Discover the Perfect Pool Shape for Your Twin Cities Backyard

A luxurious modern backyard features a large rectangular swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by an expansive light gray concrete patio.

Thinking about adding a custom pool to your Minneapolis or St. Paul home? Building a pool is an exciting investment, but it’s also a big project with many decisions to make, from choosing the design to selecting equipment and planning for maintenance.

At Royal Pool & Spa, we handle it all: custom pool design, installation, maintenance, repairs, and renovations. With decades of experience, we’re ready to create a pool you’ll enjoy for years to come. Below, we’ve outlined popular pool shapes to inspire your in-ground design.

1. Roman Style

Elegant and timeless, Roman-style pools have two long, straight sides with graceful half-circle arches at each end. If your yard is spacious and zoning allows, this shape offers a sophisticated, resort-like feel.

A Roman-style inground swimming pool with crystal-clear blue water, featuring straight sides and elegant semi-circular ends.

2. Grecian Style

Similar to the Roman design, Grecian pools feature straight edges but with chamfered, inward-curving corners. This subtle variation adds extra charm and makes for a truly classic backyard centerpiece.

A Grecian-style inground swimming pool with bright blue water, characterized by straight edges and chamfered, inward-angled corners.

3. Rectangle or Square

Clean and straightforward, rectangular and square pools are ideal for lap swimming and easy depth separation. They’re a practical choice for homeowners who want a traditional, no-fuss design.
![A large rectangular inground swimming pool in Dellwood, MN, with deep blue water, sits in the center of a wide light-gray concrete deck.]/images/content/rectangularpool.webp

4. Kidney Shape

First introduced in the late 1940s, the kidney-shaped pool broke away from rigid lines with its gentle curve. Its organic form adds a relaxed, natural look to any backyard.

![A kidney-shaped inground swimming pool with bright blue water and a decorative tile border sits in a backyard surrounded by greenery.]/images/content/kidneypool.jpg

5. Figure Eight

This playful design features two rounded sections connected by a narrow middle. It can be built with one larger and one smaller circle, or two equal sections, offering a balanced, flowing shape.

A bright aerial view of a figure-eight-shaped swimming pool with sparkling blue water, surrounded by a beige concrete deck edged with reddish-brown bricks.

6. Custom Shapes

Your pool can be as unique as you are. Whether you dream of a geometric masterpiece, a heart shape, or something that reflects your hobbies, custom designs let your creativity shine.

7. L-Shape

An L-shaped pool naturally divides shallow and deep ends, making it great for multi-use areas. Some designs feature soft curves, while others have sharp, modern angles.

An empty L-shaped inground swimming pool in Centerville, MN with a blue patterned liner and white entry steps, sits in a backyard surrounded by a concrete deck.

8. Freeform

Freeform pools take inspiration from nature with flowing curves and irregular outlines. You can enhance the look with features like waterfalls, slides, rock formations, or tropical landscaping.

A freeform inground swimming pool with deep blue water features a natural, curving shape surrounded by a stone-tiled deck.

Other shapes worth exploring:

  • Infinity pools
  • Perimeter-overflow pools
  • Oval or circular designs

Key Considerations for Your Pool Project

Before breaking ground, keep these essentials in mind:

  • Budget – Quality pools range from $80,000 to $100,000+, depending on size and features. Set aside an additional 10–15% for unexpected costs.
  • Permits & Codes – Local zoning rules and permits are required. When you work with Royal Pool & Spa, we help you navigate this process.
  • Pool Type – Choose between concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined structures, and decide on saltwater or chlorinated systems.
  • Maintenance – Plan for regular cleaning and water treatment. This may include hiring a service or purchasing equipment like skimmers, vacuums, and brushes.

When to Schedule Installation

  • Fall – Often brings end-of-season discounts, but weather may delay work.
  • Spring – Allows construction to finish before summer; easier to book installers.
  • Summer – Warm weather is ideal for building, but demand is high, which may extend timelines.

Read More: What is the Best Season to Renovate Your Swimming Pool?


Your Twin Cities Pool Experts

For over 30 years, Royal Pool & Spa has been creating stunning pools for homeowners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding metro. From your first design consultation to ongoing care, we’re committed to making your backyard pool both beautiful and worry-free.

📞 Call us today at 651-779-7606 or 📩 Send us a message to start planning the pool you’ve always wanted.

🖼️ Explore our photo gallery to see the beautiful pools we’ve created!