Buying guide

Which above-ground inflatable pool size? 3 m, 4 m, 5 m or 6 m

GIGI FRANCE8 June 20269 min read

All GIGI pools share the same rigid DWF construction and the same complete pack: 330 W sand filter, electric pump, repair kit. The choice between the 3 m, 4 m, 5 m, 6 m (round) models or the rectangular 3×2 and 4×3 comes down to four factors: the available space in your garden, the number of simultaneous swimmers, the logistics of filling with water, and your budget.

Full model comparison (1.5 m depth)

Round pools

Model	Diameter	Depth	Volume (90%)	Simultaneous swimmers	Filling time	Minimum footprint
Round 3 m	3 m	1.5 m	~8,000 L	2 adults	8–11 h	4 × 4 m
Round 4 m	4 m	1.5 m	~14,000 L	3–4 adults	14–19 h	5 × 5 m
Round 5 m	5 m	1.5 m	~21,000 L	5–6 adults	21–28 h	6 × 6 m
Round 6 m	6 m	1.5 m	~31,000 L	7–8 adults	31–42 h	7 × 7 m

Volumes calculated at 90% fill (water at ~1.35 m). Filling times based on a standard hose at 12–15 litres/minute.

Rectangular pools

Model	Dimensions	Depth	Volume (90%)	Simultaneous swimmers	Minimum footprint
Rect. 3×2 m	3 × 2 m	1.5 m	~8,000 L	2 adults	4 × 3 m
Rect. 4×3 m	4 × 3 m	1.5 m	~16,000 L	3–5 adults	5 × 4 m

Round 3 m — The accessible entry model

At 3 m in diameter, the round 3 m is the most accessible model in the GIGI range. It is not a "budget" version of the other models — the wall depth is identical at 1.5 m, the 330 W sand filter is the same, and the complete pack is included.

What 8,000 litres means. A standard 3 m inflatable at 90 cm depth holds approximately 4,800 litres. The GIGI round 3 m at 1.5 m holds 8,000 — 65% more, thanks to the depth.

Who swims comfortably in a round 3 m? Two adults can swim freely. Three adults is comfortable for recreational bathing. With four adults, you are doing water activities, not swimming. For a couple who want a genuine garden pool — or for a family where the main users are the parents — the round 3 m offers real depth without taking over the entire garden.

Footprint. The round 3 m requires approximately 4 × 4 m of flat surface. With 60 cm of clearance around it, approximately 5 × 5 m in total. A modest terrace or garden handles this without difficulty.

The filling advantage. At 8 to 11 hours, the round 3 m is ready for its first swim. Compared to 14–19 hours for the round 4 m or 31–42 hours for the round 6 m, this is a practical advantage if your water pressure is low or you want to minimise the wait before the first swim.

The limitation. The round 3 m is not a family pool for more than 3–4 people. If your children regularly invite friends over or you often have 6–8 swimmers, you will feel the constraint. The right question is: how many people are typically in the pool at the same time on a normal day, not on your largest occasion?

Round 4 m — The most versatile model

The round 4 m at 1.5 m is the most versatile choice in the GIGI range, and the one most families of 3–5 people select. The additional cost compared to the round 3 m buys 6,000 extra litres of volume and 1 m of extra swim diameter.

What 14,000 litres means. 14,000 litres places the GIGI round 4 m in the volumetric range of compact residential semi-buried pools. A 4 m steel-framed pool at 1.2 m depth holds approximately 10,000 litres. The GIGI 4 m holds 40% more thanks to the 1.5 m depth.

The swimming experience at 4 m. Two adults can swim at a comfortable pace. The pool diagonal is approximately 4 m — you turn every 4–5 seconds rather than every 2–3 seconds as in a 3 m model. Three to five people can be in the water simultaneously without getting in each other's way for recreational bathing.

The family use case. The round 4 m is the right choice for:

A family of 3–5 where adults and children swim regularly
A couple who want to use the pool for both exercise and relaxation
A garden installation where you want to comfortably accommodate 4–6 people in the water

What the round 4 m requires. A flat surface of minimum 5 × 5 m. With clearance, approximately 6.5 × 6.5 m. A standard-sized garden accommodates this without difficulty. Filling takes 14 to 19 hours — start in the evening and the pool is ready the following afternoon.

Round 5 m — For large families and spacious terraces

At 5 m in diameter and 21,000 litres, the round 5 m is the choice for large families, properties that regularly host groups, or short-term rental use where the pool is a centrepiece amenity.

21,000 litres in context. A standard residential oval in-ground pool at 3.5 m × 7 m and 1.5 m depth holds approximately 30,000 litres. The GIGI round 5 m offers 21,000 litres in a structure that installs in one hour and stores in a bag.

The swimming experience at 5 m. Three adults can swim simultaneously without significantly getting in each other's way. A family of 4–5 children can use the pool for group play with genuine depth. The diagonal of approximately 5 m offers a more comfortable swim path than the 4 m model.

