21.11.2025

Which pool suits me and my family?

Welcher Pool passt zu mir und meiner Familie?

Having your own pool in the garden is not only a welcome way to cool off on hot days, but also a place to relax, play and enjoy family time together. But with so much to choose from, the question quickly arises: which pool is right for us?

This guide will tell you everything you need to know - from choosing the right pool shape, size and technical equipment to the right cleaning and maintenance. You are sure to find the pool that suits you, your garden and your family.

1. What types of pool are there?

Above ground pools

For most families, above-ground pools are the best choice. These pools are flexible, comparatively inexpensive and can be used seasonally

Advantages:

No excavation necessary
Quick to set up and dismantle
Ideal for rental gardens or terraces

Sub-types:

Round pools: Perfect for splashing and playing
Rectangular pools: Offer more swimming space

Built-in pools

This variant is permanently integrated into the garden and has a particularly high-quality look. It is suitable for families with long-term planning and a larger budget.

Disadvantages:

More expensive and more complex to set up
Often requires permits

For our guide, we focus on above-ground pools, as they generally prove to be more practical for families

2. Round or rectangular?

The shape of the pool not only influences the appearance, but also the space required and the possibilities for use

Round pool

Ideal for small children
Less space required in all directions
Easy to set up
Even pressure distribution due to round shape

Size recommendations:

Diameter: 244 cm to 488 cm
Height: 76 cm to 122 cm

Typical use:

Planing
Playing with an air mattress
Easy swimming for children

Round pools

Rectangular pool

Modern, tidy design
Can be placed in corners or house walls to save space
More swimming area with the same surface area
Ideal for sporting activities

Size recommendations:

220 x 150 cm to 540 x 250 cm
heights from 65 cm to 122 cm

Typical use:

Swimming
Family house with several people
Water polo or other games

Rectangular pools

Our tip:
If you have small children, a round pool is perfect for getting started. If you want to swim more later on or have older children, you will benefit from a rectangular pool in the long term

3. Choose the right pool size

The size of your pool should be based on the available space and the number of users.

Rule of thumb:

2–3 persons: 300 cm round or 300 x 200 cm rectangular
4–5 persons: 366–420 cm round or 400 x 200 cm rectangular
More than 5 people: 450–488 cm round or 540 x 250 cm rectangular

Also pay attention to the location:

Even ground (no slope!)
Distance from trees (less foliage in the water)
Direct sunlight (warmer water)

4. Filter pump: the heart of your pool

A clean pool starts with the right filter technology. At EXIT Toys, you have the choice between two systems:

Cartridge filter pump

How it works: Water is fed through a replaceable filter cartridge

Advantages:

Inexpensive to purchase
Easy to operate
Ideal for smaller pools

Care:
Rinse the cartridge once a week
Replace after approx. 1 week (with daily use)

Sand filter pump

How it works: Water is pumped through filter sand or filter floss and thus purified

Advantages:

Filters even fine particles
Durable and powerful
Can be combined with heat pumps

Care:
Replace the sand every 6 months
Rinsing every 1–2 weeks

Note: Filter floss is also possible - it lasts up to 2 years and can simply be washed out

5. Heat pump: swimming fun in any weather

A heat pump is the upgrade for anyone who wants to bathe for longer or go to the pool in the morning/early evening

How it works:

Outside air is sucked in and heated via a coolant.
The heated coolant heats the pool water
The pump switches off automatically when the target temperature is reached

Advantages:

Extends the bathing season
Heats water up to 40 °C
Functions from 10 °C outside temperature

Important:

Only in combination with filter pumps from 300 gal/h
Optimal in combination with a pool enclosure

6. Cleaning and maintenance

A pool is only fun if the water stays clean. This requires technology, care and a few simple routines.

Filter running time

Run your filter pump at least 6–8 hours a day – or around the clock if used heavily.

Manual cleaning

With a cleaning set consisting of:

Bottom vacuum cleaner (for sand, algae, dirt on the bottom)
Nets (for leaves, insects)
Telescopic pole (to reach all corners)

Cover & &canopy

Prevents dirt from getting into the water. The following are particularly helpful:

Pools with a roof: protect against rain, sun & dirt, warm the water through the greenhouse effect.
Sun sails: provide UV protection and shade (link to sun tarpaulins?)

7. Test & treat water quality

Clear water is no coincidence. You should regularly measure the most important values:

Test strips (3-in-1)

Alkalinity: basic value – influences pH and chlorine
pH value: optimal at 7.2–7.6
Chlorine value: should be 1.0–3.0 ppm

Order:

Adjust the alkalinity
Check and adjust pH value
Dose chlorine

Use chlorine correctly

Slow-acting: chlorine tablets in the dosing float
Fast-acting: chlorine granules for shock disinfection

8. Green water? How to get rid of algae!

Despite maintenance, it can happen that your pool suddenly turns green. The most common cause: algae.

5 quick tips against green water:

Check the water quality: check pH, chlorine, alkalinity
Let the filter run for 24 hours
Insert chlorine granulate (shock chlorination)
Reduce solar radiation (with cover)
Clean the pool manually (floor, walls, waterline)

Professional tip: After a thunderstorm or on very hot days, clean more frequently - these are classic algae turbo phases.

9. How to winterize your pool

When the season comes to an end, you should dismantle your pool properly to avoid damage caused by frost or mold.

Step-by-step:

Switch off the filter pump, pull out the plug
Drain the water via the garden hose
Clean the liner with a sponge and pH-neutral cleaner
Dismantle the pool frame and allow all parts to dry
Put talcum powder on the pool liner (prevents sticking)
Store everything in a dry box

10. Set-up and dismantling: how to do it without stress

With the right preparation, set-up and dismantling is a breeze.

Set-up tips:

Plan the location in advance (sun, space, water connection)
Check the ground: level, stable and clean
Two people help enormously during assembly
Test all parts in advance (according to instructions)

Assembly in 5 steps:

Assemble the frame
Connect the pump
Connect the heat pump (optional)
Fill with water
Smooth the floor folds & attach accessories

How to find the ideal family pool

Choosing the right pool depends on many factors - the space in your garden, the age of your children, your budget and your swimming preferences. With a garden pool, the right filter technology and a little maintenance, you can have years of fun.

Our quick checklist for garden pools:

Pool size fits the family size
Shape tailored to garden & use
Correctly selected filter pump
Heat pump installed for longer bathing fun
Regular water maintenance is taken seriously
Cleaning & test accessories available

Ready for your own pool dream in the garden? Discover our high-quality pools for a vacation feeling, exercise, laughter and family time now