Small kidney shaped pool overlooking the ocean at sunset

Ahhhh, the dream of a backyard swimming pool. I definitely would love to have a gorgeous swimming pool.

One very popular pool shape is the kidney pool shape.

Which begs the question:

Why are kidney-shaped pools popular? What’s the deal with the “kidney” shape?

There are a few reasons many pools are kidney shaped.

1. Fit small spaces:  Because it has curved corners, it can fit in slightly smaller spaces than a comparable rectangle swimming pool.

2. Natural shape:  The curves present a natural look in the yard. It gives the impression of a natural water feature.

3. Shallow and deep water:  While curvy and natural-looking, the overall elongated shape still make it a good shape for providing both a shallow and deep end. In fact, the indented middle serves as a signal to the water getting deeper. Therefore, the kidney shape provides both a functional and safety purpose.

As you probably know, there’s more to pool aesthetics and function than just shape. There’s additional features  such as slide, water features, hot tub, pool house and of course the surrounding deck/patio. In fact, in my view, the patio/deck area is just as important as the pool itself when it comes to the overall yard aesthetics you hope to achieve with a pool.

If you’re looking to build a kidney shaped swimming pool, here’s our curated gallery featuring 23 beautiful kidney shaped swimming pools.

Kidney pool surrounded by patio and gardens in the backyard of a Tuscan style home.

Kidney pool surrounded by patio and gardens in the backyard of a Tuscan style home.

Luxurious freeform kidney-shaped swimming pool with waterfall and hot tub. This pool is all the more spectacular with the surrounding trees, bushes and flowers that terrace upward creating a private swimming oasis.

Luxurious free-form kidney-shaped swimming pool with waterfall and hot tub. This pool is all the more spectacular with the surrounding trees, bushes and flowers that terrace upward creating a private swimming oasis. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Here’s a bright royal blue swimming pool with hot tub and massive multi-level brick patio. Patio includes large wood-burning fireplace and dining area.

Here’s a bright royal blue swimming pool with hot tub and massive multi-level brick patio. Patio includes large wood-burning fireplace and dining area. Source: Zillow DigsTM

I love how subdued this pool is. It’s small, yet the simple but elegant environment is so inviting. The small flagstone patio surrounded by perfect grass overlooking the ocean is stunning.

I love how subdued this pool is. It’s small, yet the simple but elegant environment is so inviting. The small flagstone patio surrounded by perfect grass overlooking the ocean is stunning. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Here’s a great example of an Asian-inspired backyard with Asian-designed poolhouse and gardens surrounding a small kidney-shaped pool.

Here’s a great example of an Asian-inspired backyard with Asian-designed poolhouse and gardens surrounding a small kidney-shaped pool.

Here’s a nice-looking kidney shaped pool with light-brown flagstone patio with a wrap-around safety fence.

Here’s a nice-looking kidney shaped pool with light-brown flagstone patio with a wrap-around safety fence.

Here’s a pool where the view is more spectacular than the pool. Small pool on patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Here’s a pool where the view is more spectacular than the pool. Small pool on patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Here’s a simple kidney-shaped pool with small patio bordered with hedge in a suburban backyard.

Here’s a simple kidney-shaped pool with small patio bordered with hedge in a suburban backyard.

I love aerial pictures of landscaping. This is a spectacular view of a light blue kidney-shaped pool with patio overlooking the lake.

I love aerial pictures of landscaping. This is a spectacular view of a light blue kidney-shaped pool with patio overlooking the lake.

I love pools like this with rock waterfalls and trees. It really dresses up the backyard and make for both a fun and beautiful pool setting.

I love pools like this with rock waterfalls and trees. It really dresses up the backyard and make for both a fun and beautiful pool setting.

Another aerial view of a kidney style swimming pool. This one is surrounded by terraced gardens and palm trees which looks awesome.

Another aerial view of a kidney style swimming pool. This one is surrounded by terraced gardens and palm trees which looks awesome.

Here's a large kidney-shaped pool with an island. I'm not too fond of the lack of patio but the island is kind of cool.

Here’s a large kidney-shaped pool with an island. I’m not too fond of the lack of patio but the island is kind of cool.

Mansion with a kidney-shaped pool that has a waterslide and cool walls around it creating a private lagoon-style swimming area.

Mansion with a kidney-shaped pool that has a waterslide and cool walls around it creating a private lagoon-style swimming area.

Large kidney shaped pool on the edge of a cliff overlooking the forest.

Large kidney shaped pool on the edge of a cliff overlooking the forest.

I love the massive brick patio surrounding this small kidney shaped swimming pool. There's also a nice garden wrapping around part of the pool.

I love the massive brick patio surrounding this small kidney shaped swimming pool. There’s also a nice garden wrapping around part of the pool.

Overhead view of a kidney shaped pool with a lake-style gradual entry which ideal for kids.Overhead view of a kidney shaped pool with a lake-style gradual entry which ideal for kids.

Dramatic kidney pool at night with crisp blue water and waterfall.

Dramatic kidney pool at night with crisp blue water and waterfall. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Dramatic kidney pool at night surrounded by 2 firepits. This also has a cave with waterfall entry. This is a great pool area.

Dramatic kidney pool at night surrounded by 2 firepits. This also has a cave with waterfall entry. This is a great pool area. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Luminescent blue water fills this kidney pool overlooking the desert

Luminescent blue water fills this kidney pool overlooking the desert. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Mediterranean style mansion with large kindey shaped pool and adjacent hot tub.

Mediterranean style mansion with large kindey shaped pool and adjacent hot tub. Source: Zillow DigsTM

Small kidney-shaped pool in the backyard of a desert suburban home. It's a small backyard but looks fabulous with the small pool and and trees.

Small kidney-shaped pool in the backyard of a desert suburban home. It’s a small backyard but looks fabulous with the small pool and and trees. Source: Zillow DigsTM

An oasis of a backyard surrounded by tall evergreens towering over a small, natural-looking kidney shaped pool. The gray flagstone patio is a perfect fit for this natural oasis backyard

An oasis of a backyard surrounded by tall evergreens towering over a small, natural-looking kidney shaped pool. The gray flagstone patio is a perfect fit for this natural oasis backyard. Source: Zillow DigsTM

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