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Oval swimming pools

Oval swimming pools

Oval pools have a nice design & more room to move around than a rectangular model. 🏊


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An oval swimming pool literally combines the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the soft, organic look of a round pool, combined with the practical length of a rectangular one. This makes oval above-ground pools incredibly popular for elongated or narrower gardens. You have the space to swim laps or play a game of water volleyball, without the pool taking up the entire width of your garden. At Hermie, you’ll find a wonderful range of oval pools of robust quality. Discover the different sizes, choose your favourite and turn your back garden into a real summer swimming paradise.

What should you look out for when buying an oval swimming pool?

An oval swimming pool is a fantastic addition to the garden, but it can sometimes require a bit of extra consideration when purchasing one. Pay particular attention to the following points: 

  • The extra width of the side supports: Oval-frame pools often require sturdy, angled U-shaped legs on the long sides to withstand the water pressure. You should allow for an extra 30 to 50 cm of space on both sides, on top of the dimensions of the swimming area.
  • Capacity and filter capacity: As oval swimming pools often hold a considerable amount of water, a powerful filter pump is essential. Check whether a pump is included as standard and, for the largest models, consider upgrading to a sand filter pump straight away. 
  • Depth for the right target group: Do you want young children to be able to stand and play safely? If so, choose a depth of no more than 100 cm. For teenagers and adults who really want to swim or float, a depth of 122 cm or 132 cm is the best choice. 
  • Complete set or individual items: Many large oval pools are sold as a ‘value pack’ including a safety ladder, groundsheet and cover. Check the product description to see if you’ll be all set for the summer.

The advantages of an oval shape

Why would you specifically choose an oval shape over the other shapes?

  1. Ideal for narrow gardens: A large round pool takes up a lot of space in all directions. An oval pool is narrower, often leaving just enough room for a walkway or patio next to the pool. 
  2. Swimming laps and playing: The elongated shape allows you to swim back and forth, whilst the rounded ends are ideal for children to play safely without bumping into sharp corners. 
  3. Aesthetic appeal: Straight lines in a garden can sometimes look a bit harsh. The rounded corners of an oval pool break up the sharp lines of fences and paving, creating a more playful and softer garden design. 
  4. Extremely sturdy: Thanks to the combination of a closed, rounded structure at the ends and extra-heavy supports on the sides, oval pools are among the most stable above-ground pools on the market.

Frequently asked questions about oval swimming pools

  1. Does an oval swimming pool take up more space than the box suggests?
    Yes, almost always. The dimensions given in the product name usually refer to the water tray (the liner). There are protruding legs (side supports) on the long sides. You should therefore always take into account the ‘external dimensions including frame’ or ‘required installation space’. Always allow for at least 30 cm extra on each side.
  2. Is the ground surface important for an oval swimming pool?
    A 100% level and firm base is absolutely essential for an oval swimming pool. Due to the water pressure on the long straight sides, the pool must not be uneven. If possible, place reinforcing tiles under the U-shaped legs to prevent them from sinking into the grass or sand. 
  3. Is an oval swimming pool difficult to install?
    Setting it up takes a little longer than with a simple round pool, as you need to align the U-shaped legs properly and attach them to the straps underneath the base. However, with two people and our clear instructions, an average-sized oval pool can usually be set up within 60 to 90 minutes (without filling it). 
  4. Do standard accessories fit an oval swimming pool?
    For items such as pumps, chlorine dispensers and ladders, the shape doesn’t matter. However, for groundsheets and covers, you’ll need specific oval versions that fit your model perfectly.
  5. How do I keep a large oval swimming pool warm?
    Because of the large surface area, the water can cool down overnight. An oval-shaped solar cover is excellent for retaining the sun’s heat. For real comfort, we recommend a heat pump tailored to the water capacity of your pool.