5 Tips For Designing Your Swim-Up Bar

Posted by  on 6 March, 2017

Swim-up bars provide an air of elegance and luxury for any pool. They’re easy to maintain and offer a resort-like quality to your backyard. If you’re looking to design a swim-up bar for your pool area, here are five tips to get you started.

  1. Consider Your Space

    Swim-up bars should be placed in shallow areas where the water level comes in at 30–42 in., so that you and your guests can sit comfortably, partially submerged, but with your arms free to enjoy drinks and snacks on the bar. Placing a swim-up bar in deeper water is next to impossible.

  2. Have a Seat

    When it comes to your swim-up bar, you want to have comfortable seating. Furthermore, seating should be built at a height that allows the person sitting to be partially submerged in water. The countertop should be positioned high enough to provide enough knee room for those seated at the bar. Finally, the counter should be at least 6 in. above the coping of the pool (the material used to cap the shell wall).

  3. Protect Your Guests

    Think about shade. Do you want to have your swim-up bar protected by an umbrella or trees? If you choose trees, remember that trees can lose their leaves and attract bugs which will lead to extra clean up. Umbrellas are easier to maintain since they can be cleaned with little effort. You can also opt to add another feature, such as a grotto, near your swim-up bar to provide shade without the use of trees or an umbrella.

  4. Work with the Pros

    Unless you’re a professional architect or swimming pool designer, you may want to work with a company that specializes in pools and pool accessories. There are specific details and dimensions that need to be observed when it comes to creating a swim-up bar. Whether you are looking to add one to your existing pool, or add an entire pool with a swim-up bar to your backyard, consult a professional to help you get it done. Also, do not attempt to construct your own swim-up bar. It may seem like an easy task but if you’re not a pro, you could become seriously injured or ruin your pool or backyard.

  5. Safety First

    As with any pool-centric offering, safety must always come first. If you have children, consider a swim-up bar that they cannot easily access, or stock it with non-alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, if you ever notice any of your guests has had a few too many, ensure that they stop swimming immediately.

  6. If you’re hoping to have a swim-up bar put into your existing pool, or looking to design one from scratch, we can help. Contact us for more information.