Deciding on the Size and Depth of Your Swimming Pool

How to Choose Swimming Pool Size and Depth

The shape and size of your pool should be determined according to the type of usage the pool will get: a purely recreational pool needs a large shallow area and any shape will do, while a pool built for swimming laps should have a long, straight section with parallel ends. If you want to make swimming a part of your daily workout, but have limited room in your backyard, a swim spa might be the best option for you.

Recreational pool users, particularly children, don't require great depth and it is adequate to provide a sloped floor which goes from a minimum depth of 36 inches, to a maximum of 4 or 5 feet. A purely recreational pool also does not need to be any particular shape, so you can pick a shape to complement your lot. On the other hand, athletic swimmers need a long and narrow space with at least 4-5 feet depth throughout, to avoid touching the bottom while swimming, and to ensure that tumble turns at the pool's ends can be executed safely. For competitive swimmers in training, providing a length of 75 feet will enable them to develop a swimming style usable in competition.

It is possible to accommodate both recreational and athletic needs by having a hybrid shape and depth, like an “L” shaped pool, where the shallow, short leg is large enough for fun and games while the longer leg is designed for lap swimmers.

Further options to consider are provision of a diving area or water slide, and a wading area for small children. While diving boards and water slides are popular there is considerable debate regarding the required depth and diving well size for optimal safety. Consider the depth factor carefully with your swimming pool contractor. Or, you may choose to forgo the idea altogether to avoid tempting untrained people, particularly children, from participating in these inherently risky activities.

A wading pool, on the other hand, is relatively safe, but small kids will quickly outgrow it and join the rest of the family in the main pool. A reasonable alternative is to build a separate wading pool that can later be converted into a spa.

Choosing the Best Pool Shape for Your Back Yard >>