Each family backyard pool will be unique to that specific household for their particular needs. No two are exactly alike, and that doesn’t mean merely by shape. Some people invest in a system with a shallow section for small children while others want length and depth to perform laps. The great majority merely want a space where people can gather to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
A pool that will be used for parties and family gatherings needs to be designed with the people who will be using it into consideration. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to picking out an in-ground pool. Countless options are available to you, a multitude of accessories, and a variety of shapes and sizes.
One thing to determine in the planning phase is primarily who will be swimming and what type of swimming you anticipate. Whether it be exercise, play, sports, or just laps. You might have gatherings and parties, but these won’t be on an everyday basis. It needs to be designed for an average day of regular activity.
Deep Or Shallow
The first factor to consider is whether you will include a shallow end. Some pools don’t have these, especially if there are no children or seniors who intend to use it. If children are a part of the household, the shallow end should be of considerable size to accommodate many kids playing in the water safely away from the deeper side.
The section is typically approximately three feet in depth, which is appropriate for most average first-grade children and older. It’s the proper height to allow little heads to stay above the surface of the water with feet and toes flat on the floor of the pool. This area works well also for seniors to do water aerobics with a group of people spaced out comfortably.
Steps
Young or young at heart newbies to the water will appreciate steps to rest safely on as they tiptoe their way into the water little by little. There are a variety of designs for pool steps, but a broader option allows for a gradual approach and creates a sense of security for the swimmer. You can even sit on these and learn to kick or paddle without having to get into the shallow end until you’re confident enough.
Diving Boards / Slides / Accessories
Fun pool additions add extra excitement, especially for the older kids who all want to have the best residential diving board in the neighborhood along with other features that bolt-on but aren’t part of the actual pool structure.
Children (and adults) love adding accessories, so there can be endless games and a slide adds hours of entertainment.
With additions, consider safety first when choosing which to put on. It’s wise to allow professionals to attach the accessories.
Only incorporate a diving board into your design if you feel secure in your bigger kids jumping off into a water depth that meets the requirements. For a slide, make sure the water is deep enough where it’s situated for the kids to fall in without becoming injured.
It’s imperative to ensure the equipment is designed for your pool and has been installed correctly. Be sure to look for some guidelines on diving boards for homeowners.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember when there are children or seniors in the household is caution. Pool accessories are fun and add to the excitement, but these can prove to be dangerous. It’s not only the diving boards and the slides that prove to be a hazard, the noodles, floaters, balls, and all the toys left lying around the side or on the floor of the pool can instigate a fall.
A pool can prove to be a source of great enjoyment for the family. Still, it is also a significant responsibility, one that needs to be taken seriously, with everyone taking accountability.
Children need to be taught to pick everything up and put it away when through with their day, so no one falls or becomes injured. Adults need to instruct children on pool precautions, including using the various equipment properly, especially diving boards and slides.
Only kids of appropriate ages should be allowed to go on these types of equipment. No children of any age at any time should be left unsupervised while in or near the pool area.
There is a lot to take into consideration when designing your first in-ground pool. Ultimately, it boils down to making sure it allows for safe pool practices for everyone in the household and anyone visiting.
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