Valley Oasis Pools has more than 25 years of experience in custom pool construction in Tucson, AZ. We have built pools of all sizes, shapes, and designs, incorporating high-end custom and luxury features. We can help you determine the best type of pool to build if you have kids, and we will guide you through the process of choosing kid-friendly pool designs that will make your pool safe and fun for everyone in the family to use.
We’ll also help you consider crucial pool safety features to protect your kids and any other kids, teens, and young adults who will be using your pool. In addition to kid-friendly new pool construction, we also specialize in designing and creating family-friendly outdoor living spaces that include water features, non-slip pool decks, safety gates and fences, and more. Here is our guide to planning a family-friendly and kid-safe backyard swimming pool.
Research Pool Safety Laws in Your State
Before building a new pool, research Arizona’s pool safety laws. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §36-1681 applies to residential, private pools built for households that include children under six years of age. It states that pools that are deeper than 18 inches and wider than eight feet must be enclosed by a barrier that is at least five feet high and/or protected by a motorized safety pool cover which requires the operation of a key switch. The pool barrier must:
- Be unclimbable, with no openings, handholds, or footholds that can be used for climbing
- Open outward from the pool
- Be at least 20 inches from the water’s edge
- Include a gate with a self-closing, self-latching mechanism
- Have a latch that is installed at least 54 inches above the ground
- Not have any openings that are greater than four inches in diameter
- Have fence posts or railings installed less than 45 inches apart
Choose Safe, Non-Slip Pool Materials
Next, choose pool materials that are rated as safe for the age range of the children in your household, or any other children who will be using the pool. These include the actual materials used to build your pool as well as the pool deck materials. Non-slip pool deck materials include textured concrete, rubber-coated decking material, and anti-slip pool deck matting. Kid- and family-friendly pool materials include textured concrete and vinyl, or concrete or fiberglass with non-slip matting on steps and in the shallow end.
Design a Multi-Depth Pool
To be safe for all ages, your pool should be multi-depth. This means it should include a shallow, walk-in area that is safe for young children, and a deep end that is safe for teens, young adults, and adults who want to dive in. Each end of the pool should have steps or a ladder for safe entry and exit.
Include Pool Safety Features
There are other pool safety features that you can include, both in the pool itself and in the pool area. This includes:
- Pool fence, gate, or cover alarms
- Motion-sensor pool security lighting
- Covered areas for sun protection and lounging
- Anti-entrapment pool drain covers
- Pool rescue equipment like life rings, shepherd’s hooks, and a first aid kit
- Non-slip ladders and/or steps at the shallow and deep ends
Design a Pool With Features for All Ages
In addition to making sure the pool is safe for the children in your household, include custom features that benefit everyone else in your home. Some custom pool designs that are kid-safe and will also appeal to adults are:
- Grottos and waterfalls
- Water jets and bubblers
- LED pool lighting
- Swim-up bars or tanning ledges
- Kid-friendly slides
- Multi-depth zones or shallow areas for kid-friendly play
- Pool game accessories like a volleyball net and basketball hoop
Schedule a Consultation With Our Swimming Pool Contractors
Valley Oasis Pools is proud to be one of the premier pool companies in Arizona. We are known for our attention to detail, custom pool designs, and luxury pool features. Our experienced, skilled swimming pool contractors will work closely with you to understand your needs and work within your budget to design a pool your whole family will love. We’ll help you explore design inspiration and choose kid-friendly pool features that enhance your pool’s safety, beauty, comfort, and value. If you have been Googling “pool builder near me in Tucson, AZ,” call us now or reach out to us online to get an estimate for pool installation pricing and begin designing your dream backyard swimming pool.
