I would consider the depth if you want to do laps, we went 4ft on our build, we had a previous pool that was 3.5 and we are so glad we went 4ft on this one. Just my 2 cents
Just got my bid need HELP!
- Thread starter IcemanK2
- Start date
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,664
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
What a beautiful, elegant pool! And functional to boot!
OK, this is something I know nothing about, but coincidentally noticed the other day in my pool. I was fooling around with the kids and was diving and cannon-balling into the pool to give them some wave action. I had never noticed before how much just a 2" lip of coping contained the waves I was making, and kept a lot of water from spilling out of the pool. And it hadn't occurred to me until just then that that's why coping overhangs a pool.
Your render looks like the coping meets the edge tile, with no overhang. Which is a very cool look. Is that just a rendering glitch, or part of the design? So couple that with what looks to be grass, real or otherwise, which make for quite a sponge, and a lap pool in which, I can only guess, an active swimmer could generate a pretty good wave, especially in such a narrow pool... See? Will water be thrown out, with no coping to divert it, onto the deck and make a sopping puddle in the grass?
Or is this kind of edge normal for a lap pool and I'm just imagining a problem where none exists?
Will there be flip turns? Is there enough of a wall on the tanning ledge side to perform one?
Pardon my ignorance about this kind of pool...
OK, this is something I know nothing about, but coincidentally noticed the other day in my pool. I was fooling around with the kids and was diving and cannon-balling into the pool to give them some wave action. I had never noticed before how much just a 2" lip of coping contained the waves I was making, and kept a lot of water from spilling out of the pool. And it hadn't occurred to me until just then that that's why coping overhangs a pool.
Your render looks like the coping meets the edge tile, with no overhang. Which is a very cool look. Is that just a rendering glitch, or part of the design? So couple that with what looks to be grass, real or otherwise, which make for quite a sponge, and a lap pool in which, I can only guess, an active swimmer could generate a pretty good wave, especially in such a narrow pool... See? Will water be thrown out, with no coping to divert it, onto the deck and make a sopping puddle in the grass?
Or is this kind of edge normal for a lap pool and I'm just imagining a problem where none exists?
Will there be flip turns? Is there enough of a wall on the tanning ledge side to perform one?
Pardon my ignorance about this kind of pool...
Thanks Dirk! Great observation and thinking, these are the kind of thoughts and details we need to get this right. This house/pool build will be a min 20-30 year set up while we raise the kids so I need to get it right.
I will check on the overhang. I recall we talked about a 1” overhang on the coping but not sure. Do you think it needs to be 2” min?
Around the pool is synthetic grass and between the pool and porch will most likely contain a drain of some sort for the pool and the gutters to tie into. We are still trying to figure that one out but basically to keep it from being a sponge. Anyone done that or built this close to the foundation?
There will definitely be flip turns! The underwater wall is supposed to be at the base of the waterline tile which should only be about 3”-6” below the water which I think will be fine for flip turns but maybe someone else could chime in about this????
————
If you don't mind me asking, why did the 6" from 3'6" to 4' make such a difference for y'all?
I will check on the overhang. I recall we talked about a 1” overhang on the coping but not sure. Do you think it needs to be 2” min?
Around the pool is synthetic grass and between the pool and porch will most likely contain a drain of some sort for the pool and the gutters to tie into. We are still trying to figure that one out but basically to keep it from being a sponge. Anyone done that or built this close to the foundation?
There will definitely be flip turns! The underwater wall is supposed to be at the base of the waterline tile which should only be about 3”-6” below the water which I think will be fine for flip turns but maybe someone else could chime in about this????
————
If you don't mind me asking, why did the 6" from 3'6" to 4' make such a difference for y'all?
Kids like to jump, and 9' is great for laps, but narrow for jumping. Might be something to consider if you have the ability to push it out a little and your kids are jumpers, maybe 10'-12'. My mom's pool is 15' wide, and my 8 year old can jump almost to the middle, or 7.5'ish.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,664
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I do some laps but no flip turns. I like to swim underwater more than on the surface. My shallow end is 3.5. When I'm swimming underwater in 3.5', I can't stay completely under. My feet usually break the surface. That'd be the only reason I'd want a little extra depth, not for swimming on the surface. Other than that, 3.5' is fine for me and my family. It meant the kids could tip toe around 6" sooner (growth-wise). And it's fine for us for standing around and playing, etc. For my middle one, that 6" coincided with his learning to swim, so being able to touch bottom helped with his confidence and fear factor when first swimming without flotation: just knowing he could touch. The older one was already tall enough when I got the pool. The little one (3), just needs a few more weeks of warm water to get her swimming breakthrough, but we're not going to get it this year, I'm afraid. She'd be doing better if she could touch, but can't even in 3.5'. As others point out, it's a very brief window. They grow fast, and learn to swim in a few weeks (basically, when they're good and ready). So 6" is not that big of a deal, kid-wise.
I don't know how to do a flip turn, but 3.5', maybe even 4'?, seems pretty shallow for one. What is that dimension in an "official" olympic swimming pool?
