Pool too small?

9 years ago

We found a house we really like, but the back yard is small and we'd like to add a pool. We had a pool contractor come in and check out our space. He recommended a 9 foot by 15 foot pool which would be within building code and allow for more landscaping and seating. I did the measurements and we could probably make the pool 9 feet by 17 feet.

We live in Florida so we'd like to create a zen pool area to sit around and take a quick dip when we get hot. We'd also like to have guests over. How many people do you think could comfortably fit in a pool this size at one time? Obviously it's not big enough for swimming, but we'd like to relax and socialized in it. What is the max depth that makes sense for a pool this size?

I'm trying to decide if this pool size is just too small. I've uploaded a photo for reference. Thoughts?

Featured Answer

hummingalong2

9 years ago

We have a 5,000 gallon pool, totally different shape to what yours would be. We were told we needed to stay about 5 ft. away from the house foundation for structural reasons. We have a double easement at the back, so that was as large as we could go and still leave some patio space at the front, rather than falling out of the patio door into the pool... it's about 5ft deep. We like it. I maintain it myself with very little problem. I would warn you to keep the pool equipment as far away as possible, the pump makes a noise that would be annoying if it's too close. It's more of a dipping pool, a number of people can be in there cooling off at the same time. We are in Texas and need some relief from heat and humidity too. It was built 16 years ago.

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Comments (13)

Beth H. :
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
what is code allowance to your property line/fence, and code allowance for distance from your house? seems like 9' would put it right at the fence and right at your home wall. you have to be able to access it all the way around, no?

or maybe something like this?
miss lindsey (She/Her)
9 years ago
With your pretty porch you have a great basis for a zen garden. Add a water feature and you won't miss a pool! I would love to hang out here :)
Water feature in a small space · More Info
jmsfla thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
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jmsfla
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Beth! I believe it has to be 5' from the home and fence. I have to double check that though.

Those pool photos look great! However, the distance from the fence to the house edge (closest to the fence) is only about 10' 5". So not enough to build a long pool parallel to the fence.

I think I'd only be able to really work with the patio space and the grassy area directly in front of that. The width of the patio is about 27.5 feet and the house to fence distance from patio door is about 19' 10." So probably like the pool guy said 9' by 15'
Macswim
9 years ago
I am a swimmer and a swimming lane would be just perfect :)
PRO
Gray & Walter, Ltd.
9 years ago
The idea is good in theory. It is important for you to decide depth based on anticipated usage. Do you want to do laps or will this be a water feature to sit down/stand in for a quick cool off?
jmsfla
Original Author
9 years ago
I don't think we will be able to build a pool big enough to do laps, so probably just to sit down/stand for a quick cool off. Maybe jump in from one end.
Casandra383 Dean
9 years ago
I would look into a 'not so hot' hot tub instead. :). I know pools are a prerequisite in Florida, but that isn't really big enough to warrant the upkeep.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
9 years ago
I think I would look for another home. I don't think you want to take away from your lovely patio area. There is plenty of homes out there for sale, maybe something better will come your way.
ilikefriday
9 years ago
Im sure anything is possible but it seems to me that getting equipment back there to dig the hole for the pool would be very difficult.
Mark Brunner
9 years ago
The fact that you're asking is probably the answer.
Tania Bayles
8 years ago
Did you end up doing a pool? If so, can you send pics. We have a similar situation
jmsfla
Original Author
8 years ago
Tania, we looked into it and decided to put it on the back burner for now. We’ve been focusing on other aspects of the house. It is a big investment for a small pool. We met with some pool builders and were told we could build a pool about 9’ by 15’ and about 5.5 feet deep so just enough to sit and relax on a hot summer day.

Do you have a crawl space? Do you know how big you can make your pool?