Rectangular vs Kidney pools compared
Rectangular vs Kidney pool, side by side: figures at the same nominal size, strengths, trade-offs and a straight recommendation.
Rectangular
The classic — clean lines, maximum swim length
Strengths
- · Most usable swim length per square metre
- · Simplest to build, tile and cover
- · Automatic and slatted covers fit perfectly
Trade-offs
- · Sharp corners collect debris in the corners' eddies
- · Can feel formal in a soft, planted garden
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
At a glance
| Rectangular | Kidney | |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal size | 8 × 4 m | 8 × 4 m |
| Water surface | 32.0 m² | 18.2 m² |
| Volume | 48.0 m³ | 27.6 m³ |
| Perimeter | 24.0 m | 18.6 m |
| Footprint efficiency | 100% | 57% |
Our take
Opposite philosophies: the rectangle is a machine for swimming, the kidney is landscape that holds water. Choose by what your garden is — architectural terraces want the rectangle, planted naturalistic gardens absorb the kidney like it grew there.
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