Shapes · Styles · Construction types
Types of Inground Pools
From classic rectangles to flowing freeform designs, inground pools come in a wide range of shapes, styles, and construction types. Here is how to choose the one that fits your Arizona backyard — from the company that has built and renovated 20,000+ pools since 2001.
There are two ways to think about the types of inground pools: how the pool is built (the construction type) and how the pool is shaped (the design). We Fix Ugly Pools® builds fully custom gunite pools in every shape below across metro Phoenix, so you can match your pool to your yard, your style, and the way your family will actually use it.
Inground pool construction types
Before you pick a shape, it helps to understand the three main construction types — because the construction type decides how much freedom you have with the shape in the first place.
Gunite / Concrete
Sprayed concrete over a steel rebar cage. The most durable type and the only fully customizable one — any size, shape, or depth. Our standard for Arizona.
Fiberglass
Pre-molded one-piece shells that install fast and feel smooth underfoot, but are limited to the maker’s shapes and about 16 feet wide.
Vinyl liner
Modular panels fitted with a replaceable vinyl liner. The lowest upfront cost, but the liner wears and resale value tends to be lower.
For Arizona’s heat, sun, and shifting soils, gunite concrete is almost always the best long-term value. See the full comparison on our inground pools pillar page, and if you are weighing a pool against a cheaper temporary option, read above-ground pools vs. inground pools.
Geometric vs. freeform pool styles
Most inground pool shapes fall into one of two families. Geometric pools use straight lines, defined corners, and symmetrical forms — rectangles, Roman and Grecian shapes, L-shapes. They suit modern and formal architecture and make clean spots for tanning ledges, spas, and automatic covers. Freeform pools use flowing, organic curves with no straight edges — kidney, lagoon, and natural shapes — and blend beautifully into desert landscaping, rock features, and waterfalls. Both are fully achievable in gunite; the right pick comes down to your home’s style and how your yard is laid out.
Popular inground pool shapes
Because our gunite pools are fully custom, your options are nearly unlimited — but these are the classic shapes Arizona homeowners choose most. Tap any shape to see its dedicated design page.
Geometric ›
Clean straight lines and corners for modern, formal backyards.
Rectangle ›
The timeless shape — ideal for lap swimming and tidy, symmetrical yards.
Roman ›
A rectangle with elegant rounded, semicircular ends for a classic look.
Grecian ›
Rectangular with clipped, angled corners — formal and architectural.
L-Shaped ›
An L that separates a shallow play area from a deeper swim or dive zone.
Freeform ›
Organic, flowing curves that blend into desert landscaping and rockwork.
Kidney ›
A soft, curved classic with a gentle inward bend — great for spas.
Figure-8 ›
Two rounded lobes meeting at a waist — a playful retro silhouette.
Oval ›
A smooth, rounded shape that softens a yard and swims larger than it looks.
Round ›
A circular shape that works as a social splash pool or a compact plunge.
Any shape, any feature — fully custom
Gunite lets us build the exact pool you picture: tanning ledges, spillover spas, rock waterfalls, slides, grottos, and specialty decking. Not sure which shape fits your yard? Browse our pool designs and custom pools for ideas.
How do I choose the right pool shape?
Start with your yard: a long, narrow lot favors a rectangle or lap-friendly shape, while an irregular lot often looks best with a freeform or kidney design that follows the space. Then think about how you’ll use it — lap swimming, kids and play, entertaining, or a quiet resort feel. Finally, match the style of your home: geometric shapes complement modern and formal architecture, while freeform shapes suit desert and natural landscaping.
Our designers weigh shape, style, features, and surroundings together so your pool fits the yard instead of fighting it. Any of these shapes can also include a tanning ledge, attached spa, or water feature.
Why gunite gives you the most shape options
- No shape limits. Sprayed over custom rebar, gunite forms any curve or corner.
- Any size or depth. From compact plunge pools to large family pools with deep ends.
- Built-in features. Benches, steps, tanning ledges, and spas shaped right into the shell.
- Desert-tough. One rigid shell that handles Arizona heat and shifting soils.
- Resurfaceable. Refresh the interior finish without replacing the pool.
- Lasting value. A true custom concrete pool adds real value to your home.
We Fix Ugly Pools® is a licensed, bonded, and insured Arizona contractor (We Fix Ugly Pools Arizona, AZ ROC KA5-275609, KB2-304269 and KA5-353555), building custom gunite pools across metro Phoenix since 2001.
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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 helped us land on the perfect shape for our yard, and the finished pool looks like it was always meant to be there. Professional from design to the final fill.”
Found a shape you love?
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