How Deep Should Your Swimming Pool Be?

May 06, 2019

Just like the homes that have them, swimming pools come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and depths. How deep your swimming pool should be depends largely on your and your family’s needs and preferences.

Still, if you’re considering hiring a San Diego swimming pool remodeling service, there are a few pointers we can give you that can help you decide how you want to remodel your swimming pool. Keep reading to learn more.

Should my pool have a deep end?

Short answer: it depends. Long answer: as with other swimming pool features, whether your pool needs a deep end or not depends entirely on your personal situation and needs.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Are adults going to be making regular use of this swimming pool?
If the answer is yes, ask yourself if these adults will actually use the swimming pool to float or swim in deep water, or if they really just want to enjoy a cold drink and relax in a watery lounge?
Is the swimming pool going to be used primarily by children?
Digging a deeper swimming pool costs more than digging a shallow one. Does the difference in price matter to you?
Is there anyone in your household, such as a disabled person in a wheelchair, an individual who can’t swim, or a person of advanced age, to whom the deeper end of the pool may pose a life-threatening hazard?

The answers to these questions will help you make the right decision. If you’re still unsure, you can always visit a public pool such as the Ned Baumer Aquatic Center and see for yourself how much you enjoy (or not) the deeper pools.

How deep should shallow end of pool be?

Again, this depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you have small children who are going use the pool a lot, then safety comes first. On the other hand, if the pool is primarily going to be used by adults or teenagers, you can simply replace the shallow end with a lounging end.

As a rule of thumb, there should be multiple swimming pool depths that include:

Kiddie play area, which can also serve as a tanning area, should be between 18 inches and 3.5 feet deep.
Lounging area is designed to allow people to sit in the pool without the water getting above their waists. It should be between 3.5 and 4 feet deep.
Games and laps area is intended for activities like volleyball, basketball, and even water aerobics. It should be between 4 and 6 feet deep to allow a free range of motion.
Diving area must be 8 feet deep at the very least, with 12 feet being the recommended depth to avoid accidents.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, the owner. However, whatever you decide, you should always make sure your swimming pool observes relevant California pool laws and regulations.

Consider getting these swimming pool accessories:

A diving board is a great option for experienced swimmers.
Pool slides can add that extra bit of fun.
Steps and ladders can make getting in and out of the pool considerably easier.
Pool lights give your swimming pool an eye-catching look.
A fountain or geyser makes your pool not only prettier, but also fun to play around in.
Alarms and safety equipment that will help you prevent accidental or intentional tampering.

Reliable San Diego swimming pool remodeling at your fingertips

So Cal Custom Pools & Spas is San Diego’s finest supplier of modern swimming pools and spas. We boast a crew of award-winning pool builders who can provide you with the swimming pool of your dreams quickly, reliably, and at a competitive price.