Fiberglass Pool Sizes 14x25, 16x32, 18x36 Compared

Thinking about a fiberglass pool for your backyard?

This guide compares popular sizes—14x25, 16x32, and 18x36—explores smart configurations, and explains how fiberglass can streamline installation, upkeep, and long-term ownership.

Overview of Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool arrives as a single, factory-molded shell that’s craned into an excavated space and connected to plumbing and electrical. The interior gelcoat finish is smooth and non-porous, which discourages algae and makes routine cleaning quicker than with rougher surfaces.

Because the surface is non-porous, you’ll typically use fewer sanitizers to maintain balance and clarity compared with more porous materials. For water-care best practices, review the CDC’s residential pool sanitation guidance.

Installation is often faster than alternatives because the shell arrives in one piece, is set by crane, and finished with plumbing, electrical, and decking—frequently in days rather than weeks, depending on site conditions and inspections under PHTA-referenced standards and local adoption of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC).

Core Promise: Why Fiberglass Works

Low maintenance, clearer water: The slick gelcoat discourages algae and helps maintain a more stable chemical balance. Brush lightly and follow the CDC’s pool sanitation basics to keep water sparkling.
Durability: Quality shells resist many stains and surface wear. Unlike plaster, fiberglass typically doesn’t require frequent resurfacing, reducing lifetime costs.
Comfort and safety: The smooth finish is gentle on skin and swimwear, and many shells include integrated steps, benches, and tanning ledges for safer entry and exit.
Speed to swim: Pre-formed shells and predictable installs can shorten the timeframe from permit to first splash.

Popular Fiberglass Pool Sizes at a Glance

Three crowd-pleasing choices—14x25, 16x32, and 18x36 feet—fit many lots and lifestyles. Each footprint balances swim area, decking space, and accessory options differently.

14x25 ft configuration

This compact footprint is ideal for smaller backyards or narrow side yards. You’ll preserve room for a patio, seating, and required safety barriers—review local rules and the CPSC’s pool barrier guidelines before finalizing a plan.

Smaller shells often install faster with fewer logistical hurdles. Still, confirm setbacks and permitting with your local authority (start at USA.gov permits) and schedule utility locates with Call 811 before any digging.

16x32 ft configuration

The 16x32 strikes a smart balance of swim space and deck area. It’s large enough for family activities, casual laps, and water games while remaining manageable for mid-size lots.

Many 16x32 shells offer varied depths, integrated benches, and tanning ledges. Your installer can match a shell profile to your primary use—play, exercise, or relaxation—within applicable ISPSC and PHTA standards.

18x36 ft configuration

With generous room for swimming lanes, play zones, and lounging, 18x36 suits larger yards and entertaining. It pairs well with water features, integrated steps, and expanded seating clusters.

At this scale, efficient circulation matters. Consider ENERGY STAR–certified variable-speed pumps to cut energy use while maintaining proper turnover and filtration.

Configurations and Customization

Fiberglass pools come in curated shell shapes with built-in features that minimize on-site complexity. Popular options include full-width entry steps, wraparound benches, tanning ledges, and sport-depth profiles for games.

You can tailor the experience with lighting, automation, and sanitizer choices (e.g., saltwater chlorine generators). When comparing equipment, look for components tested to NSF/ANSI 50 for pools and spas.

Decking: Concrete, pavers, or composite boards can frame the pool and define traffic flow.
Safety & compliance: Confirm fencing, alarms, and cover requirements with your building department and review CPSC pool safety resources.
Aesthetics: Choose gelcoat colors and accent lighting to complement your landscape and architecture.

Installation: What to Expect

While each site is unique, a typical fiberglass installation follows a predictable arc:

Site assessment and permits: Survey the lot, verify easements and setbacks, and secure permits (your contractor can coordinate; see permit basics).
Utility locates: Schedule Call 811 to mark buried lines before excavation.
Excavation and base prep: Dig the shell footprint, add base material, and check elevations.
Shell delivery and set: A crane places the shell; the crew levels and braces it.
Plumbing, backfill, and bond/ground: Connect returns and drains, backfill in lifts, and complete electrical per applicable codes (often referencing PHTA guidelines, the ISPSC, and your jurisdiction’s adoption of NFPA 70 (NEC)).
Decking, fill, and startup: Form and pour decking or lay pavers, fill with water, balance chemistry, and commission equipment.

Maintenance and Care

The smooth, non-porous surface of fiberglass resists algae and staining, which can reduce chemical demand and scrubbing time. Maintain a simple routine: skim debris, brush benches and steps, vacuum weekly, and test water chemistry.

Follow CDC guidance for safe pool operation. A variable-speed pump running longer at low RPMs often improves filtration efficiency and cuts energy costs—see ENERGY STAR pump recommendations.

Because fiberglass shells don’t require frequent resurfacing, long-term upkeep is typically limited to routine equipment service and occasional gelcoat polishing or spot repairs if needed. Inspect seals, lights, and fittings seasonally, and keep water balanced to protect the surface and equipment.

How to Choose the Right Size

Primary use: Laps and exercise favor longer footprints (16x32 or 18x36). Splash play and lounging may be perfect in 14x25.
Yard and setbacks: Measure available space after accounting for required clearances, easements, and fencing.
Decking and furniture: Plan 4–8 feet of circulation space around the pool for seating and safe movement.
Budget and operating costs: Larger pools cost more to heat and circulate; offset with efficient equipment.
Features: Steps, benches, ledges, and sport-depth profiles vary by shell—match them to how you’ll actually swim and relax.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

Assess your yard for footprint, depth preferences, and safety clearances.
Choose a size—14x25, 16x32, or 18x36—aligned to play, exercise, or relaxation goals.
Consult a certified installer to review delivery access, plumbing, and electrical requirements under local codes and industry standards.
Plan decking and landscape to create a cohesive outdoor living zone.
Schedule utility locates via Call 811 and coordinate the installation window around weather and inspections.

Key Takeaways

Fiberglass pools are durable, low-maintenance, and quick to install.
Popular sizes—14x25, 16x32, 18x36—fit most yards and lifestyles.
Curated shells and features simplify customization with fewer on-site variables.
Smart equipment choices, like ENERGY STAR pumps, reduce operating costs.

Select the size and configuration that align with your space and how you’ll actually use the pool, and you’ll enjoy years of easy-care backyard refreshment.