You have decided to buy an above-ground pool, but are still unsure about the shape. Round or rectangular? It's a question many buyers ask, and the answer depends on your garden, your family, and how you want to use the pool. In this article, we'll help you make up your mind.
In brief: when to choose which shape?
Do you want to quickly know what suits you? These are our recommendations:
- Open lawn or organic garden, playing children: choose round
- Narrow or angular garden, sleek garden style, swimming laps: choose rectangular
Read on for the full explanation and concrete product recommendations per garden size.
Advantages of a round pool
A round pool is the most versatile choice for families who primarily want to play and cool off. The round shape fits perfectly on an open lawn or in an organically designed garden. There are no sharp corners, which is safer for playing children and also looks visually calmer.
A practical advantage that few people think of beforehand: a round pool is easier to clean. Without corners, a manual vacuum cleaner glides smoothly along the walls, making maintenance much easier.
In addition, a round pool is generally more affordable than a rectangular model of comparable size. The round construction distributes water pressure evenly over the frame, requiring less material.
Do you have a small garden of less than 30 to 40 m²? Then we recommend the VirtuFit Round Pool of Ø244 x 76 cm including filter pump. Compact, easy to install, and ready for immediate use. Do you have a medium-sized garden of 30 to 60 m² and a family with children? Then the VirtuFit Round Pool of Ø305 x 76 cm is our recommendation. This is the most popular family size in our assortment. Do you have a large garden of 60 m² or more and want maximum swimming space? Then the VirtuFit Round Pool of Ø366 x 100 cm including filter pump is the best choice.
Which round pool suits your garden?
- Small garden (up to 30-40 m²): VirtuFit Round Pool Ø244 cm
- Medium garden (30-60 m²): VirtuFit Round Pool Ø305 cm
- Large garden (60 m² or more): VirtuFit Round Pool Ø366 cm
View all round pools for the complete range.
Advantages of a rectangular pool
A rectangular pool offers more swimming space per square meter than a round model of comparable outer dimensions. The straight walls make it easier to swim laps and the shape blends better with a terrace or wooden deck.
A point many buyers overlook: rectangular pools are easier to cover with a standard tarpaulin, and accessories like ladders and roller blinds are easier to attach thanks to the straight walls. That saves on the purchase of extra necessities.
Moreover, a rectangular pool fits particularly well in narrow or angular gardens. The elongated shape allows you to optimally use the available space, while still leaving enough room on the narrow side.
Do you have a small garden of less than 30 to 40 m²? Then the VirtuFit Rectangular Pool of 260 x 180 x 66 cm including filter pump is the most compact rectangular choice. Do you have a medium-sized garden of 30 to 60 m²? Then we recommend the VirtuFit Rectangular Pool of 300 x 210 x 66 cm including filter pump. For a large garden of 60 m² or more and for those who want to swim seriously, the VirtuFit Rectangular Pool of 400 x 200 x 122 cm is the strongest choice in our assortment.
Please note: the 400 x 200 x 122 cm pool, with a depth of 122 centimeters, is an adult above-ground pool, not a children's pool. Young children cannot swim in it independently. Always supervise them and consider a cover or safety net if young children are nearby.
Which rectangular pool suits your garden?
- Small garden (up to 30-40 m²): VirtuFit Rectangular Pool 260 x 180 cm
- Medium garden (30-60 m²): VirtuFit Rectangular Pool 300 x 210 cm
- Large garden (60 m² or more): VirtuFit Rectangular Pool 400 x 200 cm
View all rectangular pools for the complete range.
Comparison table: round vs rectangular
| Criterion | Round pool | Rectangular pool |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming space per m² | Less efficient | More efficient |
| Suitable for swimming laps | Less suitable | Excellent |
| Safety for children | No sharp corners | Corners present |
| Fits open lawn | Excellent | Less |
| Fits narrow or angular garden | Less flexible | Excellent |
| Fits sleek modern garden | Less | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Easier, no corners | Slightly more attention to corners |
| Attaching accessories | Standard | Easier due to straight walls |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally slightly higher |
Buying guide: for whom is which shape best?
Choose a round pool if you have an open or organically designed garden, if you have young children who want to play safely, if you are looking for an easy-to-maintain pool, or if you want an affordable pool that takes up little space. Another practical tip: let the shape of the pool match the existing shapes in your garden. Do you have round borders or flowerpots? Then a round pool visually fits best. Is your terrace laid out rectangularly? Then a rectangular pool will blend in nicely.
Choose a rectangular pool if you have a narrow or angular garden, if you want to swim laps and maximize swimming space, if you want to connect the pool to a terrace or deck, or if you want to swim with multiple adults at the same time.
Still in doubt? Then a round pool is the safest choice for most families. The combination of flexible placement, friendly shape, and lower price makes it the most versatile option for the average Dutch garden.
View our full range of pools for all sizes, shapes, and designs.