Search

Best 8 Pool Design Software for 2025 (Free and Paid Options)

Updated
12 min Read

Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of a backyard oasis or a professional designer working on client projects, pool design software is an essential tool. The right software lets you visualize, customize, and plan your swimming pool design with precision and ease. From experimenting with different shapes and layouts to adding landscaping features, these programs help bring your vision to life.

If you’re searching for the best pool design software, this guide covers top options that cater to various needs and skill levels. Whether you want advanced 3D modeling capabilities or are looking for free pool design software to get started without investment, there’s something here for you.

Contents

What is Pool Design Software?

Pool design software is a tool used to create, visualize, and plan swimming pools. It allows you to design in both 2D and 3D, experiment with different layouts, materials, and features, and simulate realistic effects like lighting and water flow. Whether you’re designing a backyard oasis or a professional pool project, these software tools provide the necessary features to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and creativity.

 

How to Choose Pool Design Software?

Before we go any further, you can check out some of the key factors that will help you choose the best pool design software that meets your needs, aligns with your skill level, and delivers the best value for you.

 

1.  Core Features and Functionality

  • Compatibility: It’s important to ensure that the software could support different file formats so that the design viewed by everyone is same. Otherwise, it may lead to misunderstanding and inaccurate design.
  • User Interface: A clean, intuitive user interface will not require a steep learning curve and help experienced users streamline the design process.
  • Customization: Customization is essential for creating unique designs. The best pool design software should include some tools that allow you to adjust pool dimensions, shapes, and materials easily, such as parametric design and flexiblock.
  • Library of Templates: Rich pre–made components may help you design quicker and easier. But remember to check the template is suitable for your design standards because it may vary from countries to countries.

 

2.  Pricing

  • Cost vs. Features: It’s important to evaluate the software’s price in relation to the features offered. Some programs may be more expensive with more advanced functionality, while others may provide good value with basic tools. Determine whether the cost fits your budget and if the software offers sufficient value for your money.
  • Subscription vs. Perpetual License: One–time purchase, yearly subscription or monthly subscription? Consider which model works best for your long-term needs and whether you prefer paying annually or monthly.

 

3.  User Reviews

  • Customer Feedback: Customer reviews and testimonials can give you valuable insight into the software’s reliability, ease of use, and performance. Look for reviews that highlight the software’s strengths and potential drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision.

 

Top 8 Best Pool Design Software of 2025

The following list presents the top 8 pool design software of 2025, selected based on their features, pricing, and overall value. Each program has its unique strengths and is suited for different user needs.

 

Top 1 ZWCAD

ZWCAD is a powerful CAD software widely used for 2D and 3D design, offering advanced tools for drafting and modeling. It supports a wide range of file formats, making it a versatile choice for professionals across multiple industries, including pool design.

ZWCAD

Core Features:

  • Strong Compatibility: ZWCAD supports a variety of file formats, including DWG, DXF, DWS, DWT and PDF, making it compatible with other CAD programs. No worries about messy pool design files: when working with other designers, your files will open properly as intended.
  • 2D & 3D Design: ZWCAD offers both 2D and 3D design tools, allowing for comprehensive pool layouts and detailed visualizations. In ZWCAD, you can create 2D pool designs and bring them to life with 3D visualization.
  • Customization: ZWCAD‘s customizable interface and powerful features like parametric design, Flexiblock would allow you to tailor the software to specific workflows, enhancing efficiency and automated tasks for a seamless design experience.
  • Outstanding Performance: ZWCAD would enable you to switch smoothly between different CAD software, open large files faster, and run without lag or stuttering during use.

 

Pricing:

  • Perpetual license: ZWCAD offers a free trial and flexible licensing options to fit various user needs. There are three versions of licenses: standard, professional and MFG. The price is $899~ $1699 without any other additional fees. Once you buy it, you own it forever.

User Review:

  • ZWCAD has built a strong reputation, earning glowing compliments and trust from users worldwide.

ZWCAD's user review

Note:

ZWSOFT has released ZWCAD Flex, a subscription-based CAD solution currently available exclusively in the United States and Canada.

Users outside these regions are encouraged to contact their local ZWSOFT sales team to explore perpetual license options for ZWCAD.

 

Top 2 BricsCAD

BricsCAD is an advanced CAD software tailored to engineers, architects, and designers, offering robust 2D drafting and 3D modeling capabilities.

BricsCAD

Core Features:

  • 2D & 3D Design: BricsCAD‘s robust 2D drafting and 3D modeling capabilities will empower you to create precise, efficient, and visually stunning designs let alone pool visualizations.
  • Extensive Traning Resources: It offers tutorials, documentation, and webinars that let you make the most out of the software. Bricsys’ dedicated support team is also readily available to assist you 24/7.
  • Intuitive Pool Design: A robust toolset and an intuitive interface will support your creative process. It allows you to sketch intricate pool layouts, design water features, and landscaping, and simulate lifelike renderings.

