Sizing Up Your Pool: Let Family and Friends Be Your Guide
When it comes to determining pool size, the shape and size of your pool should largely depend upon how you, your family, and your friends will ultimately use the swimming pool.
First of all, consider the numbers--both the number of regular users of the pool, as well as the ages of your primary swimmers. Choose a size that accommodates the upper end of the estimated number of users--it's always better to have more room than you need, rather than not enough room due to poor planning. Also make a consideration for the ages of your swimmers--plan for a swimming pool that will meet the needs of your family now and in the future.
Secondly, consider the primary use of the pool--in a vast number of instances, this purpose is primarily recreation. A recreational pool can be almost any size and depth and usually features a large and easily accessible shallow area. Purely recreational pools can have varied depths that range from a minimum of 36 inches, to four or five feet deep. Other considerations, such as diving boards or slides, need to be carefully measured and weighed as options. The pool size and depth should be adjusted accordingly to provide the safest possible environment. (And supervision of these activities is mandatory!)
A pool that's used for lap swimming (as a primary form of exercise rather than simple recreation) needs to have greater length rather than depth to simulate long, straight "lanes" used for swimming laps. The depth of the pool may vary, but should be at least three to four feet deep so that arms, legs and head are safe during the common stroke motions and flip turns associated with swimming as exercise.
The options for either a recreational or exercise swimming pool have come a long way--especially with above ground swimming pools. Depths, shapes, sizes and accessories--all are available to meet the specific needs of you and your family.
While many other decisions factor into your choice of a swimming pool, the choice of "how big," "what shape," and "what depth" will largely be decided by how you, your friends and your family intend to use the pool both now and in the future. Be sure to choose a swimming pool dealer that can show you enough options to satisfy virtually any recreational or exercise need.
First of all, consider the numbers--both the number of regular users of the pool, as well as the ages of your primary swimmers. Choose a size that accommodates the upper end of the estimated number of users--it's always better to have more room than you need, rather than not enough room due to poor planning. Also make a consideration for the ages of your swimmers--plan for a swimming pool that will meet the needs of your family now and in the future.
Secondly, consider the primary use of the pool--in a vast number of instances, this purpose is primarily recreation. A recreational pool can be almost any size and depth and usually features a large and easily accessible shallow area. Purely recreational pools can have varied depths that range from a minimum of 36 inches, to four or five feet deep. Other considerations, such as diving boards or slides, need to be carefully measured and weighed as options. The pool size and depth should be adjusted accordingly to provide the safest possible environment. (And supervision of these activities is mandatory!)
A pool that's used for lap swimming (as a primary form of exercise rather than simple recreation) needs to have greater length rather than depth to simulate long, straight "lanes" used for swimming laps. The depth of the pool may vary, but should be at least three to four feet deep so that arms, legs and head are safe during the common stroke motions and flip turns associated with swimming as exercise.
The options for either a recreational or exercise swimming pool have come a long way--especially with above ground swimming pools. Depths, shapes, sizes and accessories--all are available to meet the specific needs of you and your family.
While many other decisions factor into your choice of a swimming pool, the choice of "how big," "what shape," and "what depth" will largely be decided by how you, your friends and your family intend to use the pool both now and in the future. Be sure to choose a swimming pool dealer that can show you enough options to satisfy virtually any recreational or exercise need.
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