Two legs · Lap swimming · Family-friendly · Corner-yard shape
L-Shaped Pool Design in Phoenix, AZ
The L-shaped pool uses two connected legs to do two jobs at once — a long leg for swimming laps and a wider leg for lounging and the shallow end. It is one of the most practical custom shapes for Arizona corner yards and growing families.
An L-shaped pool is exactly what it sounds like: two rectangular legs joined at a right angle to form the letter “L.” That simple move gives you two distinct zones in one pool — a long leg for lap swimming and a shorter, wider leg for a shallow lounging area — which is why L-shaped designs are so popular with families and with homeowners working around the corner of a house or lot.
What is an L-shaped pool and what does it look like?
An L-shaped pool is a two-legged design built in the shape of the letter L. A classic (or “true”) L is fully geometric, with hard lines, straight walls, and crisp right angles for a clean, modern look. A lazy L softens that corner with gentle curves, so the two legs flow into each other instead of meeting at a sharp angle. Either way, the defining feature is the bend: one leg runs long and narrow, the other runs short and wide, and the inside of the corner creates a natural spot for steps, a bench, or a tanning ledge.
Because the two legs can be sized independently, the L-shape is one of the most flexible layouts we build. The long leg is typically kept deeper and clear for swimming, while the short leg holds the shallow end, entry steps, and seating. As a fully custom concrete and gunite shape, your L can be stretched, widened, or wrapped to fit your exact yard.
What style and backyard does the L-shape suit?
The L-shape is a problem-solver. It is the shape homeowners reach for when they want to separate uses — laps from lounging, adults from kids, a deep end from a splash zone — without building two separate water features.
Visually it leans modern and architectural, especially in its classic geometric form, so it pairs beautifully with contemporary and transitional homes. Many Phoenix homeowners choose to wrap the L around an outside corner of the house or a patio, which makes the pool feel built into the backyard rather than dropped into the middle of it.
Best uses for an L-shaped pool
Lap swimming
The long leg gives you a clear, straight lane for exercise and real swimming.
Family zones
Kids stay in the shallow leg while adults swim or relax in the deeper leg.
Corner lots
Wraps around the corner of a house, patio, or L-shaped yard for an integrated look.
Tanning ledge & bench
The inside corner is a natural home for a Baja shelf, bench, or entry steps.
Defined deep end
Keep the long leg deeper for diving or play, away from the shallow area.
Entertaining
Straight edges make room for dining sets, loungers, and a grill alongside the water.
Built to fit your yard, not a mold
We Fix Ugly Pools® builds custom concrete and gunite pools in virtually any shape, so your L can be sized leg-by-leg to match your lot, your deck, and the features you want. Explore more layouts in our pool designs gallery.
Which yards and homes fit an L-shaped pool best?
L-shaped pools shine in yards with a natural corner — where the house, a casita, or a covered patio forms an angle the pool can tuck into. They also work well on medium and larger lots where there is room to give both legs useful length.
If you want one pool that genuinely serves swimmers and loungers at the same time, the L delivers that better than most single-zone shapes. On very small or narrow lots, a round or compact oval pool may fit better — we will tell you honestly which shape suits your space.
Construction and cost impact of an L-shaped pool
Because we build every pool as a custom concrete (gunite) structure, an L-shape is well within our everyday work — there is no premold to force your design into. The L does add two extra corners and a longer perimeter compared with a simple rectangle of the same water area, which can mean a bit more shell, coping, and waterline tile, so a well-designed L generally sits a step above the most basic rectangle on cost.
As a reference point, new custom pools in the Valley typically run $38,000 to $60,000, with elaborate builds adding $60,000 or more once you layer in extensive hardscape, water features, and spas. Your final number depends on size, depth, finish, and features — which is why we quote every pool after a design consultation rather than from a shape alone. Learn more about our custom pools and the full range of inground pool types.
Finishes and features that pair with an L-shaped pool
- Tanning ledge / Baja shelf — set into the inside corner for lounging in a few inches of water.
- Attached spa — tucked into the corner or the end of the short leg with a spillover.
- Pebble or quartz interior — durable finishes; quartz lasts about 12–18 years and pebble 25–30.
- Sheer-descent or waterfall — mounted along the long straight wall for a modern focal point.
- Glass or stone waterline tile — crisp straight runs that suit the L’s geometric lines.
- Baja-side umbrella sleeve & bubblers — shade and movement over the shallow leg.
How our L-shaped pool design process works
Design consultation
We visit your yard, talk through how you will use the pool, and map the two legs to your lot.
3D design & quote
You see your L-shape rendered with decking, finishes, and features, plus a clear written price.
Permits & build
We handle permits and build the custom gunite shell, plumbing, and structure.
Finish & fill
Tile, coping, interior finish, and deck go in, then we start up and hand over your pool.
As seen in the news
Recognized across Arizona & national media
We Fix Ugly Pools® and owner Brian Morris, “the Ugly Pool Guy,” hold a world record for the fastest pool build and have been featured by national and Arizona outlets, including as expert pool columnists for The Arizona Republic.
“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 homeowners trust us to design their pool
- Licensed & insured. A licensed Arizona contractor (ROC KA5-275609 residential, KB2-304269 commercial, and KA5-353555).
- Any shape, fully custom. Concrete and gunite construction means your L is built to your yard.
- Design, build & remodel. One team from first sketch to the day you swim.
- 20,000+ pools. Built and renovated across the Valley since 2001.
- Honest shape advice. We recommend the layout that actually fits your space and budget.
- 4.9 stars from 305+ homeowners. Serving the entire Phoenix metro.
Thinking about an L-shaped pool?
Book a free design consultation and see your two-zone pool rendered in 3D before you build.