Best for:

Families with 3 or more children who swim regularly
Homeowners who regularly host groups of 8–10 people
Short-term rentals where the pool is a primary feature of the listing
Spacious gardens where smaller models would look undersized

What the round 5 m requires. A flat surface of minimum 6 × 6 m. With clearance, approximately 7.5 × 7.5 m. Filling takes 21 to 28 hours — allow two days of planning before the first swim.

Round 6 m — The large format

At 6 m in diameter and 31,000 litres, the round 6 m is the largest rigid inflatable pool in the catalogue. Its volume is comparable to that of a small residential in-ground pool.

Best for:

Properties with large flat outdoor spaces
Very large families or big households
Professional use (gîtes, campsites, holiday lets)

What the round 6 m requires. A flat surface of minimum 7 × 7 m. With clearance, approximately 9 × 9 m. Filling takes 31 to 42 hours — plan two full days of filling.

A note on maintenance. 31,000 litres requires proportionally more treatment chemicals than smaller models — approximately 2 to 3 times the quantities of a round 3 m. The 330 W sand filter handles this volume effectively. Factor this into your annual maintenance budget accordingly.

The rectangular pools

Rect. 3×2 m — The compact model for constrained spaces

The rectangular 3×2 m is ideal for terraces, courtyards, or gardens with a constrained geometry where a round shape would not fit efficiently. Its footprint of 3 × 2 m (4 × 3 m with clearance) is the smallest in the catalogue.

Volume comparable to the round 3 m (~8,000 L), capacity for 2 adults. A good choice for a couple on an urban terrace or a narrow garden space.

Rect. 4×3 m — The family rectangular

The rectangular 4×3 m offers 16,000 litres for 3–5 adults in an elongated format. The rectangular shape makes doing lengths easier for swimmers who want exercise — even if the 4 m length is still short for true lap swimming, it is more fluid than in a round of equivalent diameter.

A good option for gardens with rectangular geometry or for swimmers who prefer a linear path.

Cross-cutting considerations

Your garden. The most common reason for choosing the round 3 m over the round 4 m is available space, not swimming preference. Measure your available flat surface before anything else. Include the 60 cm clearance around it — you need to be able to move around for maintenance.

The cost of water. Across Europe, the cost of filling depends on your local water tariff. As a rough guide, filling a round 4 m at 1.5 m (14,000 litres) represents between €20 and €60 depending on local rates. In some areas water is inexpensive; in others tariffs are higher. In areas subject to seasonal watering restrictions, check local rules before planning your installation.

Total cost with accessories. Pool covers are sized by model; ladders and accessories are compatible with all 1.5 m models. Calculate the total cost including desired accessories before comparing sizes.

Seasonal storage. All models deflate and pack down compactly. The round 6 m has a larger packed volume — roughly the equivalent of three large suitcases — but remains storable in a standard garage or utility room.

Three questions to decide

Question 1 — How many adults swim simultaneously on a regular basis?

1–2 adults: round 3 m or rect. 3×2 m
2–4 adults: round 4 m or rect. 4×3 m
4+ adults or large family with children: round 5 m
Groups of 8+ or professional use: round 6 m

Question 2 — What flat surface do you have available?

Less than 5 × 5 m: round 3 m or rect. 3×2 m / rect. 4×3 m only
5 × 5 m to 6 × 6 m: round 4 m
6 × 6 m to 7 × 7 m: round 5 m
More than 7 × 7 m: round 6 m

Question 3 — What is your total budget?

Modest: round 3 m or rect. 3×2 m
Standard: round 4 m or rect. 4×3 m — the best use/footprint/price ratio in the catalogue
High: round 5 m or 6 m with full accessories

If you are hesitating between two sizes, think about use in 5 years' time — children grow, habits change. The round 4 m is the most versatile because it works for days as a couple and days with guests, without feeling too small or taking over the garden.

Frequently asked questions

Which GIGI pool size is the most popular? The round 4 m at 1.5 m is the most commonly chosen model. It suits 3–5 swimmers, fits in most gardens (minimum 5 × 5 m), and offers the best balance of volume, filling time, and price for a family of 3–5.

Is the round 3 m large enough to swim in? The diagonal of the round 3 m is approximately 3 m. Two adults can swim with a few turns — this is recreational bathing. For swimming with more space, the round 4 m (4 m diagonal) or 5 m is more comfortable.

Do the rectangular models install in the same way? Yes. The process is identical to the round models: unfolding, inflation, connecting the filter, filling. The rectangular shape is simply better suited to elongated spaces or gardens with a constrained geometry.

Can you upgrade from 1.2 m to 1.5 m depth later? No. Depth is inherent to the product construction. Choose the depth that matches your use case from the outset. If your main use is genuine adult swimming, choose 1.5 m directly.

Compare all models and check availability: View GIGI pools. Same depth, same pack. Multiple sizes.

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