Have you ever wondered how swimming pools went from ancient public baths to the dazzling backyard retreats we enjoy today?

If you’re a homeowner thinking about building or remodeling a pool, the sheer number of options, shapes, finishes, and technologies can feel overwhelming. The good news? Understanding the history of pool design can make your decisions easier. By observing how pools have evolved, you can narrow your choices, draw inspiration, and create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of pool innovation in America, from hand-dug concrete basins to today’s state-of-the-art engineering masterpieces, and we’ll show you how these past designs influence the very best pools you can build now.

The First Pools in America: 1880s–1910s

The earliest recorded U.S. swimming pool was built in 1887 in Brookline, Massachusetts, as a public bath — part of a nationwide movement to improve hygiene, health, and community recreation.

• Residential luxury arrived in 1895 with the Vanderbilt estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
• Thomas Edison’s own pool, built in 1910, showcased the ingenuity of the era: no electric pumps, no modern plumbing, just determination and shovels.

Back then, pools were built by general contractors or even road crews, using poured concrete or concrete blocks. Digging was done by hand or mule, a far cry from the excavation machines of today.

Hotel Glamour, Civic Spaces & Hollywood Dreams: 1930s

By the 1930s, swimming pools had become a significant selling point for hotels. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, drew Hollywood elites like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and Ginger Rogers, all of whom made appearances.

This period also marked the golden age of municipal pools—civic projects that allowed communities to cool off, socialize, and showcase public architecture.
The decade also saw the construction of the opulent Hearst Castle pool, one of the most iconic in the U.S. Construction remained labor-intensive: workers laid rebar or mesh, poured the concrete floor, and hand-crafted the walls with craftsmanship that continues to inspire today's custom builders.

Neptune Pool - Hearst Castle

A Game-Changing Innovation: The Birth of Gunite (1940s)

In 1940, gunite revolutionized pool construction. This spray-on concrete mixture adhered directly to walls without forms, opening up endless design possibilities.

Although World War II temporarily halted the industry, the post-war boom brought returning servicemen, GI homeownership, and rising household incomes — the perfect conditions for a mid-century pool explosion.

This was the era when the kidney-shaped pool emerged, blending function with style.

Hollywood Influence & Mid-Century Marvels: 1950s

California became the hub of pool culture, and Hollywood helped fuel the dream. Esther Williams’ aquatic musicals made backyard pools a symbol of glamour and leisure.

Two big innovations debuted:

• Vinyl-lined pools (Esther Williams brand)
• One-piece fiberglass pools
• Free-form pool

This decade also gave us a design icon: The Donnell Garden Pool by Thomas Church in Sonoma, California (believed to be the first free-form pool). This stunning, freeform kidney-shaped design redefines backyard elegance.

Shaping the Dream: 1960s

With strong economic growth, pool technology leaped forward:

• PVC plumbing
• Underwater lighting
• Kool deck finishes
• Manufactured skimmers and drains
  
  

Freeform pool designs gained popularity, replacing the traditional rectangular shape. This set the stage for personal expression in backyard spaces, a trend still thriving today.

Luxury Gets Personal: 1970s–1980s

Homeowners wanted more than a lap pool. The 1970s brought:

• Inground gunite spas
• Raised beams for elevation changes
• Improvements in vinyl and fiberglass construction
  
  

In the 1980s, lot sizes shrank, but creativity soared:

• Natural lagoon-style pools with dark interiors
• Vanishing edge pools
• Computerized pool/spa controls
  
  

These decades proved that even small spaces can make a big statement.

From Maintenance to Magic: 1990s–Today

By the 1990s, consumers demanded low-maintenance, safe, and easy-to-operate pools. The industry responded with state-of-the-art technology from 3D designs to complex engineering and hydraulics:

• Automatic cleaners
• User-friendly automated controls
• Pool alarms and safety covers

Today, the best pools defy the limits of water and physics, featuring infinity edges that merge with the horizon, glass walls that create floating illusions, and eco-friendly systems that blend luxury with sustainability.

