Okay, so you have decided that you want to install a swimming pool in your backyard. This means countless hours of fun and frolic for the whole family and great physical health as well! Even so, before you get too ahead of yourself, it’s time for you to sit down and decide the main purpose of the swimming pool and how deep you want it to be.
How To Decide Depth Of Your Swimming Pool?
The depth of the pool is way more important than you think it is. The depth of the pool can be a very big deciding factor for the type of activities you can do in it. There are various types of pools, with various purposes and suggested depths for each, so make sure that you and your family are on the same page when it comes to installing a pool in your backyard.
Most Common Swimming Pool Purposes
- Swim training is fit for those who want to swim competitively or want to work on their swimming skills.
- For diving
- For spending time with the family and kids, playing, splashing around
- For physiotherapy purposes
- For all of the above, a multipurpose swimming pool
Each of these has different depth requirements. Make your pool’s purpose your starting point!
How Deep Are Swimming Pools On Average?
On average, research has shown that 8 feet are the depth of a backyard pool that most people often go for. However, this average depth is required for pools with a diving board, because anything less than 8 feet can be quite dangerous for divers.
But if diving is not the purpose of your pool, then you can even go for something less than 8 feet, which can be safer for those who are not yet comfortable with swimming or for children too. You don’t want to invest a whole lot in a pool that members of your family will be scared to use, we suggest you sit down with the family and decide as a unit.
What Pool Depth Is Right For You?
The suggested depth of your swimming pool depends on the utility of the pool.
If you plan to use your pool for diving practice, then the minimum depth needs to be 8 feet. The depth can increase to up to 12 feet for utmost comfort and safety. The 8 feet limit is the minimum you ought to have if you have diving boards installed. Now that diving boards are not so prevalent anymore, many diving pools stop at an 8-feet depth.
If you want to use your pool for light water sports and do some laps during the day, you can go for a depth of 4 feet to 6 feet, where the shallow end is 4 feet deep, and the deep end is 6 feet deep.
If your swimming pool is primarily designed for children, then consider a pool between 18 inches and 3.5 feet deep. This height is not only perfect for toddlers but can also be great for a child who has just started learning to swim.
If you just want a pool to laze and lounge around in, you don’t need a lot of depth. The ideal depth for this purpose is 3.5 to 4 feet.
What Are Multiple-Depth Swimming Pools?
Multiple-depth swimming pools are among the most popular swimming pool layouts in the world. These pools typically have varying depths within them; one end is the shallow end, and the other, is the deep one.
Multiple-depth swimming pools are fit to accommodate different needs and purposes of different people and are way more versatile than regular single-depth swimming pools. The shallow end of a multiple-depth swimming pool most often starts from 3.5 feet but can be made shallower, depending on your requirement.
What are some factors to consider before deciding the depth of the pool for your family?
🏊Purpose of the pool
How you plan on using this pool will really impact the decision you make regarding your pool depth. The purpose of your pool can be anything from teaching toddlers how to swim to doing rigorous swim training to become the next Michael Phelps.
🏊Safe height for adults
If this swimming pool is primarily built for adults, then the shallow end of the pool should not be less than 3.5 feet. Anything less than that can really harm the people swimming and can seriously injure them.
🏊Safety of children
If your pool is specifically to keep the little ones in your home entertained, then 2.5 to 3.5 feet is ideal for them. With such a shallow depth, you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on them all the time, this relieves some stress so both you and your child can have a great time!
🏊Is the pool made for diving?
A minimum depth of 8 feet is mandatory if you are making a pool for diving.
🏊Your budget for the pool
Depending on your budget you can get as fancy as you like with the design of the pool. Pool technology has come a long way and the possibilities for designing your new pool can be endless! Take some time, think of what you want your pool to look like, keep your budget in mind, and work your way towards it accordingly. Keep in mind – that the deeper the pool, the more expensive it will be.
Safety Considerations For You And Your Family
To ensure that you and your family are safe while using the pool, please make sure to keep in mind the swimming expertise and the ages of all the members of the family. Once you have a consensus, the decision has been made for you!
Additional Read 12 Things to Know Before Building Your First Swimming Pool