Kidney vs Figure 8 pools compared
Kidney vs Figure 8 pool, side by side: figures at the same nominal size, strengths, trade-offs and a straight recommendation.
Kidney
The free-form classic — a pool that looks grown, not built
Strengths
- · Blends into planting like no straight shape can
- · The waist creates two natural zones
- · No corners: excellent circulation
Trade-offs
- · No straight swim lane
- · Curved formwork and coping raise build cost
Figure 8
Two lobes, one pool — a playful silhouette with built-in zones
Strengths
- · Two clearly separated zones in one basin
- · Friendly, distinctive silhouette
- · The waist naturally hosts a rail or crossing point
Trade-offs
- · The waist interrupts any swim lane
- · Complex curves raise forming and coping cost
At a glance
| Kidney | Figure 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal size | 8 × 4 m | 8 × 4 m |
| Water surface | 18.2 m² | 19.1 m² |
| Volume | 27.6 m³ | 26.5 m³ |
| Perimeter | 18.6 m | 18.2 m |
| Footprint efficiency | 57% | 60% |
Our take
Both are playful free-forms; the kidney reads as one flowing gesture, the figure-8 as two rooms with a doorway. For zoning kids and adults, the figure-8's waist genuinely works; for pure landscape beauty, the kidney's single curve is stronger.
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