I would want a pool to exercise in, so would want it to be long, kidney shaped pools are more for playing in as you wouldn't be able to get a good workout. So a long infinity pool would be my choice.

Shannon

There's nothing quite like an infinity pool

Long infinity pools also look stunning, especially if you have the view to go with it, as they seem to go on forever!

For exercise we wouldn't recommend a pool under 12m or you'll spend most of your time turning in choppy water. Alternatively you could go for a smaller pool, of any shape, with a swim-jet built in.

Newer swim-jet systems now feature a broader, more even and adjustable, stream of current making them feel more natural for a great workout experience.

Aquaspheric - Which do you find is most popular in the UK?

I grew up in a house with a kidney shaped pool and it always seemed like an awkward shape. infinity pools look beautiful, have also seen some natural looking pools that blend in better with their environment than super contemporary design and materials.

Most of the pools we build and see in the UK are the classic rectangle probably due to practicality more than any other reason. They're more compatible with automatic covers, the swimming area is greater, heat loss & evaporation is less than with an infinity pool and they're a safer option if you're considering resale value as free-form/kidney shapes can be a bit like marmite to some.

But rectangles needn't be boring! We're finding an increasing trend of adding features like integrated spas, sun-decks, multi-coloured lighting, bubble jets cascades & fountains to name but a few.

Swimming ponds have been an interesting development in the UK recently coinciding with the rise of open water swimming - though they have been around since the 80s in Germany. They rely on more natural solutions for water quality such as gravel beds, plantlife and zooplankton.

Love that last idea of adding a more bespoke feature to spice up the rectangle shape.