Pool slope and size

Since you are not putting in a pool with a depth for diving, you may want to consider putting in a sports pool. It works great for parties where you can have a nice game of water volleyball. With the traditional shallow to deep end pool, one team is at a significant disadvantage. I wish I had installed a sports pool.

Pool size is bit regional. Folks in Texas, ironically, might say that 18 X 36 is very big. But pool sizes there are smaller due to smaller yards in many areas not in the country. In the midwest and northeast, neighborhood yards tend to be bigger and an 18 x 36 pool, or bigger, would be very normal. And as Maddie said, generally getting the biggest size that you can afford (or should afford) and fits well in your space, it usually best in the long run, to avoid, the woulda shoulda’s.

I have a 16x32 vinyl. It's fine for my family of 5 and when company comes over. That being said I'd get the larger pool if you have the room (I didn't want to take up any more space w the way my yard was). I have it gradually go to about 6' (maybe just shy of that). It's not slippery as long as the pool is maintained properly (easy w help from here and a robot makes it even easier ). Same is true for liner over the steps (which i highly recommend just for looks). My wife would have liked it to go to between 5' and 5.5' but I like to have some space that I can swim in w/o touching the floor. Plus i like it for when the the kids are adult size but still act like kids (i.e., teenagers). I wanted the extra foot for cannonballers to land softer (still no diving of course).My slope starts about 2' from the steps (is as gradual as they could make it). My far end (deep end) is a roman shaped bench and that gets used much more than the shallow end where people tend to stand. 16x32 isn't too small but go larger if you have the space. you won't regret it

We have an 18 x 36. It’s big enough for the 2 of us, and when our daughter, SIL, and granddaughter come over. We’ve had a few pool parties with as many as 20-30 ppl and it works then too. BUT, if we had it to do over, we’d go with 20x40.