Above-Ground Pool Sizing: 13ft vs 16ft vs 19ft — How to Choose
title: "Above-Ground Pool Sizing: 13ft vs 16ft vs 19ft — How to Choose" slug: "13ft-vs-16ft-vs-19ft-above-ground-pool-size" description: "Choosing between the GIGI 13ft, 16ft, and 19ft pool? Same depth, three sizes. This guide covers footprint, volume, swimmers, fill time, and price to help you decide." publishedAt: "2026-05-28" updatedAt: "2026-05-28" author: "GIGI FRANCE Editorial Team" category: "Buying Guide" readingTime: "9 min" coverImage: "/images/blog-13ft-vs-16ft-vs-19ft-above-ground-pool-size.jpg" relatedArticles:
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All three GIGI pools share the same wall depth — 5 ft (59 inches) — and the same complete package: sand filter 330W, electric pump, and repair kit. The decision between 13ft, 16ft, and 19ft comes down to four factors: your available yard space, how many people are swimming, your water fill logistics, and your budget.
This guide gives you the specific numbers for each model and a clear framework to make the decision.
The Complete Comparison at a Glance
| Pool 13ft | Pool 16ft | Pool 19ft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 13 ft | 16 ft | 19 ft |
| Wall height | 5 ft (59 in) | 5 ft (59 in) | 5 ft (59 in) |
| Recommended water depth | ~53 in | ~53 in | ~53 in |
| Volume at 90% fill | / 4,500 gal | / 7,000 gal | / 10,100 gal |
| Recommended swimmers | 2–3 adults | 4–6 adults | 6–8 adults |
| Minimum installation area | 420 × 165 in (14 × 14 ft) | 510 × 201 in (17 × 17 ft) | 610 × 240 in (20 × 20 ft) |
| Water fill time | 19–24 hours | 30–37 hours | 42–53 hours |
| Price | $2,999 | $3,999 | $4,999 |
Volumes calculated at 90% fill (53 in water depth from 5 ft wall height). Fill time estimates based on standard garden hose at 3-4 gal/min.
Pool 13ft — The Right Entry Point
At 13ft (13 ft) diameter and $2,999, the Pool 13ft is the most accessible drop-stitch pool in the GIGI lineup. It is not a "starter" version of the other models — the wall height is identical at 5 ft, the sand filter 330W is the same, and the full package is included.
What 4,500 gallons means in practice. The 13ft pool holds approximately 4,500 gallons at 90% fill — more than many people expect from a 13ft diameter. For context, the Intex Easy Set 15ft (a common point of comparison) holds approximately 3,200 gallons at its shallow 33 in depth. The GIGI 13ft holds 40% more water at a 2-foot smaller diameter, because the depth is the difference.
Who swims comfortably in a 13ft pool. Two adults can swim freely. Three adults is comfortable for casual use. With four adults, you're doing water aerobics, not laps. For a couple looking for a real backyard pool — or for a family where the primary swimmers are the parents rather than a group of children — the 13ft delivers genuine swimming depth without occupying half the yard.
The yard requirement. The 13ft pool needs 165 in × 165 in of flat space (about 14 × 14 feet). Add 60–35 in clearance around the perimeter, and your total area requirement is approximately 18 × 18 feet. A medium-sized suburban backyard handles this without much difficulty.
Fill time advantage. At 19–24 hours to fill, the 13ft pool is ready about a day after you start filling. Compared to 30–37 hours for the 16ft or 42–53 hours for the 19ft, this is a meaningful convenience factor if your water pressure is lower than average or if you want to minimize time to first swim.
The tradeoff. The 13ft is not a family pool for groups larger than 3–4 people. If your children have friends over or you regularly host 6–8 swimmers, you will feel the constraints. The right question is: how many people are typically in the pool at the same time on an average day, not on your biggest gathering day?
Pool 16ft — The Most Popular Size
The 16ft (16 ft diameter) at $3,999 is the most versatile size in the GIGI lineup and the one most families with 2–4 regular swimmers choose. The $1,000 step-up from the 13ft buys you 2,500 more gallons of volume and 36 in more of swimming diameter.
What 7,000 gallons means. 7,000 gallons puts the GIGI 16ft in the volume range of many semi-inground residential pools. An Intex Ultra XTR 18ft — a premium steel frame pool — holds approximately 3,600 gallons at its 52 in depth. The GIGI 16ft holds nearly twice as much water at a smaller diameter, because the 5 ft depth vs 52 in makes that much difference.
The swimming experience at 16ft. Two adults can swim full laps at a comfortable pace. The diagonal distance across the pool (the longest swimming line) is approximately 4.9 meters (16 feet), which provides a genuine freestyle stroke — you're turning every 5–6 seconds, not every 2–3 as in a 13ft pool. Four to six people can be in the water simultaneously without feeling crowded for recreational swimming.
