On our gunite builds I always include a larger step or incorporate a sun shelf as part of the pool entry. The shallow area is a 3' water depth on a typical pool.

With that being said, on your build here is a consideration

The rough measurement of the shallow end area depth after the pool shot is 39".

Setting the sun shelf 6" down leaves a remaining 33" to work with. It will also provide roughly 3" of water depth on the sun shelf.

For the steps, divided equally, there would be (4) risers at 8 1/4".

I prefer a 14" tread on the steps over 12". I think it's better footing and more comfortable.

(3) 14" treads is the result.

Added together with the 6' sun shelf, the step section would take up 9'6" of the shallow end.

Based on the 26' section required, as you stated, for the entire deep section to the break/transition on a 44' long pool with the 9'6" step area, will leave an 8'6" wading section.

If you want a longer wading area, you will have to increase the overall length of the pool.

My structural engineer will adhere to a certain slope ratio heading from the shallow end wall to the break/transition point.

This will result in a deeper depth right the break on long pools.

Hope this helps on your decision.

This is what we did for the pool we built in 2021.

I think simple lines and muted colors is what gives a "modern" looking pool.

Finishes we used.