 

Price:

  • Flexible Licensing: one–year subscription: $314~$711; three–year subscription: $850~$1910; perpetual license: $708~$1596.

 

 

Top 3 Pool Studio

Pool Studio is a specialized 3D pool design software that allows users to create highly detailed pool layouts, including water features and landscaping.

Poolstudio

Core Features:

  • 3D Rendering: Pool Studio excels in producing high-quality 3D renderings that allow you to visualize your pool design in great detail.
  • Landscape Models: It provides an extensive library of landscaping models, including plants, furniture, and pool materials, enabling the design of both pools and surrounding areas.
  • Customization: Pool Studio offers a variety of customizable features, including pool shapes, sizes, and finishes, giving users flexibility in their designs.

 

Pricing:

  • Subscription: $97–$197/month;$1008–$2004/year.

 

 

Top 4 LibreCAD (Free)

LibreCAD is an open-source pool design software free to use for 2D drawings available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

LibreCAD

Core Features:

  • Customization: The interface in LibreCAD is intutive and customizable.You can also add dimensions, text, and annotations to your pool drawings that convey your design ideas.
  • Open-source and Free: Being open-source, it is free to use and supported by a community of developers. No matter the challenge you encounter, you can rely on the community’s expertise and assistance through forums, wikis, and online resources.

 

Pricing:

  • Free: LibreCAD makes it easy to start your pool design for free.

 

 

Top 5 SmartDraw

SmartDraw is an affordable web-based 2D design tool that offers a free trial for designing pools online. You can access your pool designs from anywhere, at any time.

SmartDraw

Core Features:

  • Comprehensive Tools: There are many tools specifically tailored for pool design to effortlessly create stunning and accurate pool layouts.
  • Easy Use of Functionality: SmartDraw’s drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the process of designing pools by allowing users to easily place pool shapes, adjust dimensions, and add features like steps, decks, and water slides with precision.
  • Strong Collaboration: By integrating seamlessly with other popular design tools and platforms like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, it leads to flexibility for remote work and collaboration through shared projects.

 

Pricing:

  • Subscription: Individual version: $131.4 per year; Team version(max:3 users): $119.4 per year

 

 

Top 6 Planner 5D (Free)

Planner 5D is a popular free online tool that allows users to create room design and interior decoration in 2D & 3D without any special skills.

Planner 5D

Core Features:

  • Beginner-friendly: The drag-and-drop functionality would not require a steep learning curve for beginners. Special and professional skills of advanced CAD softwares are less needed.
  • 2D and 3D Design: Planner 5D allows you to create both 2D and 3D designs.The 3D rendering feature provides a realistic and immersive experience. It is said to take only seconds to convert a 2D design to a fully-furnished 3D mockup, which is faster than most similar software.
  • Library of Pool-Specific Objects: The software includes a library of pool-related elements, including water features, pool furniture, and landscaping objects.

 

Pricing:

  • Free Version: Free with unlimited amount of projects.
  • Paid Version: Monthly subscription: $19.99 for premium version, $49.99 for professional version; Yearly subscription: $59.99 for premium version, $399.99 for professional version.

 

 

Top 7 Realtime Landscaping Architect

Realtime Landscaping Architect is a CAD software available for Windows 10/11 that is widely used by architects and home designers. It enables you to design both above-ground pools and below-ground pools with ease.

Realtime Landscaping Architect

Core Features:

  • Pre-designed Pool Shapes: You can choose from a wide range of pre-designed pool shapes, materials, water features, landscaping elements, and furniture to create a custom design that suits your style and preferences.
  • Customized Lighting Condition: This landscape design software also lets you add a pool light and adjust the lighting condition as needed. When done, you can change between the 2D plan view and the 3D perspective view in just a click.
  • Cloud Storage: You can upload your pool plan to a cloud storage service, print it, or send it to your client by email.

 

Pricing:

  • Perpetual License: $599 one-time purchase.

 

 

Top 8 Pool Templates Pro-Suite

Pool Templates Pro-Suite is a specialized design and estimating tool tailored to pool builders and contractors. It combines pool design features with powerful cost estimation and scheduling tools.

Pool Templates Pro-Suite

Core Features:

  • 2D & 3D Design: It not only enables quick creation of detailed 3D, 2D, and 1D pool plans, including plumbing and electrical layouts, integrated with Microsoft Excel for accurate cost estimation, but produces realistic 4K 3D renderings and permit-ready construction plans.

 

  • Specialized Tools: The software includes fast, specialized pool design and estimating tools that help estimate costs and materials, streamlining the pool construction process.

