If you have kids, the pool in your backyard is going to be the new hangout for them. Your kids and teenagers will have their friends over to play in it, and you’ll host all of their birthday parties in the backyard. It makes sense to make your swimming pool as family-friendly as possible! If you’re looking to be the hottest place for your kids and their friends, here are some design ideas to keep them happy!
Unlimited Budget Options
Most of us have budgets, but some can afford to do a little more. If money is no object, here are some fun ideas for the kids in your family.
- A permanent kiddie pool is attached to the main pool. It would be shallow and safe, a great place for toddlers to play under your watchful eye.
- A lazy river can be a great way to keep the kids entertained. If you have the space, install a long winding pool with a current machine to keep things moving.
- Put a smaller pool or spa in the middle of your pool. This can be done during building or renovation. Connect it to the pool surround with a walkway, bridge, or other structure to add a little spice to your backyard pool.
- Install a ‘splash pad’, a shallow basin with fountains for kids to run around and play in.
While these options are mostly for those who have the extra funds, it’s fun to think about how you can use these ideas on a smaller scale. For people with a more reasonable budget, the following ideas may be more suitable.
Diving Boards
If your pool is deep enough, you could always add a diving board to the deep end. Keep in mind that diving boards bring their own issues, as you have to keep a very close eye on your kids to ensure they are following proper safety steps. In addition, your pool must meet certain safety parameters to install a diving board, which means it has to be longer and deeper than a standard backyard pool.
Still, if you have a pool that’s the right size, it can be a great way to keep the kids interested in your pool. Plus, you don’t have to dive every time you use the board – your kids can even do smaller jumps and still enjoy the fun!
Sports Pools
Adding a sports court to your pool can actually be one of the most inexpensive family-fun options available. You can make your pool as elaborate or simple as you like. While there are some permanent poolside courts you can have installed, you can also put a low basketball hoop next to the pool and have the kids play basketball.
Other options include a shallower end where kids can romp and play. It should be just deep enough that it’s fun to flop around, but shallow enough that everyone’s heads are above water. These shallow areas aren’t exclusively for sports, which makes them ideal for multipurpose pools.
Rock Grottos
If you have the space and a little bit of landscaping know-how, a rock grotto can be a big hit with your kids. The feature doesn’t have to be elaborate – a rock grotto with a waterfall can include a big rock sitting over the water. There are more elaborate options that include climbing rocks and hidden structures – and these are probably the ones your kids will like best.
What’s better for your kids to hang out in than their own secret pool fort? Better, some smaller rock features don’t cost very much at all. It depends on how intricate you want to make the space, and how much you have to spend on making it special.
Conclusion
While these are some great options, the possibilities are endless! You can work with your pool builder to find a safe, fun way for your kids and teens to play and hang out. If you come to pool builders like Flōridian in the South Florida area, they can work within your budget to provide some great features for your family. From elaborate setups to more budget-friendly options, there are options for every family and every swimming pool!
