Choosing the right GIGI France pool size for your backyard
GIGI FRANCE sells round rigid inflatable pools spanning roughly 10 ft to 20 ft in diameter, with three sizes around 13 ft, 16 ft, and 19 ft covering most US and Canadian backyards, each available in a 4 ft or 5 ft wall depth. The right choice comes down to two things: how many people need to swim at once, and how much flat, level, unobstructed ground your yard actually has. This guide compares the three sizes directly, with real numbers, so you can match a model to your yard before you order.
The three sizes at a glance (13 ft, 16 ft, 19 ft)
The fastest way to compare GIGI FRANCE's round pools is diameter against typical swimmer capacity, since all three sizes share the same wall-depth options and the same drop stitch construction.
| Diameter | Wall depth options | Best fit | Ground footprint needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~13 ft | 4 ft (47 in) or 5 ft (59 in) | Couples, small families, compact yards | Roughly 15–16 ft of flat, level ground |
| ~16 ft | 4 ft (47 in) or 5 ft (59 in) | Families of 4–6, casual entertaining | Roughly 18–20 ft of flat, level ground |
| ~19 ft | 4 ft (47 in) or 5 ft (59 in) | Larger families, regular entertaining | Roughly 20 ft+ of flat, level ground |
These ground-footprint figures are a practical planning margin, not an exact GIGI FRANCE spec — always confirm the precise installation area for your chosen model on its product page at gigifrance.com before ordering. Depth is a separate decision from diameter: the 5 ft (59 in) option is GIGI FRANCE's swimming depth, deep enough for a typical adult to submerge to the shoulders; the 4 ft (47 in) option suits wading and cooling off at a shallower, more standing-friendly depth.
How much yard space you actually need
The pool's diameter is not the space you need — add a working margin on every side for the number to be realistic. A rigid inflatable pool needs to sit on ground that is flat and level to within about 1 inch across its full width, with no roots, rocks, or sharp debris underneath, and GIGI FRANCE's own installation guidance calls for clearance around the perimeter rather than a footprint that stops exactly at the pool wall.
In practice, that means measuring a square or circular area a few feet wider than the pool's diameter in every direction, checking it with a level (a long board and a spirit level works fine for a DIY check), and confirming there's room to walk around the full perimeter — both for day-to-day use and for connecting the sand filter and pump. A yard that looks "just barely big enough" on paper often is not, once you account for that margin.
Sizing for a small or narrow backyard
A 13 ft round pool is GIGI FRANCE's most compact option that still reaches the full 5 ft (59 in) swimming depth, which makes it the natural starting point for a small or narrow yard. At roughly 15–16 ft of required ground footprint including margin, it fits many suburban lots that could not accommodate the 16 ft or 19 ft models.
If even 13 ft doesn't fit — a narrow side yard, a small patio, or an oddly shaped lot — GIGI FRANCE offers custom-built pools down to smaller diameters through its made-to-order program, covered in detail on our dedicated small-backyard page. A tight yard does not necessarily rule out real swimming depth; it usually just means a more compact diameter.
Sizing for a family that wants to swim laps
No GIGI FRANCE round pool is built as a true lap pool — none of the sizes are long enough for continuous laps the way a rectangular in-ground pool is. What the 16 ft and 19 ft models offer instead is enough water and enough swim diagonal for several people to be in the water at once, swim basic strokes, tread water, and play, comfortably, without feeling cramped.
For a household of four or more who want that kind of room, the 16 ft model is GIGI FRANCE's mid-size option and the most popular choice across the range for families; the 19 ft model adds meaningfully more swimming area for households that entertain regularly or have five or more frequent swimmers. Both require significantly more open, level yard space than the 13 ft model, so confirm your available footprint before deciding between them.
Frequently asked questions
What sizes does GIGI France offer?
GIGI FRANCE's round pools span roughly 10 ft to 20 ft in diameter, with a choice of wall depth: 4 ft (47 in) for wading and cooling off, or 5 ft (59 in) for a genuine swimming depth. Three sizes around 13 ft, 16 ft, and 19 ft cover most US and Canadian backyards. Exact diameters, capacities, and pricing for each model are listed on the current product range on gigifrance.com.
Is a 13 ft pool big enough for two adults to swim?
Yes, at the 5 ft (59 in) depth option. GIGI FRANCE states that a 13 ft round pool gives roughly a 13 ft swim diagonal — not a lap pool, but enough for two adults to submerge fully and swim basic strokes side by side. It is the right call when yard space or budget is the limiting factor rather than the number of swimmers. Browse the compact end of the range to compare exact specs.
How much bigger is a 19 ft pool than a 13 ft pool?
About 6 ft more in diameter, which in a round pool adds a meaningfully larger swimming area rather than a simple linear increase — enough to comfortably fit several adults at once instead of two or three. The tradeoff is a larger footprint requirement: a 19 ft pool needs roughly 20 ft or more of flat, level, unobstructed ground, plus clearance around the edge.
Can I choose a shallower depth if I have young children?
Yes. GIGI FRANCE's 4 ft (47 in) depth option suits adults who want to stand and cool off with the water around chest height, and can be a more supervised, standing-friendly depth for younger swimmers under adult supervision. The 5 ft (59 in) option is built for adults who want to actually swim. Local pool-safety rules around barriers and supervision apply regardless of which depth you choose.
Do I need more ground space than the pool's own diameter?
Yes. Plan for flat, level, obstruction-free ground a few feet wider than the pool's diameter on every side, not just the diameter itself. That margin gives room for the wall to sit correctly, for safe walking space around the pool, and for equipment like the sand filter. GIGI FRANCE's installation guidance calls for the surface to be level to within about 1 inch across the pool's full width.