 

Pricing:

  • Perpetual License: Starts at $495 (one-time purchase)

 

Comparing Pool Design Software

Now that you have a basic understanding of each pool design CAD software from the breakdown above, the table below offers a clear, visual comparison of their key differences to help you quickly find the best fit.

Software Name Pricing Pros Cons Best for
ZWCAD One-time purchase: $899 • Support parametric design.
• Support 2D & 3D design in all industries.
• Offer a wide range of tools and add-ons.
• Allow one-step migration.
• Smooth and stable performance.		 • Support Windows and Linux but Linux is only available in Chinese.
• Not developed specifically for pool design, so the number of pre-made components is less.		 Engineers,
architects,
manufacturers,
product designers
BricsCAD One-time purchase: $708~$1596
Subscription: $314~$711/year,
$850~1910/3 years		 • Offer online training and YouTube videos.
• Allow migration from other pool design software.
• Offer tools for civil/survey, mechanical, and BIM.		 • Some features are missing and unavailable in BricsCAD.
• Creating and designing in 3D layout may stutter.
• Only support Windows.		 Engineers, manufacturers,
product designers
Pool Studio Subscription: $97–$197/month;$1008–$2004/year. • A vast and versatile library.
• Draw in 2D and visualize in 3D.
• Provide surface options of types of materials.		 • Steep learning curve for beginners.
• 3D rendering is more likely to be cartoony, not realistic.		 Pool designer
LibreCAD (Free) Free • Free and open-source to use.
• Support various operating systems.
• Offer manuals and assistance in its forum.		 • Lack of advanced features.
• Only provide basic 2D functions and no 3D model.
• Unstable system requires frequent updates.		 Designers, beginners,
students, hobbyists
SmartDraw Yearly subscription:
$131.4 (Individual)
$119.4 (Team)		 • Compatible with apps and platforms.
• Allow cloud storage.
• Share drawings in PNG/SVG or as a link.
• Offer a library of templates and symbols.		 • Rely on a good network.
• Instability occurs when loading bigger files.		 Professionals, designers,
architects
Planner 5D (Free) Free version;
Paid version: $19.99~$49.99/month;
$59.99~$399.99/year		 • Provide 3D models and objects.
• Enable 360° panorama viewing.
• Offer realistic 3D rendering.		 • Break down under bad connection.
• Laggy performance and limited tools.
• Lack of precision and accuracy in printing.		 Designers, hobbyists
Realtime Landscaping Architect One-time purchase: $599 • Thousands of pre-designed pool components.
• Offer infinity-edge effects.		 • Only support Windows 10 and 11.
• Some tools are not available in basic version.		 Landscaping and house designers
Pool Templates Pro-Suite One-time purchase: $495 • Specialized pool design and estimating tools.
• Realistic 3D renderings and permit-ready plans.
• Excel integration for accurate cost estimates.
• One-time purchase, no monthly fees.		 • Windows only.
• Steep learning curve for beginners.		 Pool builders and designers

 

Choosing the Right Software for Your Needs

When comparing pool design software, consider factors such as core features, pricing, learning curve, and compatibility with your operating system. Make sure to choose the software that best fits your needs, whether you’re looking for advanced tools or simple, easy-to-use design options.

● Try ZWCAD if you want to maximize the benefits of your purchase. Becuase you can not only make your pool design come true but provide more features and functionalities.
● Try LibreCAD or Planner5D if you’re a beginner who is looking for free pool design software.
● Try Pool Studio and Realtime if you’re a professional pool designer who is looking for a vast library of pre-designed pool templates and convenient pool design mesurements in the industry.

 

FAQs About Pool Design Software

1.  How Can Pool Design Software Help in Creating the Perfect Swimming Pool?

Pool design software offers a range of tools to streamline the planning and visualization process, helping you create a customized swimming pool that meets your specific needs and preferences. In addition, many software options support widely-used file formats, allowing you to share your pool designs with team members, clients, or contractors, regardless of the software they are using. With these capabilities, the software ensures that your design process is efficient and that your final vision can be communicated clearly, no matter where or how the team views it.

 

2.  Why Compatibility Is Important in Pool Design Software?

Compatibility is crucial when multiple users are involved in the design process. Look for software that supports various file formats, allowing team members, contractors, and clients to view and modify designs on different devices. It ensures a smooth collaborative workflow without technical barriers.

 

3.  Are there Free Pool Design Software Options Available?

Yes, there are free pool design software options available like LibreCAD and Planner 5D. While these may have fewer features compared to paid versions, they still offer basic tools for creating pool designs. Free versions are a good starting point for hobbyists or those working on smaller projects.

 

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right pool design software depends on your goals, budget, and level of expertise.

For beginners, LibreCAD and Planner 5D offer accessible, free options, while professionals might prefer software like ZWCAD or Pool Studio for their advanced features and customization capabilities. Whatever your needs, the right software can help bring your dream pool to life.