There are a whole host of reasons why people decide to install private swimming pools on their properties. Some want their own backyard oasis to relax and unwind in after a long day of work. Others are looking for a convenient place to exercise without having to join a local gym. People with children often choose to get a pool so they can have fun, build special memories, and connect with their kids. In this series of articles, we’ll take a look at some of the main features to consider when it comes to designing a fun, safe, and family-friendly pool.

Design With Safety in Mind

When you plan a private pool design, it’s vital to keep the size, maturity, and ability level of each regular swimmer in mind. Safety should always be the first and foremost consideration. Though you’ll likely want to add extra safety features later on – such as a barrier, alarm, and pool safety cover – we’ll start by looking at the pool design itself. How can you make your pool as safe for your young children to swim in as possible? Here are some helpful ideas.

Include Wide Steps Leading Into the Pool

There are several types of pool entry designs, such as ladders, steps, and even zero gravity ramps. If you have young children who are just learning to swim, then wide steps, also known as “learn-to-swim steps,” are a great feature to add to your pool. Since they’re wider than typical steps, your little ones can take their time moving from step to step as they enter the water. There’s even room for you to sit on these oversized steps with your child. Toddlers love to play on them even if they’re not yet comfortable going all the way into the pool.

Install a Sitting or Tanning Ledge

In case you’re not familiar with these wonderful features, a sitting ledge is a shelf that sticks out about a foot from the side of your pool at a depth of two feet below the surface of the water. It can also be referred to as a tanning ledge. It serves a dual purpose. For those who want to place a chaise lounge or chair on it, they can use it to sit at about the level of the water’s surface and catch some rays while still being able to feel the coolness of the water nearby. For young children, this shelf can serve as the perfect hangout spot as they’re still learning to be comfortable in the water.

You can get a ledge on just one small portion of your pool wall or one that runs all the way around the interior of your pool. They’re a great place for swimmers to take a quick break if they get tired. These ledges are also the ideal spot for a parent or grandparent to sit while holding a young child in the water. They give the adult supervisor a relaxing spot to sit where they can remain within close reach of beginning swimmers at all times.

In our next article below, we’ll consider a couple of other safety features you may want to include in your family-friendly pool design. Then we’ll move on to discuss some other ideas that can make your pool a fun place to be for both parents and kids alike.

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!