You may have heard the term “beach entry pool” floating around, but have no idea what that actually means. Not to worry! It merely refers to a modern style of pool entry, and we are here to explain it to you more in-depth. We can also offer you some general pros and cons regarding a beach entry, to help you decide if it’s a good option for your home pool.
What is a pool beach entry?
With some pools, you have a single depth the whole way across the length of the pool, and you need a ladder to get it. With others, there might be some deviation between the depth in the deep end and in the shallow end, but the shallow end is usually still at least a foot or so deep.
A beach entry pool is entirely different – in the shallow end, the depth starts at zero. There is a gentle, gradual slope into deeper water so that you can slowly ease yourself into the water. Also known as a zero-entry pool, this does not affect the deep end of your pool, just the shallow end.
The style of pool entry gets its name from the beach (unsurprisingly). When you go to the beach, the depth of the sea where it meets the sand is at zero, but as you wade further into the water, the sea gets deeper and deeper. This is the intention of the beach entry for pools – your ramp begins at ground level, and slowly descends deeper into the water, allowing you to walk in.
Pros of getting a beach entry for your pool
- It can raise the value of your home
Although you might not be looking to sell at any point in the near future, it never hurts to think ahead. Building a pool is going to boost the value of your home anyway, but a classy and elegant beach entry will help to elevate this even further.
- Great for children
Having a beach entry pool means that you have a space where it is safer for young children to play. They can comfortably sit and play in the shallow water, without needing to be continuously held because the pool is otherwise too deep. If your child cannot swim or is scared of deeper water, this will help them to enjoy pool time with the rest of the family. It will also make learning to swim a lot easier, especially if they feel safe and secure in the more shallow parts.
Remember that young children should always be supervised around water. No matter how shallow it is – a beach entry does not mean your child is safe to be left alone.
- Great for people with disabilities, or who otherwise need assistance
Your pool should be accessible to everyone you invite over to your home, and that may include the elderly, people with physical disabilities, or anyone who might struggle to get in and out of the pool using a ladder. Allowing them to walk down the ramp and into the water slowly makes your pool so much more accessible, and helps everyone to have the fun that they deserve.
Cons
- It will be more expensive
It is not surprising that a beach entry pool is going to be a lot more expensive than a regular-style pool with a ladder or stairs for entry. They are still relatively uncommon, and as a result, there are not that many contractors who are capable of creating such a feature. Those that do have experience with beach entries are in high demand and may charge incredibly high prices, depending on where you are. If you can afford it that’s great, but remember that it might not fit everyone’s budget. You must consider the extra cost
- It requires a relatively large pool
Due to the style of this entryway, you do need a relatively large outdoor area that can be transformed into pool space. Because not only will you require space for the pool, but you also need to dedicate more surface area to the ramped section. Many people may not have the space available for this style, and therefore it is not a viable option.
Enlarging the amount of area dedicated to your pool is also going to have further cons that you should consider. The larger you make your pool, the more it is going to cost. When money isn’t an issue, this is fine, but for most people, this needs to be at least considered.
- It can reduce the amount of space you have for swimming or other sporting activities
A lot of people build a pool specifically for exercising purposes. Whether this means swimming, diving, or a water sport like polo, you need a large, deep space in order to be able to practice properly. If a significant portion of your pool is shallow due to the beach entry, this only limits the space you have to use for the pools’ intended purpose.
So should I get a beach entry for my pool?
Deciding whether to invest in a beach entry for your pool is going to depend on a lot of factors that are specific to your situation. Consider whether you can afford it, whether you have the appropriate amount of space, whether it’s the best option for those who are going to be using the pool the most.
For some people, the pros are going to outweigh the cons – it will make their pool more accessible for everyone, and is likely to mean that the pool gets more use. On the other hand, it may not be worth the money or the classy aesthetic, for those who have a pool simply to swim laps in. You have to decide.
If you do choose to opt for a beach entry for your pool, make sure that you hire the right contractor for the job. Don’t be afraid to take your time. This is an investment, and you want everything done correctly, to avoid any potential issues in the future.