Swimming pools have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient kings of Babylon – however the more modern idea of a swimming pool as we know it became widespread across America in the early 1900s.

Whether it’s being used to keep fit, make a stylistic statement or simply just to help keep your family cool during the hot summer – they are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Depending on its usage, your budget and the size of your property, they can come in all shapes and sizes – and here are the five most popular swimming pool designs in America.

• Rectangle

The rectangular pool is iconic and one of the most popular designs in the world. The long length made them ideal for those looking to swim for fitness whilst they are also very easy to dig and install.

• Circular

Once the reservation of the elite movie stars, circular pools are now a lot more common and are perfect for those people looking for a pool to relax in with friends or are limited on space.

• The Kidney

First appearing in 1948 after Lawrence Halprin’s design was installed and photographed for many magazines, the kidney shaped pool quickly became a fashionable choice amongst architects looking to give a home a unique feature.

• The L

The L shape pool is perfect for those homeowners who are looking to have two different depths in their pool; with each length capable of being at different heights.

• Grecian/Roman

Similar to a rectangular pool, the Grecian or Roman pools feature semi circles at both ends and is a style famously used in some of the most luxurious pools around the world.