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December 15, 2023

Beach Entry Pools – Everything You Need to Know


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Deciding on the perfect pool for your home can be as exciting as it is overwhelming. Beach entry pools, with their gentle slope into crystal-clear waters, provide an ocean-like experience right in your backyard.

This ultimate guide unpacks everything from key benefits to cost considerations, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Dive in to discover if a beach entry pool is your next splash of summer joy!

What is a Beach Entry Pool?

A beach entry pool is a type of swimming pool that has a gradual slope at one end, similar to a natural beach. This design allows swimmers to enter the water as if they were walking into the ocean, providing easy accessibility and creating a visually appealing feature for any backyard oasis.

A blue inground zero entry pool .

Definition

Beach entry pools have a gentle slope that starts at the edge and goes into the water. This design mimics how you walk into the ocean from the sand.

People can enter the pool slowly on a non-slip slope instead of using steps or ladders. These pools are great for young children to play at the edge and for others who find traditional pool entrances hard to use.

This design is friendly for kids and folks who find regular pool steps hard to use. They’re all about making swimming fun and easy for everyone, letting you walk right in as if you were at the seashore.

Alternate Names

Beach entry pools have a few different names. Some people call them zero entry pools or walk-in pools because they start at ground level and slowly slope down into the water, just like a natural beach.

You may find people mistakenly refer to beach entry pools as “baja shelves”, and “tanning ledges”, and while they are very similar, they are slightly different. These are shallow areas where adults like to tan and children like to play. They don’t always have a gentle slope into deeper water like beach entry pools.

Beach Entry Pool Benefits

Beach entry pools offer easy accessibility for all swimmers, making them a popular choice for families with young children or elderly members. They also provide a visually appealing and natural transition from the deck to the water, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for pool-goers.

Easy Accessibility

Beach entry pools make getting into the water simple for everyone. Walk right in, just like at the beach. People who find pool stairs hard can now enter with ease. This gentle slope is safe and perfect for kids to play at the edge. Folks with mobility issues or older swimmers love this no-stress way in.

Parents feel good about their little ones wading into shallow waters. It’s a kind space where comfort meets fun without worries of climbing or jumping in. Beach entry pools are changing how people think about pool safety and enjoyment, offering a smooth path from land to water.

Visual Appeal

Beach entry pools are visually appealing, providing a natural and seamless transition from the deck into the water. The gradual slope mimics the gentle incline of a beach, creating an inviting and picturesque setting for swimmers and onlookers alike.

This design not only enhances the aesthetics of the pool area but also adds a touch of elegance to the overall landscape, making it an attractive focal point in any outdoor space.

The visual appeal of beach entry pools can be further accentuated by various design options such as bubbling fountains, flagstone accents, and creative landscaping elements. These features will contribute to a tranquil and luxurious ambiance, elevating the overall allure of the pool environment while offering endless opportunities for customization to suit individual preferences and styles.

Beach Entry Pool Considerations

Yard Space

Consider the yard space when planning for a beach entry pool. These pools require more space due to their gradual slope, especially if combined with other pool features like bubblers or fountains. 

It’s essential to ensure that there is adequate room in the yard for both the pool and surrounding amenities. With that being said, you should consult with a qualified pool builder who can assess the available yard space and provide expert advice on how best to integrate a beach entry pool into your outdoor area.

Builder Expertise

When it comes to creating a beach entry pool, builder expertise is crucial. Builders need to understand the specific requirements for constructing the gradual slope and ensuring proper water flow. They should have experience in designing and building beach entry pools to ensure that the slope ratio, non-slip surface, and overall aesthetic appeal meet the client’s expectations.

Expertise in working with materials suitable for beach entry pools such as concrete or fiberglass is also essential to guarantee a high-quality and long-lasting installation. Their knowledge of local regulations and zoning requirements will ensure that the construction process adheres to all necessary standards.

Happy woman enjoying while relaxing in shallow water during summer day at the swimming pool.

Beach Entry Pool Construction Materials

Beach entry pools can be constructed using a variety of materials, with concrete and fiberglass being the most popular options. Each material has its own advantages and considerations, so it is important to carefully consider which one best suits your needs.

Concrete

Concrete is a common material used in constructing beach entry pools. It offers durability and can be customized to create the desired slope ratio for the gradual entry into the pool. Additionally, concrete allows for various design options and can accommodate features like bubblers or fountains, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of the beach entry pool. 

