A common question every pool design company in Arizona gets: what depth should my swim and play pool be? While every pool building in Phoenix will happily give you their best recommendation, the choice is really yours to make.
One of the best things about swim and play pools is that—with a little forethought—they can really work for everyone, from family-friendly fun to adults-only enjoyment. So choosing the right swim and play depth really depends on what kind of pool experience you want for yourself and your family. There are a lot of things to think about, from the age of your kids to how long you plan to stay in the home. But at the end of the day, it comes down to how you answer two major questions.
WHO’S GOING IN THE POOL?
Swim and play pools are typically built more the play factor rather than the swim factor, though if you do have an avid swimmer in the household, it may be nice to create a space for them to swim several strides without hitting a wall.
You also want to think about the age and size of those who will be using the pool a lot. For instance, if you have very young children, you may want to aim for a shallower play depth they’ll be happy to use for the next several years. If your children are a little older, you can go a bit deeper.
Generally speaking, swim and play pools are anywhere from 4 feet to 6 feet in depth, though you can create a shallower end for little ones to enjoy safely.
SHASTA TIP: Consider adding a beach entry to your pool to create a shallow play space for children and pets.
WILL YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR POOL OR ADD FEATURES IN THE FUTURE?
Your needs and even your lifestyle can change over time, so it’s nice to include features in a pool that can easily be converted in the future.
For example, if you currently have or plan to create a lap pool with a pool depth of 4 to 6 feet, you can easily connect a “wading pool” that is no more than a few inches in depth to the main pool when you have children. As those children grow and the wading area is no longer necessary, it can then be converted into a spa.
You’ll also want to think about what other features you may want to add or enhance in the future. Maybe you don’t have the budget now for something like a water slide, spa or tanning ledge, but you can see adding features in the coming yours. Some features will require greater (or shallower) pool depths, which are far more easily and economically planned for during the pool’s construction phase than trying to change it later.
