Top 5 Fiberglass Pool Shapes for Cincinnati Backyards
Choosing the right pool shape for your Northern Kentucky or Greater Cincinnati backyard involves more than just personal preference. Your pool shape affects everything from installation costs to maintenance ease, and it needs to work harmoniously with your property's unique characteristics—from lot size and slope to your home's architectural style.
At Summerside Pools, we've installed hundreds of fiberglass pools throughout the region, and we've identified five shapes that consistently deliver the best combination of functionality, beauty, and value for local homeowners. Here are our top recommendations from our OceanReef, Liberty, and Imagine pool lines.
1. The Classic Rectangle: Liberty Rectangle Series
Why It Works in Cincinnati
The rectangular pool remains the most popular choice for Greater Cincinnati families, and for good reason. In our region where many homes feature traditional architectural styles—from classic Colonials to brick ranches—the clean lines of a rectangular pool complement existing landscaping and hardscaping beautifully.
Typical Dimensions: 16' x 32', 16' x 36', 18' x 36'
Perfect For:
Families who love swimming laps
Entertaining large groups
Properties with existing rectangular landscaping features
Homes with traditional architecture
Pool houses or outdoor kitchens that benefit from parallel lines
Local Advantages:
The rectangular shape maximizes swimming space within typical Cincinnati lot sizes. Many of our neighborhoods have modest backyards, and rectangular pools use space efficiently while still providing room for decking and landscaping.
Featured Model: Liberty Rectangle 16' x 36' - This size fits perfectly in most local backyards while providing excellent swimming space for families.
2. The Versatile Freeform: OceanReef Coral Bay
Why It's Perfect for Hilly Terrain
Many Cincinnati-area properties feature sloped lots or irregular landscaping. The organic curves of freeform pools like the OceanReef Coral Bay work beautifully with these natural features, creating a more integrated, resort-like appearance.
Key Features:
Curved entry steps
Multiple seating areas
Natural beach entry option
Integrated spa capability
Perfect For:
Properties with natural landscaping
Families wanting a resort feel
Homes with existing curved garden beds
Yards with mature trees that need to be worked around
Local Advantages:
The flowing lines help soften the structured look common in suburban neighborhoods. This shape also works well with the region's popular hardscaping materials like flagstone and natural stone.
Why We Love It: The Coral Bay's design accommodates both active swimming and relaxed lounging, making it ideal for Cincinnati families who want their pool to serve multiple purposes.
3. The Space-Saver: Imagine Pools Brilliant
Maximum Impact in Minimal Space
As Cincinnati's urban core continues to grow, many homeowners are working with smaller lots. The Imagine Pools Brilliant proves that size doesn't limit style—this compact design delivers big impact in spaces where larger pools simply won't fit.
Dimensions: 12' x 24' Depth: 3'6" to 5'6"
Perfect For:
Urban properties with limited space
Couples or small families
First-time pool owners
Properties where landscaping space is a priority
Local Advantages:
This size works perfectly for typical Cincinnati city lots while still allowing room for a deck, landscaping, and outdoor furniture. The graduated depth makes it safe for all ages while providing enough depth for comfortable swimming.
Featured Benefit: The Brilliant's compact size means lower heating costs—important for Cincinnati homeowners who want to extend their swimming season into cooler months.
4. The Family Favorite: Liberty Grecian
Combining Elegance with Function
The Grecian shape offers the best of both worlds: the swimming space of a rectangle with the visual appeal of curved ends. This design has become increasingly popular among Cincinnati families who want elegance without sacrificing functionality.
Typical Dimensions: 16' x 32', 16' x 36'
Perfect For:
Active families who swim regularly
Properties with both formal and informal landscaping
Homes with mixed architectural elements
Families who entertain frequently
Local Advantages:
The curved ends create natural conversation areas while maintaining parallel sides for lap swimming. This shape also works beautifully with the popular outdoor living spaces that Cincinnati homeowners love.
Why It's Popular Locally: The Grecian shape complements both traditional and contemporary home styles common in neighborhoods like Mason, West Chester, and Fort Thomas.
5. The Entertainment Hub: OceanReef Key Largo
Built for Cincinnati's Social Scene
Cincinnati families love to entertain, and the Key Largo is designed with social gatherings in mind. This design features multiple depth zones, integrated seating, and space for pool games—perfect for the region's strong tradition of backyard gatherings.
Key Features:
Large shallow end for games and socializing
Built-in bench seating
Convenient entry and exit points
Optional integrated spa
Perfect For:
Families who frequently host gatherings
Homes with large outdoor entertaining areas
Properties with outdoor kitchens or fire features
Active families with children
Local Advantages:
The varied depths and built-in features make this pool perfect for multi-generational families common in the Cincinnati area. Grandparents can relax in shallow areas while kids play safely nearby.
Entertainment Factor: The design naturally creates zones for different activities—perfect for Kentucky Derby parties, summer barbecues, and family reunions.
Choosing the Right Shape for Your Property
Consider Your Lot Size
Typical Cincinnati City Lot (0.15-0.25 acres): Focus on space-efficient designs like the Liberty Rectangle or Imagine Brilliant.
Suburban Lots (0.25-0.5 acres): Most shapes work well, with Grecian and freeform options particularly popular.
Larger Properties (0.5+ acres): Any shape works, with larger rectangular and elaborate freeform designs becoming viable options.
Work with Your Home's Architecture
Traditional/Colonial Homes: Rectangular and Grecian shapes complement formal architecture.
Contemporary/Modern Homes: Freeform and geometric designs work beautifully.
Ranch/Casual Styles: Any shape works, with choice based more on function than form.
Factor in Local HOA Requirements
Many Cincinnati-area subdivisions have HOA guidelines affecting pool placement and size. Common restrictions include:
Minimum setback requirements (typically 10-15 feet from property lines)
Maximum pool size relative to lot size
Fencing and safety requirements
Deck and landscaping guidelines
Making Your Decision
The best pool shape for your Cincinnati-area property depends on your unique combination of lot characteristics, family needs, and personal style. At Summerside Pools, we don't just sell pools—we help you choose the design that will provide decades of enjoyment while enhancing your property value.
Our Consultation Process
Property Assessment: We evaluate your lot size, slope, existing landscaping, and home architecture.
Lifestyle Discussion: We learn about how you plan to use your pool and what features matter most to your family.
Design Recommendations: Based on our assessment, we recommend specific models from our OceanReef, Liberty, and Imagine lines.
3D Visualization: We can show you how different shapes will look in your specific backyard.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Pool Shape?
Every backyard tells a story, and your pool should be the perfect next chapter. Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of a Liberty Rectangle, the natural beauty of an OceanReef freeform, or the smart efficiency of an Imagine compact design, Summerside Pools will help you choose the shape that's perfect for your property and lifestyle.
Don't spend another summer wishing you had the perfect backyard oasis. Contact Summerside Pools today for your free consultation, and let's find the pool shape that will transform your Cincinnati-area property into your family's favorite destination.
Ready to see how these beautiful pool shapes would look in your backyard? Contact Summerside Pools for your free consultation and 3D design visualization.
