We are in the process of our pool build. I can tell you I kept thinking since we have no little kids we really should go just a little deeper. Friends kept telling us to start our pool at 4ft instead of 3'6. We did do the switch to 4' at the shallow end. You really think, gosh 4' so shallow, BUT when they dug our pool it was crazy deep and looked like it was getting too deep too soon. I was sure that I had it so that it would go to 4 to 4 1/2 for at least 1/2 the pool and I was glad I did since i am 5'2. They ended up digging way too deep and ended up with an additional of 17 yards of gunite to fill in where it was way too deep. Also, we ended up doing 3'6 right off the step because otherwise the step is quite deep unless you add more steps. We have 3. We are now basically 4-6 (3'6 only off the step) and it looks amazing. We only have a jump rock which they say 6ft is acceptable. Definitely no diving in this pool. You can see our thread with tons of pictures right on here. The one in the Dallas Fort worth Mid cities area. We are just getting ready for decking.

Is this a vinyl pool or a gunite pool?

If it's a vinyl pool, there should be stamped and sealed print by an engineer indicating the dimensions including the depths and the point at which they change. It must conform to the current code requirements. If it is a considered a diving type pool, it must have the proper depth in the deep end (hopper) as well as the distance from the back wall to the shallow transition point. The steel panel manufacturer always forwards a sealed print for all pool kits.

A diving type pool does not necessarily have a diving board, but must conform to the current codes which are national.

A gunite pool will have a structural detail not only indicating wall and floor thicknesses, steel schedule, etc,,, but also must indicate the pool conforms to the current standard for a diving type pool. Conversely, it must also indicate that it does not conform.

There are numerous diving type pools carrying different dimensions.

Our pools are a minimum depth in the hopper at 7'6" to be a diving type pool. The distance from the back wall to the break point must be at least 24'. This provides a proper diving envelope safe for diving.

I always ask my potential clients the intended use for the pool. If it is a house full of kids or a potential for a lot of kids to use the pool, I recommend a diving type pool. A constant shallow depth pool makes it difficult to "police" kids from diving.

Of course, kids should never be unattended pool side.

Have you considered including a tanning ledge in your pool design? We've found these are great for small children to splash around and play on, and also useful for older kids who want to sit and work on their tan, read, or play on their phone. Not to mention, the adults have a place to lounge thats close to the pool to keep en eye on the kids, while still relaxing.

I grew up with a pool and 3 siblings. We lived in the pool during the summer. My dad gave the installers a six pack to dig the deep end out to 10" from the spec'ed 9' customary. We used every inch of that depth and loved it. 5' max would not have been safe with a board. Go deep and realize kids learn quickly to swim like fishes. You'll be at more risk than your kids.

Granted our pool is larger than yours, but we went 11' depth in the deep end, to accomodate diving off a rock structure. We went 4' in the shallow end and have never regretted it. 3' is too shallow for adults, in our experience. Go deeper than you think you need--and be sure to MEASURE the depth while the digging equipment is still on-site. Make sure the shape of the bottom is what you want and what is planned. This is really a life and death matter. And I know adults who have hit their heads on the bottom of pools, so it's not just kids at risk.

I had commented previously on this subject.
You can make the pool as deep as you want it to be. YOU MUST make sure the bottom dimensions conform to the national standard to accommodate the depth you choose. There is a slope ratio to conform to among other things.
A structural engineer should know this information. If not, consult one who does.
A structural detail showing this information, is always required by town construction depts.
Not only is it for your family's safety, but also non-family visitor. Unfortunately we live in a litigious age and friends suddenly un-friend because of such tragedies.

Get everything in writing and make certain your contractor verifies the dimensions as well as the town/city inspector. It is paramount.

NOTE: DEPTH OF THE POOL IS MEASURED FROM THE WATER SURFACE

Thanks everyone. The dig starts Monday and we've decided on the below:

38x18 main part with it dipping down to 6ft towards the rear. No diving board or diving rock. The slope code here is 3/1 so most of the pool will be 4ft with exception to the 6 foot run of it sloping down 2 more ft. The bottom part of the L starts at 3ft and dips to 4ft. The 3 ft entrance depth is also code here... This will allow us to play volleyball and basketball as well as having an area for the kids to jump (not dive) in and play "have daddy go fetch the toys we threw into the deep area".. :-)

Thanks for your suggestions and thoughts!