I don't know how to do a flip turn, but 3.5', maybe even 4'?, seems pretty shallow for one. What is that dimension in an "official" olympic swimming pool?
- Sep 6, 2018
- 76
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Hi Iceman
We spent months on our own design, Even making sure to study sun and wind exposure. I like your lap pool idea. Just wondering, in both views it shows your tanning ledge more shaded than the spa on the other end. Is that just the way the picture came out or is there a roof or pergola that is covering that end more that the other? I ask because we changed our plan more than once to make sure our tanning ledge got plenty of sun exposure.
We spent months on our own design, Even making sure to study sun and wind exposure. I like your lap pool idea. Just wondering, in both views it shows your tanning ledge more shaded than the spa on the other end. Is that just the way the picture came out or is there a roof or pergola that is covering that end more that the other? I ask because we changed our plan more than once to make sure our tanning ledge got plenty of sun exposure.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,664
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Oh, skipped a question, but no answer. I just figured out overhang myself, couldn't guess about the proper dimension. A PB should know. Others here will, too.
Good eye, CrockettJeanne. Yes, there are roof structures on both sides that will shade it various times of day. Probably only a couple of hours of full sun. Now let me tell you our thoughts with this and y’all can see what you think. None of us are real “layout tanners.” We thought this area would be good to sit in the water for some people, a gradual entrance to the pool, nice to look at with the bubblers and for the small kids to play in. Still not 100% on depth, we talked about maybe 8”?
The spa is at the other end for a few reasons. First it is right outside the master bedroom. Second it does not block visibility of the pool at that end since it is raised. Third it gives a focal point at the far end of this long skinny pool. Fourth we don’t care about its sun exposure since we plan on it being primarily end of day/evening/wind-down activity.
So any opinions on the depth of the tanning ledge?
How do you keep shallow steps clean? I’ve heard robots won’t clean shallow steps because of being out of water. I assume a pressure cleaner like the 280 would have the same problem?
How do you keep shallow steps clean? I’ve heard robots won’t clean shallow steps because of being out of water. I assume a pressure cleaner like the 280 would have the same problem?
I just had another thought, how deep does the tanning ledge itself need to be for a cleaner something like the Polaris 9560iQ or Polaris 280 to be able to get in there and clean? I have absolutely no reference for this at all.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,664
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You usually have to brush shallow steps and ledges manually.
Cleaners have two challenges: how shallow in which they can operate, and getting up on the ledge or step. Each type and brand has it's own limitations. I don't know if they're published or not, like in the manual or brochure. I have a suction-side vacuum. I have to manually clean all three steps and my benches. I think I've seen it crawl up on the lowest step. It's more by accident than by design! I seem to recall my old 280 did no better or worse.
Others' experiences with their cleaners?
Cleaners have two challenges: how shallow in which they can operate, and getting up on the ledge or step. Each type and brand has it's own limitations. I don't know if they're published or not, like in the manual or brochure. I have a suction-side vacuum. I have to manually clean all three steps and my benches. I think I've seen it crawl up on the lowest step. It's more by accident than by design! I seem to recall my old 280 did no better or worse.
Others' experiences with their cleaners?
Hi! I am going to jump in with a couple of ideas.
-shelf-what kind of chair if any will you put there? Where do you want the water to hit you in the chair or just sitting of the shelf? Use that info to determine the depth.
-cleaning shelf and steps-put a return on the shelf to help "blow" the stuff off. The steps you will have to brush.
Go as wide as you can on the pool. It will pay off in many ways. The waves you are going to make swimming laps will be less the wider the pool is AND keep the kids safe WHEN they even think about jumping from one side to the other (we all know they will try!!).
Overhang of coping-I would not go to wild on that. I am thinking 1" to help hold the water in. That will be 2" you "lose" in your pool width over all.
Kim
-shelf-what kind of chair if any will you put there? Where do you want the water to hit you in the chair or just sitting of the shelf? Use that info to determine the depth.
-cleaning shelf and steps-put a return on the shelf to help "blow" the stuff off. The steps you will have to brush.
Go as wide as you can on the pool. It will pay off in many ways. The waves you are going to make swimming laps will be less the wider the pool is AND keep the kids safe WHEN they even think about jumping from one side to the other (we all know they will try!!).
Overhang of coping-I would not go to wild on that. I am thinking 1" to help hold the water in. That will be 2" you "lose" in your pool width over all.
Kim
Agree with the coping overhang. Ours is 1” and honestly I don’t think an extra inch would still contain the water when my boys jump and splash. Think big bathtub but I do have a very small pool. A 2” overhang would attract many more bumps to the head than our 1” does.