The use of concrete in beach entry pools provides versatility and sturdiness, contributing to its popularity among pool builders and homeowners seeking a visually appealing and accessible swimming pool option.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass beach entry pools offer a durable and low-maintenance option for pool construction. Known for its strength and resistance to wear, fiberglass is an ideal material for building beach entry pools. It provides a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain, reducing the need for regular upkeep. 

Fiberglass pool designs often feature integrated steps or benches within the slope of the pool, providing added convenience for swimmers. This material’s versatility allows for customization with additional features and structures. With various shapes and sizes available in fiberglass beach entry pools, homeowners can find one that fits their space and design preferences without compromising on durability. 

Coating Beach Entry Pools

One popular option for finishing these pools are beach entry pool coatings from ecoFINISH. These are not only durable but also come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing pool owners to customize the look of their beach entry pools. They can be applied to ingress and egress points to create a slip-resistant surface that satisfies safety regulations for commercial pools.

Using ecoFINISH for your beach entry pool also provides a comfortable surface for swimmers’ feet while enhancing the visual appeal of the pool. This finish will keep your pool slip-free and provide maximum comfort. 

An inground pool with a commercial white beach entry coating from ecoFINISH.

Beach Entry Pool Cost Factors

Beach entry pools often come with premium pricing due to their unique design and construction. It’s important to consider the cost factors when planning for this type of pool, as it may require a larger investment compared to traditional pool designs.

Premium Pricing

Beach entry pools come with premium pricing due to their unique design and construction requirements. Factors such as the materials used, gradual slope ratio, and specialized expertise needed for building beach entry pools contribute to their higher cost compared to traditional pool designs.

Additionally, customization options and the visual appeal of beach entry pools can also impact the overall pricing. For those considering a beach entry pool, it is important to carefully weigh the benefits against the premium pricing and ensure that it aligns with both their budget and desired pool design.

It’s crucial to consider all associated costs before making a decision. From materials like concrete or fiberglass to additional features such as coatings or customizations, each aspect contributes to the overall premium price tag attached to these unique swimming pool designs.

Deciding What’s Right For You

Consider your lifestyle, yard space, and budget when deciding if a beach entry pool is right for you. If you enjoy ease of accessibility and want a visually appealing pool design that mimics the feel of walking into the ocean, then a beach entry pool might be a perfect fit.

Keep in mind the cost factors associated with premium pricing and the need for ample yard space before making your decision. Additionally, it’s essential to consider whether supervised young children will frequently use the pool since beach entry pools are great for them.

Lastly, think about the specific design factors and construction materials that align with your preferences and needs to ensure that you make an informed choice.

When considering what type of swimming pool suits you best based on sloped ratios, deck transition types, or coatings like ecoFINISH, take into account all these key aspects before finalizing your decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beach entry pools offer a gradual and visually appealing way to enter the water. They provide easy accessibility, making them perfect for all ages. When considering installing one, it’s essential to factor in yard space and builder expertise.

The guide offers detailed insights into design factors, construction materials, cost considerations, and coatings for beach entry pools. With this knowledge at hand, you can confidently make informed decisions about your dream backyard pool.

FAQs

1. What is a beach entry pool?

A beach entry pool, also known as a zero-entry pool, has a gradual transition into the water just like walking into the ocean, creating an oceanlike pool entry experience.

2. How does a fiberglass beach entry pool differ from other inground pools?

Fiberglass beach entry pools come pre-formed and provide a smooth finish with resort-style features, making them different from other types of inground swimming pools in design and material.

3. Can small backyards fit a beach entry pool?

Yes! You can design small beach entry pools to fit snugly in your backyard space while still offering that resort-style feel.

4. What should I consider when looking at swimming pool designs for pool renovation?

When renovating for new swimming pool designs, consider adding unique features like a zero-entry style or incorporating landscaping that complements your new backyard oasis.

5. Will my pool cost go up if I install a beach entry feature during construction?

Including special features such as a gradual transition or fiberglass installation may increase initial costs but can add significant value and appeal to your inground swimming pools.

6. Is maintenance difficult for these types of swimming pools with special entries?

Beach style entries require similar maintenance compared to standard pools; regular cleaning alongside proper safety measures ensures long-lasting enjoyment and functionality for all your resort-style pool features.