hot days, spending time with family or creating a small wellness area in the garden. Compact wooden pools also blend naturally into smaller landscapes, especially when combined with wooden decking or terrace structures. Their size allows homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a pool without overwhelming the garden space.

Typical characteristics of pools suited for smaller gardens include:

-hexagonal or octagonal shapes
-compact dimensions
-integration with terrace or deck areas

Medium-sized gardens offer the greatest flexibility when choosing a pool. In these spaces, the pool can become the central element of the garden design while still leaving room for relaxation areas, greenery and outdoor furniture. This type of layout allows for a wider range of pool shapes, depending on the style of the garden and the intended use of the pool.

Hexagonal and octagonal pools often work well in more natural garden layouts, where softer shapes blend easily with greenery and landscaping.

Oblong pools are a practical solution when a longer layout is desired without taking up too much width in the garden.

Rectangular pools are often chosen for more modern or architectural garden designs, where the pool aligns naturally with terraces, decking or the house façade.

At this scale, it is also easier to integrate additional outdoor features such as:

-sunbathing zones
-pergolas and shelters
-outdoor showers

The result is a balanced outdoor space that combines functionality with visual harmony.

Large gardens allow for more ambitious pool designs. In these spaces, longer pools can create a strong visual axis in the landscape and offer enough room for comfortable swimming. Larger models are often chosen by homeowners who want to combine relaxation with more active use of the pool.

In this type of garden layout, the largest OBLONG and RECTANGULAR pool models often work particularly well. Their elongated form provides more swimming space while also fitting naturally into structured garden designs or terraces. Some wooden pools can reach lengths of over eight metres, providing sufficient space for swimming while maintaining the warm, natural aesthetic of wood.

In larger gardens, the pool can also be combined with additional design elements such as:

-extended wooden terraces
-outdoor lounge areas
-more extensive lighting design around the pool and terrace

This creates a complete outdoor lifestyle zone rather than just a swimming area.

Beyond the size of the pool, the final appearance and functionality of the garden space are also influenced by the shape, colour and additional features of the pool. As mentioned earlier, different garden layouts naturally favour different pool shapes. Abatec wooden pools are available in hexagonal, octagonal, oblong and rectangular forms, allowing the pool to adapt to both compact garden spaces and larger landscape designs. Each of these shapes can create a slightly different visual effect — from soft, natural layouts to more structured architectural compositions.

Colour also plays an important role in how the pool blends with its surroundings. Abatec wooden pools are available in several finishes, including Amber, Walnut, Pigeon and Carbon. Lighter tones enhance the natural warmth of wood and blend beautifully with greenery, while darker finishes often complement modern terraces or minimalist garden designs.

Additional finishing elements like PVC or stainless steel covers for corners help conceal technical details and create a cleaner, more refined appearance. The overall experience around the pool can also be enhanced with additional elements such as pool enclosures. Depending on the needs of the space and the desired level of protection, Abatec offers STANDARD, LUX and SELECT enclosures, designed to extend the usability of the pool and provide additional comfort. Accessories like that help integrate technical equipment neatly into the garden environment while keeping the area organised.

When planning the final layout, it is also important to leave enough space around the pool for access and technical components. Elements such as filtration systems, ladders, stairs or enclosures require additional room for installation and maintenance.

With the right combination of size, shape, colour and accessories, a wooden pool can become a natural extension of the garden rather than just an added structure. A well-chosen pool complements the outdoor space instead of dominating it, helping to create a balanced and inviting garden environment. This is exactly where the natural character and design flexibility of wooden pools make a difference, which is why Abatec pools are available in multiple shapes and sizes to suit different garden styles and layouts.