Our pool is just over 10’ wide with a bench running the entire (tiny) length. You could say we have 9’ width in jumping space. My boys manage fine but if you can push to a little wider I would. It’s really not much in the way of clearance either side. Mind you we managed to squeeze a slide in and the lovely man from SR Smith positioned it for me before installing (fixing my pbs botched install). I had read the installation requirement over and over but was still nervous about where they would end up when they went down the slide for the first time. To my relief and amazement, they stop smack bang in the dead centre of the usable pool at the deepest section. Bizarre really. So 9’ is workable, but if you can go a little wider, definitely do it. So jealous that you’ll be doing laps. My eldest gets 4 good strokes in ours [emoji31]
Our pool is just over 10’ wide with a bench running the entire (tiny) length. You could say we have 9’ width in jumping space. My boys manage fine but if you can push to a little wider I would. It’s really not much in the way of clearance either side. Mind you we managed to squeeze a slide in and the lovely man from SR Smith positioned it for me before installing (fixing my pbs botched install). I had read the installation requirement over and over but was still nervous about where they would end up when they went down the slide for the first time. To my relief and amazement, they stop smack bang in the dead centre of the usable pool at the deepest section. Bizarre really. So 9’ is workable, but if you can go a little wider, definitely do it. So jealous that you’ll be doing laps. My eldest gets 4 good strokes in ours [emoji31]
Kim and Riley, thanks for the feedback.
So first of all I have always wanted a pool but never grew up with one, never maintained one, only swam laps in them for the swim team. I'm a bit overwhelmed about the idea of maintaining this pool with my crazy schedule so getting the design and equipment right to make this pool as easy/automated as possible for the simplest/cost effective maintenance is a must.
I HAVE A FOLLOW UP MEETING WITH THE BUILDER IN THE MORNING SO ANY ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT, SPECS, AND DESIGN I NEED TO TRY AND GET ADDRESSED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Pool Width, this is a dilemma for me. Let me explain. The house we are going to be building simultaneously with the pool (if I can get all these ducks in a row) it's a courtyard design with a middle width of 13 between them once you takeout the 1' drain spacing and 1' shell width you have the 9' water width. As far as coping goes it will probably just be the bull nose part of the coping hanging over the water. So after the shallower porch we could widen it some but I feel like this would throw of the balance of the house, pool, deck and overall visibility. Not to mention the budget is pretty much tapped out. Not sure what to do here.
Riley have you been happy with your 10 ft wide pool?
So first of all I have always wanted a pool but never grew up with one, never maintained one, only swam laps in them for the swim team. I'm a bit overwhelmed about the idea of maintaining this pool with my crazy schedule so getting the design and equipment right to make this pool as easy/automated as possible for the simplest/cost effective maintenance is a must.
I HAVE A FOLLOW UP MEETING WITH THE BUILDER IN THE MORNING SO ANY ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT, SPECS, AND DESIGN I NEED TO TRY AND GET ADDRESSED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Pool Width, this is a dilemma for me. Let me explain. The house we are going to be building simultaneously with the pool (if I can get all these ducks in a row) it's a courtyard design with a middle width of 13 between them once you takeout the 1' drain spacing and 1' shell width you have the 9' water width. As far as coping goes it will probably just be the bull nose part of the coping hanging over the water. So after the shallower porch we could widen it some but I feel like this would throw of the balance of the house, pool, deck and overall visibility. Not to mention the budget is pretty much tapped out. Not sure what to do here.
Riley have you been happy with your 10 ft wide pool?
I would be happy if it was a width of 10’ of open water. Our length long bench that I mentioned takes quite a usable chuck of width way so it’s really a fair bit under 10’. However really wanted the bench and it gets used a lot. I think 10’ would be fine if you can manage it. Remember you don’t have to have exact measurements either. You can pick absolutely any dimension. We added an extra 20cm right at contract signing. It does make a difference to feel of the size.
I can just picture your pool in the location you have in mind for it and I think it’s perfect! I would sacrifice a little width for the location if you have to.
I can just picture your pool in the location you have in mind for it and I think it’s perfect! I would sacrifice a little width for the location if you have to.
Ok so now we are discussing step depths. It’s looking like first step 6” below water then the shelf at 12” of water the the bench at 18” of water then at the end of the bench 24”, 30”, 36” steps. Anyone else have a set up similar that they can speak to this?
I like it! 6" steps are good. House steps start there and can go to 7.5" so you are good. MUCH better than some pool steps they try to build at 12"! "Oh the water will help you" NOPE not when the water is at your knees 
Kim
Kim
6” is good. Ours are probably 10” and are fine. We really only use our top step as the second step is part of the pool length bench. We all typically enter the pool from the bench. I sit and swim out, the kids of course jump. Third step has probably never been used and is really more for aesthetics.
I like it! 6" steps are good. House steps start there and can go to 7.5" so you are good. MUCH better than some pool steps they try to build at 12"! "Oh the water will help you" NOPE not when the water is at your knees
Kim
Thanks for the feedback on this it’s good to hear we are going in the right direction.
This is what worries me about the first step from coping to the 6” water deep step. Maybe 10” or so total drop. This sounds pretty good to you? I may be over thinking it but just not sure.
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Thanks I’m just having a hard time with this being that once it’s done there is no going back. All my research on this is driving me to 7-8inches but like my PB said we can do anything but getting the crews to go away from 6 or 12 inches that they are used to is not going to be easy to get them to do it right which I thought was a good point hence the 6”.