L-shaped pools are a statement piece in any backyard. They bring a unique style and versatility that can elevate your outdoor space, making them a desirable option for many homeowners. However, before diving into this trend, it’s important to be aware of both the benefits and the challenges that come with L-shaped pools. Here’s everything you need to know.
Advantages of L-Shaped Pools
Flexible Layout
The L-shaped design is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for backyards of all sizes and shapes. Its unique configuration allows it to fit into corners or around existing structures like patios, effectively utilizing every inch of your outdoor space.
Dual-Zone Experience
L-shaped pools naturally divide into two distinct sections, allowing you to create dedicated zones for different activities. One side can be tailored for swimming laps, while the other can be a shallow area for lounging or kids’ play. This multi-functional design ensures that everyone in the family can enjoy the pool in their own way.
Feel Grand with Pool Steps
When it comes to adding grandeur to your pool, steps are way better than ladders. The only problem is that they do tend to take up a lot of space. Here’s where an L-shaped pool comes to the rescue, offering plenty of room on one of its legs for stylish and spacious steps. You can even have a shallow lounging area by making the top step oversized, utilizing an entire leg of the pool.
Deviation from the Crowd
While rectangular pools are common, L-shaped pools provide a variation that doesn’t stray too far but still offers a distinct deviation from the norm. In an area full of residential pools, this might be an appealing difference that could even be advantageous in the long run.
Distinctive Visual Appeal
Choosing an L-shaped pool adds a unique touch to your backyard, setting it apart from the more traditional rectangular pools. This modern, stylish shape not only enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space but can also boost your property’s value, making it a smart investment for the future.
Disadvantages of L-Shaped Pools
Higher Construction Costs
L-shaped pools generally require more materials and labour than standard rectangular pools, leading to higher installation costs. As one (now deleted) Reddit user put it here on a post “Is the L-shaped (pool) worth it?”
I am getting a pool. I have the choice between a l shaped (18 x 37 x 26) or a rectangle (18 x 36). The price difference between the two for a 8 x 12 bump out is $18,000. I’m in New England so our season is short as it is
I was hoping to get some opinions on if it’d be worth it to spend the extra $18k for the small L, or if I should keep the rectangle.
Is the additional space is worth it?
So the difference in price between a rectangle and an L-shaped pool of the same size was $18,000! The consensus amongst the crowd is that the money is better spent on installing extra for a rectangular-shaped pool and frankly, we agree.
The slight extra complexity of the design can also increase the time needed for construction, making it a more expensive option overall.
Limited Pool Cover Options
It may seem small now, but unlike rectangular pools, which easily accommodate automatic solar covers, the non-standard shape of an L-shaped pool makes this almost impossible. Automatic pool covers are a blessing to a pool owner.
Pool covers keep debris out, reduce evaporation by keeping water in and, keep the water warmer in the chilly winter months whether you have a heated pool or not. Building a pool in any non-traditional shape means compromising on the cover. You either have to go fully manual with two or more pieces, leave part of your pool uncovered or, forget a pool cover (automatic or not) altogether.
Space Requirements
An L-shaped pool is not a small pool. For it to fit in a yard, you need more total surface area available than standard shapes. The extra space needed for the shape means that in most yards, it doesn’t fit. Worse even, in the yards where it might fit, the space can normally be better used by adding a larger rectangular pool or extending your pool area inside the fence. Room can be made for a spa or swim-up bar.
Poor Circulation and More Maintenance
The unique L-shape can make cleaning and maintenance complicated. Corners and angles can create areas that are hard for automatic pool cleaners to access, tough spots to brush to prevent algae, and poor water circulation.
The sharp turn at the corner can throw circulation off and lead to stagnant water pockets, which in turn leads to the growth of algae. For this reason, L-shaped pools require more powerful circulation pumps to ensure adequate water movement. But a more powerful pump can increase energy costs compared to rectangular pools of a similar size.
Not Ugly, But Not Always a Fit
L-shaped pools can be visually stunning, either in the traditional shaped L or the lazy L. However, they may not blend well with all architectural styles or landscapes. A statement piece, such as a non-standard pool shape, should draw the eye and be the centrepiece of your yard design.
Not Good for Laps
This might sound odd, but L-shaped pools aren’t always ideal for laps. While you might think that an L-shaped pool gives you a ledge for sunbathing and all the rest of the pool for laps, that’s generally not the case—especially with fibreglass pools. L-shaped fibreglass pools are often too short for serious laps. A custom concrete pool might be better suited to this purpose, but you’ll need more than 10 meters of yard space for a pool long enough to swim laps, plus extra room for the pool deck and fencing.
Conclusion
In summary, while L-shaped pools can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of a backyard, their higher costs, maintenance challenges, and design limitations are important factors to weigh before making a decision. Even though the simple rectangular design has its own charm, there are a few advantages to having a curved or L-shaped pool. But considering how its pros and cons play out, it’s essential to carefully consider whether an L-shaped pool is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.