Choosing Pool Size, Shape and Depth

One of the great benefits of living in Florida is the year round warm weather and there is no better way to enjoy the balmy weather than your own in-ground pool.  Pools can be built in an almost infinite variety of shapes and sizes.  When you are planning your pool, talk to your swimming pool contractor about the right size, shape, and depth to best fit how you plan to use your pool.

Also take into consideration how long you plan on staying in the home.  If you are thinking about a special purpose or very unique pool but may be moving within a few years, try to incorporate a more general purpose design that also fits your needs so that potential buyers see the pool as a positive rather than a negative.

A pool that will only be for recreational purposes should have a large shallow area and can be built in any shape.  Choose a shape that maximized the recreation opportunities for you and your family and friends while complementing your yard.  A large deep area of the pool that will go unused will significantly and needlessly increase the cost of building the pool, filling it with water, maintenance and pool service.

If you plan to use the pool for exercise, you will need a long, straight area at least four to five feet deep to avoid hitting the bottom while swimming. Diving boards and slides are popular, but also inherently dangerous.  Give some thought to the risks involved and talk to your homeowner’s insurance carrier before committing to a diving board or slide.

If you decide to include a diving or sliding area, you will need adequate depth.  Your pool contractor can help you decide the proper depth.  You may also be able to accommodate both a large recreation area and a diving or sliding area with an L shaped pool.

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