Choosing the best backyard pool size starts with understanding how a Perfect Pool drop stitch pool fits your space and lifestyle. The right size can make your yard feel open, balanced, and inviting. The wrong size can make it feel crowded or underused. This guide breaks down what matters most when selecting your 16, 20, or 24 foot drop stitch pool.
Start With How You Plan to Use Your Pool
Before you measure anything, think about how you intend to use your pool. Every family has different needs, and your daily habits should shape your choice.
Ask yourself:
• Do you want a relaxing float zone or an active swim space
• Will kids be using it daily
• Are you hosting friends regularly
• Do you prefer lounging, light exercise, or both
• Will the pool stay in one place or move seasonally
Your lifestyle determines the ideal size.
The Three Most Popular Drop Stitch Pool Sizes
Perfect Pool offers three core sizes that fit most backyards and families. Each is designed for different needs and activities.
16 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
This is the ideal choice for smaller yards or owners who want a simple, low maintenance setup. It creates a comfortable swim zone without dominating the space.
Best for:
• Smaller yards
• Small families
• Relaxing and light swimming
• Fast setup and easy storage
See the 16 Foot Perfect Pool here
20 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
This size adds more space for movement and group activity. It is the perfect middle ground for families who entertain or want room for floats and water games.
Best for:
• Families with active kids
• Hosting guests
• Mix of swimming, floating, and games
• Medium sized backyards
See the 20 Foot Perfect Pool here
24 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
This is the entertainer’s favorite. It provides the largest swim area and becomes a centerpiece in any backyard layout.
Best for:
• Large families
• Frequent gatherings
• High activity swimming
• Bigger outdoor spaces
See the 24 Foot Perfect Pool here
Measure Your Space the Right Way
Once you know your ideal pool size, it is time to measure with intention.
Use this checklist:
• Measure the full open diameter of your yard
• Add two to three feet of clearance around the pool
• Check for trees, slopes, uneven ground, or landscaping
• Confirm access to power for the filtration system
• Ensure the area receives enough sunlight
Your pool should enhance your space, not overcrowd it.
Consider the Visual Impact on Your Backyard
A pool is a major visual anchor. The size you choose should match the aesthetic of your space.
• 16 foot blends quietly into small yards
• 20 foot offers balance without overwhelming the yard
• 24 foot becomes a bold, central design feature
Modern minimalist yards often look best with the 20 or 24 foot models.
Think Ahead to Storage and Seasonal Changes
Perfect Pool were created to set up and store easily. Each size folds compactly, but your storage habits still matter.
Ask yourself:
• Where will I store the pool in the offseason
• Do I want easier seasonal movement
• Am I planning to expand my outdoor area later
• Will the pool stay in one area long term
Choose a size that supports your future plans.
Your Perfect Pool Size Should Fit Your Life, Not Limit It
Choosing the right pool size should feel exciting. When you match the size to your lifestyle and your space, you get a backyard upgrade that is functional, beautiful, and enjoyable all summer.
Perfect Pool offers thoughtfully engineered sizes that work for first time pool owners, experienced homeowners, and families who want a premium, modern alternative to traditional above ground pools.
Whether you choose the 16, 20, or 24 foot model, you are choosing durability, design, and simplicity.
Explore all Perfect Pool models here
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Choosing the right pool size can completely change the way your backyard feels. With the right fit, the space becomes balanced, inviting, and easy to enjoy. With the wrong fit, a pool can feel cramped, overwhelming, or underutilized. Size is one of the most important decisions you make when bringing a pool into your space, which is why Perfect Pool offers three core options that match the needs of modern families and a wide range of outdoor layouts.
Every homeowner uses their pool differently. Some want a peaceful relaxing zone, others want a place for kids to burn energy, and many want something that works for hosting friends through the whole summer. This guide breaks down how to match your lifestyle with the right Perfect Pool size so you can feel confident in your decision long before installation day.
Start With How You Plan to Use Your Pool
Before you pick a size based on numbers alone, start with your goals. Your daily habits play a bigger role in sizing than most people realize. A pool is not just a piece of equipment. It is a part of your routine, your relaxation, and the way your family spends time together.
Ask yourself:
• Do you want a family swim space, a peaceful retreat, or a mix of both
• Will your kids be playing daily or only on weekends
• Do you plan to host friends or keep things low key
• Are you someone who floats for hours or prefers light exercise
• Will you move the pool seasonally or leave it in one spot
• How much grass or open yard do you want to keep visible
These answers give you a clearer picture of the size that fits your lifestyle instead of forcing your lifestyle to fit the pool.
The Three Most Popular Drop Stitch Pool Sizes
Perfect Pool offers three round sizes that meet the needs of most households. Each one brings a slightly different energy, footprint, and swimming experience. Here is what each size offers and who it is best suited for.
16 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
This size is perfect for smaller yards or more minimal setups. It creates a comfortable swim zone without overwhelming the space and gives families a clean and simple backyard upgrade.
