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Nothing quite beats lounging around a pool in the summer, or if it’s heated, even in the chilly winter air. And like most things in life, it’s an experience enhanced by good company and people you can rely on. So, you likely want a pool not just for you, but for all your family and loved ones.
Still, there are actually a few unique considerations you’ll have to make when designing a family pool. We’re here to run through those factors, helping to ensure that you’re satisfied with whatever you end up with!
1. How deep can you go?
This is a major consideration that has a lot to do with the safety of children, and shorter, less proficient swimmers in the family.
You should figure out if you need to have a shallow end in your pool; some do, and some don’t. For instance, if you want your pool to be welcoming to small children, you will likely want to ensure that there is a dedicated shallow side for them to safely swim.
Ideally, the shallow end water should be about three feet deep, making it safe for pretty much any kid from first grade and up. Of course, if your family is grown and confident in their swimming, you can just leave it all deep, thus giving you more swimming room across the entire length of the pool.
2. Steps
Another consideration is whether or not you want pool steps. These can be very helpful for those learning about swimming because they can very slowly walk in and test their ability on each level.
There are several different styles available, and we would recommend that you use wide steps that create a more gradual experience instead of a more rapid drop-off. They’re safe, and kids can paddle and kick in the water without having to fully go into the shallow end.
If you have really small children, consider including a tanning ledge. These are basically just elongated step treads that work both as a relaxing area for adults, and also as a great space for a smaller swimmer to gain their water wings in relative safety. You can even hold your baby or toddler in your arms while you sit on these aforementioned steps.
3. Water Slides and Other Fun
This is a much more fun-focused option that may be better for teens and slightly older kids.
The pool doesn’t have to be all about relaxing. Consider installing a fiberglass water slide, as not only will it look amazing, but it’ll provide a whole new dimension of fun to your pool. This way, you can mix up what the family does, with some relaxing by the sides and swimming, while others come down the slide at fast, but safe, velocities.
Of course, water slides aren’t the be-all and end-all of fun in the pool. You can also consider the time-tested classic: the diving board. Children and adults will love this add-on for all the fun it adds. Cheaper additions for more enjoyment include a small volleyball net so you can play summer beach ball.
However, make sure to not forget about safety. Ensure that the diving board has ample depth in front of it, and make sure that the slide you put up is safe, has a good amount of waiting room, and deposits riders into a sufficiently deep area of the pool.
Don’t skimp here; use safe equipment and keep all your other considerations in mind while not forgetting about the fun.
4. Bench Seating
Adding to the variety of using a pool is a potential setting space like you might find in public pools.
Basically, this is a bench around the edge of your pool that allows people to sit comfortably and relax without needing to exert constant effort to float. It’s a perfect contrast to the more active fun that your kids might have, and lets you watch them while you recline and perhaps even read a book.
Of course, this also acts as a resting point for anyone in your family, meaning you can make the deep end safer for your kids with an easy resting point, while also easing the burden on older family members who can’t go for too long before exhausting themselves.
5. The Floor
Another interesting consideration that you might not think of immediately is how you want your pool floor to look in your gunite concrete pool. This is a decision that matters much more to adults who are concerned about aesthetics, as well as those who care about the resale value of their home.
There are many choices you can make here in terms of how you want to decorate while keeping a budget in mind. It may make sense to splurge on something that can briefly entertain your kids, like a mosaic turtle or a game board, or you can choose something more eternal and less likely to grow tired, like a swirl of purple and blue.
Regardless, you can generally use a pretty basic bottom, meaning you can switch things up for the older and younger kids and adults.
Closing Thoughts
There’s a lot to consider when designing a pool for a family, with the main focus largely being on providing access to resources and comfort for your younger kids. However, there are also concerns that matter to the adults, and you don’t want to prioritize one group over another. It’s all about safety and fun.
By now, you’ve likely run through the various facets of designing a pool. Still, if you want to streamline this process and get some more insight into the design, why not try the pool installation services at Solda Pools? We offer kid-friendly design options, targeting specifically inground pools and spas . If you’re interested, call us at 905-796-6500 or reach out to us through our convenient and easily-accessible web page here.
