Two rounded lobes · Classic & retro · Custom gunite · Phoenix, AZ
Figure 8 Pool Shape
The figure 8 pool shape pairs two rounded lobes into a soft, symmetrical hourglass — a timeless look that can separate a shallow play end from a deeper swimming end. We Fix Ugly Pools® designs and builds custom figure 8 pools across the Phoenix metro.
The figure 8 — sometimes called a dumbbell or hourglass pool — is one of the most recognizable curved pool shapes. Two rounded circles join at a gentle pinch in the middle, giving the pool a soft, flowing silhouette with a clear sense of two zones. It is a successor to the classic kidney shape, with more usable swimming room and a friendlier, more balanced feel in the yard.
What is a figure 8 pool shape?
A figure 8 pool is a curved, freeform-leaning shape built from two rounded lobes connected by a narrowed waist. From above it reads like the number 8 or an hourglass. Because the two ends are distinct, many homeowners use one lobe as a shallow lounging and play area and the other as a deeper end for swimming, a bench, or a spa tucked into the curve. The continuous curves also keep water moving: instead of bouncing straight back off flat walls the way it can in a strict rectangle pool, water circulates smoothly around the rounded edges.
The figure 8 belongs to the family of curved and organic pool designs. It carries a classic, slightly retro character that suits traditional and mid-century homes, yet it still feels relaxed and natural next to planting, boulders, and soft landscaping. As a fully custom gunite shape, no two figure 8 pools have to be identical — the size of each lobe, the depth transition, and the width of the waist are all yours to shape.
What a figure 8 pool looks like
Picture two circles — often one slightly larger than the other — meeting at a soft inward curve. That pinch at the middle is what gives the shape its personality and naturally divides the pool into two rooms of water without a wall between them.
It is a symmetrical, people-pleasing shape: curved enough to feel organic, structured enough to feel intentional. Add a spillover spa in one lobe, a tanning ledge in the other, and a ring of custom pool features, and the figure 8 becomes a true centerpiece.
Where a figure 8 pool shines
Two zones in one pool
A shallow play and lounging end flows into a deeper swimming end — no divider wall needed.
Classic, retro character
A timeless curved look that suits traditional, ranch, and mid-century Arizona homes.
Smoother circulation
Rounded walls let water flow instead of bouncing back the way it can off flat rectangular walls.
A natural spot for a spa
The pinched waist or a lobe makes an ideal pocket for a spillover spa or tanning ledge.
Soft, family-friendly
Curved edges and a graduated depth feel welcoming for kids, guests, and relaxed afternoons.
Fully custom gunite
Built on site in concrete, so lobe size, depth, and waist width are all tailored to your yard.
Designed and built for your backyard
A figure 8 is a fully custom concrete (gunite) pool, so we shape it to your lot and your life. New custom pools in the Valley generally range from $38,000 to $60,000, with premium water features, spas, and hardscape adding roughly $60,000 or more on larger projects. Your free design consult pins down the right scope and a clear number.
How we design and build your figure 8 pool
Design consult
We walk your yard, talk through how you want to use each end, and sketch the figure 8 to fit.
Engineering & permits
Custom plans, structural engineering, and permitting handled by our licensed team.
Excavation & gunite
We dig the two lobes, set steel, and shoot the gunite shell that gives the shape its curves.
Finish & features
Tile, coping, interior finish, and features — spa, ledge, lighting — bring it to life.
Which yards and homes suit a figure 8 pool?
The figure 8 is happiest in a medium to larger backyard that can give both lobes room to breathe — the shape is at its best when neither circle feels cramped. It flatters open, roughly rectangular or square lots and reads beautifully from a patio or raised deck where you can see the full hourglass form.
Stylistically, it is a natural fit for traditional, ranch, and mid-century Phoenix homes, and it blends easily with softer, planted landscaping. If your yard is narrow, sloped, or oddly shaped, a kidney or free-form shape may fit better — we will tell you honestly at the consult.
Construction and cost considerations
Because the figure 8 is a curved, two-lobe shape built from gunite, it takes a bit more forming and finishing than a plain rectangle, and the amount of perimeter — coping and waterline tile — is driven by the size of both lobes. The depth transition between a shallow play end and a deeper swimming end is simple to engineer into the shape. As a reference point, new custom pools in the Phoenix area generally run $38,000 to $60,000, with elaborate water features, spas, and extensive hardscape pushing larger builds up by around $60,000 or more. Every figure 8 is quoted after an in-person design consult — there is no accurate one-size price for a custom shape. Explore the full range of types of inground pools and inground pool options as you plan.
Finishes and features that pair with a figure 8
The curves of a figure 8 give you a continuous band of coping and waterline tile to play with, so the interior finish matters. Standard white plaster typically lasts about 5 to 7 years, a quartz-blend finish about 12 to 18 years, and a premium pebble finish about 25 to 30 years — a longer-lasting finish is often worth it on a shape you plan to keep. Popular pairings include a spillover spa nestled in one lobe, a baja shelf or tanning ledge in the other, bubblers and LED lighting, and a sheer-descent or rock water feature to accent the curve. Browse all of our custom pool options to see what fits your figure 8.
“They completely transformed our backyard. The crew was professional, the finish is gorgeous, and it’s held up beautifully in the Arizona heat. Worth every penny.”
Why Arizona homeowners build with We Fix Ugly Pools
- Licensed, bonded & insured. Arizona ROC KA5-275609 (residential), KB2-304269 (commercial), and KA5-353555.
- Building the Valley since 2001. 20,000+ pools built and renovated across metro Phoenix.
- Any shape, fully custom. We design and build custom concrete/gunite pools in any shape you can imagine.
- 700+ projects a year. A seasoned design-build team that shapes figure 8 pools routinely.
- 4.9 stars from 305+ homeowners. One of the most-reviewed pool companies in Arizona.
- Design-build under one roof. From first sketch to final fill, one accountable team.
Ready to design your figure 8 pool?
Book a free design consult and we will shape a custom figure 8 to fit your yard, your style, and your budget.
Figure 8 pool shape FAQs
What is a figure 8 pool shape?
Is a figure 8 pool good for a small yard?
How much does a custom figure 8 pool cost in Phoenix?
Can I add a spa or water features to a figure 8 pool?
What interior finish lasts longest on a figure 8 pool?
Do you build figure 8 pools across the Phoenix metro?