Celebrity inspiration still fuels design dreams:

• Liberace’s piano-shaped pool  is pure theatrical flair
• Frank Sinatra’s piano-key design in Palm Springs  mid-century cool
• Bob Hope’s clover-shaped pool is playful yet refined
  
  

Popular Pool Shapes Through History and Which One Fits Your Backyard Best

From the formal symmetry of early rectangle pools to today’s freeform lagoons, shape has always been one of the most defining elements of pool design. Understanding the origins of each shape and how it functions in a backyard can help you choose one that’s both timeless and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

1. The Classic Rectangle

Historical roots: Dominated early residential design in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Popular in luxury estates like the Vanderbilts’ Asheville pool.
Why it works: Clean lines, ideal for lap swimming, and easy to integrate with most architectural styles.
Best for: Formal gardens, narrow yards, homeowners who love structured landscaping, or want to maximize swimming space.

Pro tip: A rectangle pairs beautifully with modern glass-tile finishes for a fresh, contemporary twist.

2. Kidney Shape

Historical roots: Popularized in the 1940s–50s by designers like Thomas Church, especially with the famous Donnell Garden pool.
Why it works: Gentle curves create visual movement and allow for separate “zones” like a shallow lounging area and deeper swim section.
Best suited for: Medium to large yards, families seeking a playful shape without sharp corners, and individuals who appreciate landscaping that naturally wraps around curves.

Pro tip: A kidney shape is perfect for integrating a spa seamlessly into one end.

3. Freeform / Lagoon

Historical roots: Exploded in popularity in the 1970s–80s as homeowners embraced more natural, tropical-inspired backyards.
Why it works: Mimics the look of natural ponds or lagoons, works with irregular lot lines, and creates a relaxed, resort feel.
Best for: Homeowners who love lush landscaping, organic curves, and a more casual, vacation-style atmosphere.

Pro tip: Dark interior finishes make these pools look like natural bodies of water.

4. Geometric Modern

Historical roots: From the late 20th century to the present, luxury builds have embraced clean, bold shapes like L-shapes, T-shapes, and vanishing edges.
Why it works: Offers architectural drama and crisp lines that complement modern or minimalist homes.
Best for: Contemporary properties, small yards needing efficient layouts, or hillside lots where an infinity edge maximizes views.

Pro tip: Combine geometric design with water features (sheer descents, spillways) for maximum visual impact.

5. Roman/Grecian

Historical roots: Inspired by ancient Roman baths and revived in early 20th-century estate pools.
Why it works: Symmetrical, formal, with rounded ends and sometimes built-in stairs or fountains.
Best for: Large, formal backyards with classic or Mediterranean-style architecture.

Pro tip: Pair with travertine decking and ornate water features for a timeless, high-end look.

6. Oval

Historical roots: Gained popularity mid-century for softening hardscapes and creating a friendly, approachable pool aesthetic.
Why it works: Space-efficient, easy to landscape around, and visually gentle in tight yards.
Best for: Medium to small spaces where you still want a generous swim space without sharp corners.

Pro tip: An oval shape also works beautifully for above-ground pools.

7. L-Shaped

Historical roots: Emerged in the mid-20th century to combine recreation and lap swimming in one pool.
Why it works: Offers two defined areas, one for swimming, one for shallow lounging or children’s play.
Best for: Families seeking versatility in their pool’s functionality.

Pro tip: Position the short leg near a patio or deck for easy entertaining.

8. Signature & Custom Shapes

Historical roots: From Liberace’s piano-shaped pool to themed resort builds, custom designs have always been the ultimate expression of personality.
Why it works: 100% tailored to your vision, no one else will have your pool.
Best for: Statement-making homeowners who see their backyard as a canvas.

Pro tip: While custom shapes are exciting, consider long-term maintenance and resale appeal before committing to ultra-specific designs.

A Quick Guide: Choosing Your Shape

• Think about your yard’s size and layout. A freeform pool might soften a narrow yard’s edges, while a rectangle maximizes swim length in tight spaces.
• Match your home’s architecture: traditional homes often suit classic shapes, while modern homes shine with bold geometries.
• Consider your pool’s purpose. Is it for exercise, entertainment, relaxation, or a combination of these? Your answer will help determine the best shape.
• Don’t forget landscaping. The right plants, decking, and lighting can enhance the beauty of any shape.
  
  

Past, Present, Future. Where Will Your Pool Fit In?

Pools have always been about connection, cooling off, gathering with family, and creating beauty in everyday life.

Modern technology offers a wider range of shapes, finishes, and features than ever before, making the homeowner’s choice both exciting and daunting.

The next step is yours. Whether you’re dreaming of a modernist statement piece or a nature-inspired oasis, the story of pool design shows that your perfect pool is waiting to be created. Learn how you can increase property values with these Best Backyard Upgrades.