We are considering eliminating the steps (which require the shallow end to be only 3 feet deep and take up about 5 linear feet. By eliminating the steps, we would be able to start our shallow end at 4 feet deep and slope very gradually go 5 1/2 feet deep. Any thoughts on this?

Three steps puts your water depth at 3.5'. the 1st step is 6" below water all the others are 12" high. Why do you want 5.5'.

thank you so much for your help. My pool builder said that the steps would put my water depth at 3 feet, not 3.5 -- maybe he is wrong? I thought 5.5 water (6 foot pool wall) is standard; am I wrong about that too? Thank you so much!

Your concern for the slope of the floor is valid. On commercial pools in cali we must keep the 1st 10' level and the floor 1' in 10' until 4.5' then 1' in 3'. With a short pool this becomes a bigger issue.
Your pool isn't long enough to make it a diving pool so the depth is really a matter of preference and what activities you are using the pool for. On a short pool 3.5' to 5' would be normal.

We have teenagers only (no little children) so we would like to go to 5 1/2 feet. We are considering eliminating the shallow end (which would unfortunately require us to eliminate the steps) so that we can go from 4 to 5.5 with a slope that is gradual enough for the whole pool to be recreational (rather that having steep transitional areas). Our pool builder is discouraging this because he thinks the steps are very important. I agree that steps would be nice but the steps would necessitate at least a five foot shallow area (which is a waste for us) and then a steeper slope from 3 to 5.5. I would love to hear your opinion. Thankn you VERY much!!!!

Just curious, how do you plan on getting in and out of the pool? A metal ladder? If you were to sell the house, do you think having no steps would be a plus to the potential buyer? Maybe you have no plans to sell and want to live out your life at this home, but it is also difficult for "seniors" to get in and out of a pool with no steps:) Just some food for thought, I always like to consider the resale value of major improvements to a home since it is an investment. Did you see the steps in meowracer's post, "redoing plaster like pebble sheen" Her steps look like they take up very little space, maybe that is an option for you. Good luck.

thank you for your help; I am trying to find meowracer's post to see those steps. I think that any pool may have a negative impact on our home's resale value because we have a small yard. When we decided to build a pool, we decided that we are staying here. I am guessing that at some point the liner will have to be replaced anyway and a new owner could install steps at that time. We did consider the "seniors" issue, but our primary purpose for the pool is for our teenagers and their friends. I think the pool is not big enough to have something for everyone, and we have to compromise on something. I think I would rather give up the shallow area than a comfortable slope. Do you think we are making a mistake?

Steps are not just for seniors...but you already knew that. They are a safety issue. If someone were to get hurt in the pool, it makes getting out of the pool, with or without assistance, a whole lot easier.

Do you have any pets that will, or might, swim? They definitely appreciate steps!

Also, steps are a cool place for teens to hang out when the water's a bit chilly for swimming. Sure, they can sit on the edge of the pool and put their feet in the water, but the steps offer another alternative with each step getting them a bit wetter. Very easy to get in and out that way!

I didnt realize you were using a liner, so I guess you are right you can add them later, but people buying homes dont think outside the box, I think they would see it as a pool with no steps. Not a pool with steps they could add. The last post on meowracer's pool was posted on Tue, Jun 26, 07 at 12:58. They do not have a liner, its gunite, but it is a smaller looking size pool. Might give you some ideas:) Depending on where you live, a small pool in a small yard is not a big deal, its a good thing in Florida!

Thank you for all your help everyone. I think I should reconsider my plan based on all of your advice. I had not thought of the safety issue, sandradee. That is very important, of course! Snookums, is your slope comfortable (not too steep?)

No, it's not uncomfortable. I suppose the majority of it is below where I can touch with my feet.

Any thoughts on a 25 foot long pool that starts at shallow end with 4 feet of water and 6 feet deep water in deep end? Is the slope okay ? Pool is for water aerobics mostly and cooling off. Is the slope sufficiently gradual or too steep? I had to eliminate steps too due to space limitations

I’ve got a question for any pool helpers...I’m putting in a 12x24 rectangle vinyl, sounds boring - kids 9, 13 and 15. I believe it starts at 42 inches and he’s giving the option 5 1/2 or 6 feet. He’s recommended a wedge bottom but I’d prefer some levelness and gradual slope - anyone out there have advice? Also, should I add a fountain? Thanks

Hi Carol, I have teenagers too and I dont see a problem with canceling the steps. I cancelled them... they are expensive and take up too much room... and everyone will be fine using the ladder... steps is more a show... ;) i ve you thought about a sports pool depth?