Entry options
The next area of concern is pool entry. There are virtually no slides, diving boards or plastic stair treads included in the design of higher-end pool projects. Alternatives to these entry options are much more esthetically pleasing. For example, jumping rocks, ledges and walls make suitable alternatives to diving boards and slides, while there are also numerous alternatives for pool entry steps. For instance, steps that span the full width or length of the pool create a statement, while shallow lounging areas provide a safe refuge and entertainment area for infants, children, adults and seniors. Pool entries can be further enhanced by using finishing options such as tile, natural stone or any number of pool interior finishes.
Client safety is paramount when designing and installing pool entries. Design details such as rounded edges, proper rise-and-run stair treads with highlight tile details, illumination and non-slip treatment for all surfaces are crucial to bather safety.
Exits should be provided from the pool’s shallow and deep ends, as a tired, weak or inexperienced swimmer needs a safe, quick exit from the water.
Pool depth
Endless debates are centred on the pool’s depth profile. Today, design trends are slanted toward shallow, sport-style pools, while centre-deep designed pools are also gaining popularity.
Centre-deep pools are practical because they enable bathers to effectively swim, jump and play in one body of water. When a swimmer jumps or dives into these pools from the end, they are always landing in the deeper centre portion of the pool, unlike a traditional pool where the diving board is pointed towards shallow water.
Shallow-depth pools offer several other practical benefits, including:
- Lower construction costs (less fill to remove and less concrete/surface area to finish);
- Easier to work without ladders; and
- Less likely to encounter ground water.
It is rare for pool builders to charge more for a deep pool, even though the costs are definitely higher. Most projects are quoted on the surface area of the pool water, not the surface area of the entire pool shell.
When it comes to pool depth decisions, common sense is sometimes lacking. Very few clients actually swim laps in their pool, and even when they do, the water does not need to be exceptionally deep. Deep areas in small pools can be especially troublesome. The shallow area will be very small and the slope towards the deep-end hopper becomes steeper and less inviting. Bathers in these pools are often found sitting on floating noodles, or huddling together in the small shallow end or step areas. Problems with these designs are further magnified in small vinyl pools where the deep-end hopper and shallow end become so small it is virtually unusable.
In the end, pool depth is ultimately up to the client based on the contractor’s or architect’s design and safety guidance. Pool companies rarely renovate a swimming pool to make it deeper, the pool is normally made shallower.
Addressing pool walls and floors
Pool wall configuration is an area that is also rarely addressed. Near vertical wall configurations allow for more swimmable space, easier cleaning, in-wall cleaning jets and easier tile applications. Cast-in-place pool designs allow for the inclusion of vertical walls, while a competent shotcrete crew can also create near vertical wall configurations.
Interior pool walls can be erected to separate different temperatures of water (e.g. a chill pool or spa), or even to separate an indoor pool from an attached outdoor pool. Acrylic viewing panels/walls used for esthetics and vanishing-edge dams also create a beautiful and unique interior addition.
Pool floors can also be designed in an endless variety of styles, slopes, depths and configurations. For example, movable floors and interior walls are becoming more common in high-end pool construction. The design and final result is a collaboration between the client, architect and contractor. Conflict with the client’s desires can be avoided by having accurate depth, layout and designs. A 3-D design program works wonders in avoiding these conflicts, as it allows the client to visualize the project and the builder to better understand client expectations to ensure they are happy with the finished product.