The family use case. The 16ft is the right choice for:
- A family of 3–4 where adults and children both swim regularly
- A couple who wants to use the pool for exercise as well as relaxation
- A backyard setup where you want to host small gatherings (4–6 people) in the pool
What the 16ft requires. A flat area of 510 × 201 in (17 × 17 feet). With clearance, approximately 23 × 23 feet total. A standard suburban lot with a rear yard of 30 × 30 feet has enough space. The fill takes 30–37 hours — start filling in the morning, and by the following evening the pool is ready for first swim.
Pool 19ft — For Larger Families and Properties
At 19ft (19 ft diameter) and $4,999, the Pool 19ft holds 10,100 gallons — comparable to a compact residential in-ground pool. This is the choice for families with multiple children, properties where entertaining groups is the primary use, or short-term rental situations where the pool is a featured amenity.
10,100 gallons in context. A standard oval residential in-ground pool at 12 × 24 feet holds approximately 12,000–14,000 gallons at 4.5 feet deep. The GIGI 19ft at 53 in effective depth holds 10,100 gallons. For a pool that installs in an hour and stores in a bag, this volume is significant.
The swimming experience at 19ft. Four adults can swim simultaneously without significant crowding. Families with 3–4 children can use the pool for group water play with real swimming depth. The diagonal dimension (approximately 5.8 meters) provides a longer swim path than the 16ft.
Who the 19ft is for:
- Families with 3 or more children who are regular swimmers
- Homeowners who regularly host groups of 8–10 people in the pool
- Short-term rental property owners (Airbnb/VRBO) where "private pool" is a key amenity — the 10,100-gallon volume at 5 ft depth is a credible listing feature
- Properties with large backyards where the smaller models would look undersized
What the 19ft requires. A flat area of 610 × 240 in (20 × 20 feet). With clearance, approximately 27 × 27 feet. This rules out smaller suburban backyards and many urban outdoor spaces, but is workable on any standard single-family lot with a dedicated rear yard.
Fill time consideration. At 42–53 hours to fill the 19ft, you're looking at two full days of filling. This is purely a planning factor — there's nothing technically difficult about it — but it's worth accounting for when scheduling your first swim.
Annual maintenance cost. More volume means more chemicals. 10,100 gallons of water requires proportionally more chlorine, pH balancer, and other treatments than 4,500 or 7,000 gallons. For most families, this adds $100–$200 per season to the operating cost compared to the 13ft. The sand filter 330W handles all three volumes effectively.
Considerations Beyond Size
Your yard. The most common reason to choose the 13ft over the 16ft is yard space, not swimming preference. Measure your available flat space before anything else. Include the clearance buffer — you need to walk around the pool for maintenance.
Water cost and fill time. In states with water metering or in areas with drought conditions, filling a 10,100-gallon pool costs more and may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Check local water use advisories. In states with low municipal water rates (much of Texas, Florida), water cost is minimal — filling a 7,000-gallon pool costs approximately $10–$25 depending on local rates.
Total cost of ownership. The pools are $1,000 apart — $2,999 / $3,999 / $4,999. The cover accessory adds $999 / $1,099 / $1,199. If you want the GIGI full drop-stitch ladder (59in, $999), it works with all three pool sizes. The 19ft costs more to fill and slightly more to maintain chemically, but not dramatically so.
Seasonal storage. All three models deflate and store compactly. The 19ft packed footprint is larger — roughly the size of two large hard-shell suitcases — but still fits in a standard garage or shed. Storage requirements are similar across all three.
Three Questions to Help You Decide
Question 1 — How many adults will regularly swim at the same time?
- 1–2 adults: Pool 13ft is sufficient
- 2–4 adults: Pool 16ft is the right size
- 4+ adults or large families with multiple children: Pool 19ft
Question 2 — How much flat space do you have?
- Under 18 × 18 feet flat: Pool 13ft only
- 18–23 feet square: Pool 16ft works
- 23+ feet square: Pool 19ft is an option
Question 3 — What's your budget total (pool + cover + ladder if desired)?
- Around $3,000–$4,000: Pool 13ft, optionally with the 13ft cover at $999
- Around $4,000–$5,000: Pool 16ft — the best value in the lineup; or Pool 13ft with the full cover and ladder bundle
- $5,000–$7,000: Pool 19ft with cover and ladder
If you're on the fence between two sizes, consider how you'll use the pool 5 years from now — children grow, friend groups change, use cases evolve. The GIGI 16ft is the most versatile because it handles both the "just us" days and the "we have guests" days without feeling too small or occupying too much yard.
Related Reads
- How Deep Should an Above-Ground Pool Be? The Adult Swimmer's Guide
- Drop-Stitch Pool vs Steel Frame vs Inflatable: Which Is Right for You?
- How to Maintain a Drop-Stitch Pool: Chemicals, Filtration, and Storage
Compare all three sizes side by side and check availability: View the GIGI Pool Collection. Same depth. Same package. Three sizes.
Related Reads
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