Pools are synonymous with fun, relaxation, and family bonding, but for parents, safety is always top of mind. According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, while 65% of parents are concerned about their child drowning in a pool, only 54% plan to enroll their children in formal swimming lessons. If your kids aren’t trained swimmers, Every Child a Swimmer is a great place to start that offers affordable yet effective lessons so your child can swim with confidence. In the meantime, incorporating kid-friendly features into your inground pool design is a good alternative to support their safety.
If you’re considering installing a pool or redesigning an existing one, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how to craft an inground pool design that prioritizes safety and fun for kids without compromising on style or functionality.
What Makes an Inground Pool Design Kid-Friendly?
When designing a pool with children in mind, safety should always come first, followed closely by usability and fun features. The best designs combine accessibility, intuitive safety mechanisms, and entertaining elements kids adore. Here are some perfect options for a kid-approved pool:
Zero-Entry Pools
Zero-entry (or beach-entry) pools feature a gradual slope that mimics walking into the ocean. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also incredibly practical for families with younger kids. This gently sloping design eliminates the need for stairs and ladders in the shallow end, making it safer and easier for toddlers or kids still learning to swim to get into the pool gradually.
Rectangular Pool Designs
When it comes to functionality, rectangular pools reign supreme. Their shape offers plenty of space for games and activities, whether it’s practicing laps or setting up a volleyball net across the pool. And for parents aiming to teach their kids to swim, the straight edges provide a clear trajectory for kicking and paddling practice.
Incorporate a Shallow End
A shallow end is a must-have in any kid-friendly pool. This designated shallow zone (typically 3 feet deep) ensures a safer space for younger swimmers. Including a substantial shallow area in your inground pool design also opens up more opportunities for water games and allows non-swimmers to enjoy the water with less risk.
Ladders and Wide Steps
Pools with thoughtfully designed access points enhance safety and usability significantly. Incorporate wide, slip-resistant steps to make entering and exiting the water easier. And in the deep end, sturdy ladders with handrails are also great additions for older kids or adults.
If aesthetics are a priority, seamless steps that blend into your pool’s design can maintain a sleek and modern look while serving their purpose perfectly.
Consider a Pool Fence
While not a design element inside the pool itself, installing a fence is arguably the most important feature of any child-friendly (or pet-friendly!) inground pool design. Pool fences create an extra barrier that significantly reduces the risk of unsupervised access to the pool. Look for fencing with self-latching gates and vertical bars to maximize safety.
Sun Shelf
Kids love variety, and incorporating a splash pad or designated sun shelf into your pool design is a surefire way to step up the fun factor. These shallow, interactive zones with water sprays or gentle fountains are perfect for children of all ages, creating an engaging play area while keeping them safe in shallow water. Another great option is incorporating bubblers into your sun shelf—it doubles as the perfect spot for kids to splash safely and stay cool.
Design Meets Safety with Oasis Pavers and Pools
Creating a kid-friendly inground pool design is about more than water features and aesthetics; it’s an investment in your family’s safety and enjoyment. With thoughtful decisions like zero-entry designs, clearly defined shallow zones, and reliable safety measures, your pool can become the ultimate family retreat.
Looking to build the perfect oasis tailored to your family? The experts at Oasis Pavers and Pools are here to bring your dream pool to life. From custom features to modern safety enhancements, we specialize in creating pools that maximize fun for the whole family. Start designing your kid-friendly pool today!
