ABOVE-GROUND POOLS • YARD DESIGN • SOUTH SHORE
Round or oval: picture the pool in your entire yard
The best shape is the one that lets you enjoy the water and the surrounding space. The patio, garden, pathways, and equipment matter just as much as the pool’s dimensions.
At Piscine Hippocampe in Delson, we can help you compare round and oval above-ground pools based on your yard and project. Here are some useful guidelines before requesting a quote.
Find the right shape for my yard →We primarily serve Montreal’s South Shore. Dimensions and placement must be confirmed for each project.
Two shapes, two ways to arrange your space
Carvin presentation images from our product pages. Accessories and included items are specified in your quote.
What type of yard suits each shape?
A fairly wide yard: compare round shapes first
A round pool can fit in a relatively balanced space. Mark its diameter on the ground, then see how much room it would leave near the house, patio, and garden.
Avoid choosing only the largest diameter that seems to fit. A slightly smaller pool may give you better circulation and a layout that suits your habits.
A long yard: consider an oval pool’s orientation
An oval pool can run the length of the yard or line up with a patio. Try different orientations on a sketch to see which one preserves the areas you want to keep.
An oval pool isn’t automatically the right choice for a narrow yard, though. You need to check the model’s full footprint, including the structural elements shown in the installation plan, clearance, and access to the equipment.
An uneven yard or a pool replacement: start with the existing site
An angled fence, a shed, a patio, or an existing prepared base can influence your choice. When replacing a pool, changing its shape can also affect the preparation work, connections, and access to the pool.
The slope and condition of the ground must be assessed whatever shape you choose. Choosing a round or oval pool doesn’t replace proper site preparation.
Before choosing: measure more than just the pool
A pool’s listed dimensions aren’t a complete placement plan. To compare options, prepare a sketch of your yard showing:
- Width and length of the proposed area. Mark the house, patio, shed, and other permanent features.
- Areas to keep clear. Walkways, dining area, garden, and maintenance access.
- Access to the pool. Plan where the steps or ladder will go and how they’ll connect with the layout.
- Equipment. Mark the location of the filtration system and any desired options, allowing room for servicing.
- Access for installation. Photograph pathways and obstacles that could affect installation.
A good exercise: mark out both shapes on the ground using temporary markers. Walk around them to better picture how they’ll fit into your everyday life. This simulation can help you choose; final placement should then be confirmed using the model plans and applicable requirements.
Round or oval: factors to compare
| Your criteria | Round | Oval |
|---|---|---|
| Shape of the available area | Worth considering if the width and length are similar | Worth considering if the area is elongated |
| Starting measurements | Pool diameter | Pool width and length |
| Placement | Position of the center and space around the diameter | Orientation of the long axis and space at the ends |
| Layout | Plan circulation areas around the pool | Plan circulation along the sides and at the ends |
| Essential checks | Complete structural plan, access, and clearances | Complete structural plan, access, and clearances |
On your phone, swipe horizontally to compare the two shapes in the table.
Phoenix, Alani, and Nordik: What shapes are available?
These are the sizes listed in our model specifications. Your quote will confirm the selected size and what’s possible for your property.
ROUND OR OVAL
Phoenix Carvin
Round: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 ft in diameter.
Oval: 12 × 15, 12 × 18, 12 × 21, and 12 × 24 ft.
Discover Phoenix →ROUND ONLY AT HIPPOCAMPE
Orléans Alani
Round: 15, 18, and 21 ft in diameter.
Alani is worth considering if you’re leaning toward a round pool.
Discover Alani →ROUND OR OVAL
Nordik
Round: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 ft in diameter.
Oval: 12 × 16, 12 × 20, and 12 × 24 ft.
Discover Nordik →Shape is just one factor: also compare appearance, coping, and structural details in our guide to Phoenix, Alani, and Nordik models.
Compare sizes for my yard →Think about your swimming habits
Imagine your days around the pool: playing, relaxing, walking to the deck, and maintenance. An elongated shape may appeal to you if you want a longer swimming area; a round shape offers space distributed around the center. The actual size you choose remains a key factor.
To compare swimming space, look at the overall dimensions. A single measurement, such as the length of an oval pool or the diameter of a round one, isn’t enough to compare their surface area or water volume.
You can then choose the equipment and accessories based on the pool and your needs. Learn about the difference between a fully equipped pool and a replacement kit.
Confirm the location before choosing your pool
Check with your municipality about permits, placement rules, and safety requirements that apply to your project and access routes. The Government of Quebec recommends contacting your municipality before any installation.
Frequently asked questions
Is an oval pool always a better fit for a small yard?
No. It may fit well in an elongated area, but you need to confirm the overall installation width and the space to leave around it. Compare the complete plans for the sizes you’re considering.
Can a round pool be replaced with an oval one?
This depends on the yard. Changing the shape may require work on the base, access routes, or connections. See our guide to equipment to keep when replacing a pool.
Is base preparation important for both shapes?
Yes. The quality of the base and the model’s installation requirements must be considered in both cases. Learn about our approach to preparing the base.
What should I provide to compare round and oval pools?
The measurements of the available area, your city, overall photos, and the features to keep in the yard. For a replacement, include the dimensions and photos of the current pool.
Let’s find the shape that suits your yard
Tell us about your yard and your ideas. Our team in Delson will help you compare round and oval sizes, then prepare a quote tailored to your project on Montreal’s South Shore.
Request my personalized quote →By phone: 450 632-8680