When it comes to pool safety for kids, imagine yourself at their size and with their swimming ability. Then plan your pool design accordingly. One of the main considerations to keep in mind is the depth of your swimming pool.

Keep the Depth Shallow Overall or Add a Shallow End

One of the best ways to keep kids who may not know how to swim or aren’t strong swimmers yet safe in the pool is to keep it shallow enough for them to stand with their heads above the water. If you have older kids and adults who will frequently be using the pool, you may want to include both a deep and a shallow end so there’s a place for everyone to swim comfortably. The more young children you are going to have in the pool, the larger you’ll want your shallow end to be. This area of the pool should be around three feet deep. Kids of average height who are around the age of six should be able to play safely in your shallow end.

Always remember, though, that even in the shallow end you need to have a designated responsible adult keeping a close eye on the kids at all times. Getting a pool safety divider rope to mark where the shallow end stops is also a smart way to help keep children safe in the water.

Pave Around the Pool With Tiny Bare Feet in Mind

The most common option for paving around a backyard in-ground pool is textured concrete. That’s because it’s durable enough to stand the test of time. As far as safety and comfort go, however, textured concrete has its drawbacks. It can be hard on the feet, especially those that have gotten all soft and wrinkly from long swimming sessions in the pool. It can also wreak havoc on inflatable pool toys. As an alternative, many pool owners with children seek out a poured paving alternative. You could go with pool tiles or some other type of decking materials, but it’s important to choose the right ones.

Look for Kid-friendly Decking Material

Ask yourself and your pool supply retailer the following questions when you’re thinking about what type of pool area paving materials to use:

1. Is this material abrasive or gentle on tender feet?
2. Is this material slippery or slip-resistant when it gets wet?
3. Is this material so hard that it would easily injure someone if they fell on it?
4. Does this material absorb or repel heat when left in the sun?

The best choices will be easy on the feet, slip-resistant, forgiving in slip and fall accidents, and easy to walk on comfortably when the decking material is soaking up full sunlight.

Designing your pool with built-in safety features such as wide steps, sitting ledges, designated shallow ends, and kid-friendly paving makes good common sense. You’ll be able to spend less time worrying about safety and enjoy more quality time with your family. In our next article below, we’ll take a look at another important factor when it comes to designing your family pool: fun!

View available swimming pool financing programs for North Carolina Call Lyon Financial today at 877.693.8812 for the financing you need to make the memories you deserve!