The 16 foot model works well if your priority is relaxation, cooling off during warm days, or having a manageable pool that sets up and stores quickly. It offers enough space for swimming, floating, or letting kids splash around, but it will not dominate the yard or require major rearranging of your layout.
Best for:
• Yards with limited open space
• Small families or couples
• Relaxing, light swimming, and floating
• Owners who want very fast setup and takedown
• Renters or homeowners who may move in the next few years
Think of the 16 foot model as the perfect “easy lifestyle” pool. It is simple, sleek, and designed for stress free summer enjoyment.
See the 16 Foot Perfect Pool here
20 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
The 20 foot model is the most balanced size in the Perfect Pool lineup. It offers noticeably more room for movement without feeling oversized, which makes it ideal for growing families or homeowners who enjoy social gatherings.
If you want a pool that feels spacious during both everyday swims and weekend hangouts, the 20 foot model is often the perfect middle ground. There is room for floats, room for light exercise, and room for kids to play without constantly bumping into each other.
Best for:
• Families with active kids
• Hosting friends or small gatherings
• Backyards with moderate open areas
• People who want a premium feel without going too large
• Those who want a long term, versatile upgrade
The 20 foot pool delivers a bigger experience without requiring a big yard, which is why many homeowners choose it as the best all around option.
See the 20 Foot Perfect Pool here
24 Foot Round Drop Stitch Pool
The 24 foot model is the statement piece. It is the entertainer’s pool, the central feature of the backyard, and the most spacious choice Perfect Pool offers. It has enough room for larger groups, active play, and full family use without feeling crowded.
If you have the space and enjoy having people over, this size immediately elevates your outdoor setup. It creates a natural gathering point and adds a premium presence to the yard that makes your home feel like a private summer retreat.
Best for:
• Large families or multi family use
• Frequent hosting and weekend gatherings
• Swimming, games, and high activity
• Backyards with wide open layouts
• Homeowners who want the pool to be the main focal point
The 24 foot model delivers an experience closer to an in ground pool without the cost, complexity, or permanent installation.
See the 24 Foot Perfect Pool here
Measure Your Space the Right Way
Once you understand how you will use your pool, it is time to measure your yard. Many people assume their space is either too small or much larger than it really is, so measuring with intention makes your decision far easier.
Use this simple checklist to get accurate measurements:
• Measure the full diameter of the open space
• Add at least two to three feet of clearance on all sides
• Take note of slopes, bumps, and uneven ground
• Check for trees, low branches, or roots
• Confirm access to power for pumps and filtration
• Make sure the spot gets consistent sunlight
You want the pool to enhance the flow of your yard, not feel squeezed into a tight corner. When the area around the pool feels open and comfortable, the entire backyard feels larger.
Consider the Visual Impact on Your Backyard
Pools are visual anchors. Their size influences how your surrounding space looks and feels. Even if you have the space for a larger model, the way you want your backyard to feel should guide your choice.
Here is how each size affects your backyard visually:
• 16 foot: Subtle, minimal, easy to blend into a clean layout
• 20 foot: Noticeable and balanced, stands out without overpowering
• 24 foot: Bold and central, becomes the main design feature
Explore all Perfect Pool models here
Modern backyards with clean lines often pair beautifully with larger pools because the shape adds structure and symmetry. Smaller, cozy yards may benefit from the softer presence of a 16 foot model to keep things open and breathable.
Think Ahead to Storage and Seasonal Changes
Drop stitch pools are designed for easy setup and takedown, but seasonal planning still matters. Choosing a size that matches your habits can save time and reduce effort in the long run.
Ask yourself:
• Where will I store the pool when it is deflated
• Do I want something lighter and easier for one person to handle
• Will I shift the pool to a new spot next summer
• Am I planning to upgrade or expand my outdoor space later
The 16 and 20 foot models are especially convenient for owners who want a simple seasonal workflow. The 24 foot model offers the grandest experience but requires slightly more space and planning when storing.
Future Proof Your Backyard Decision
A pool is an investment in your lifestyle. Choosing the right size ensures it continues to support your needs as your routines, family, and home evolve.
Here are a few long term considerations:
• Kids grow, and so does the space they need.
• Life changes can affect how often you host people.
• Backyard layouts often evolve with new furniture, decks, or landscaping.
• A pool you love now should still feel right years from today.
Think about not just how you live today, but how you want to live each summer moving forward.
Your Perfect Pool Size Should Fit Your Life, Not Limit It
Choosing a pool should feel exciting, not stressful. Once you match the size to your space and your habits, everything becomes easier. Perfect Pool offers three thoughtful options that support first time buyers, experienced families, and anyone who wants a clean, modern, and durable pool without the complexity of a traditional build.
Whether you choose the 16, the 20, or the 24 foot model, you are choosing a premium upgrade that transforms your yard into a place you look forward to enjoying every day.
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