How deep should your inground pool be

Things to Consider When Making a Decision About your Pool Depth

As inground pool contractors in the Greater Toronto Area, one of the most popular questions we get asked by prospective swimming pool owners is how deep should their pool be? Considering that most inground swimming pools have a deep end and a shallow end and many people would like to get the option of diving into their pool,  homeowners also want to know how deep should the deep end of their pool be. The answer depends on various factors.

Below are some things to consider when choosing the design of your pool as it relates to swimming pool depth.

How are you planning you to use your swimming pool?

One of the factors that go into deciding how deep an in-ground swimming pool should be is to consider who will primarily be using the pool and what it will be used for. If it will primarily be used by your children, you may want to have a bigger shallow end so that they can easily stand up in the water. On the other hand, if adults will primarily be using the pool to play water polo, you will want to consider a pool design that has the 5 ½ to 6 foot deep-end in the middle of the pool.

What is the size of the swimming pool you’re planning to install?

If you want to have the option of diving into the deep end of your pool, you will need a depth of 8 feet.  To accommodate for this, you will also need to have a pool that is at least 36 to 40 feet in length.  This is because the pool design will need to allow for a gradual slope from the deep end to the shallow end.   If you have a smaller pool, adding a deep end that gives you the ability to dive will mean you are diving into a wall, and you will have a very small shallow end. And as stated in our article on the best pool size for your home, when designing a backyard pool is all about proportions.

What type of pool are you interested in?

Fibreglass and vinyl swimming pools are two of the most popular types of pools installed in Ontario.  While there are some fibreglass pool manufacturers that have pool shapes that allow for diving, the options are limited.  This is where vinyl pools come out on top, as they allow for the greatest amount of customization for an inground pool that meets your diving needs.

An example of a pool design that allows for diving at the deep end of the swimming pool

Contact us to learn more about inground pool depths

Ultimately, the best way to determine the perfect depth for your swimming pool is to consult with a professional swimming pool contractor. Contact us and we’d be happy to go through these options with you.

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