Top 10 Swimming Pool Features for Kids

Nothing says family fun like splashing around on a hot summer’s day in a backyard pool! A day in the pool is the perfect way to create lasting memories with family and friends. But the best way to make those toasty days even more memorable: installing a pool with the coolest swimming pool features for kids!

From playing water sports and jumping off a diving board, to swirling down a slide, your family and friends are sure to have a blast. Plus, there are plenty of options around if you’re looking to double up on safety features around your pool, too. 

If you’re ready to turn your home into the neighborhood’s favorite hangout spot, take a look at this round-up of the ten best pool features for kids.

1. Diving Board

Sure, cannon-balling into the deep end, or competing for best belly flop is fun whether you have a diving board or not, but there are few things that kids enjoy more than using this classic pool accessory. From learning how to dive to doing flips, there’s virtually no limit to the fun they’ll have flying through the air and splashing into the water. Just make sure your pool is deep enough to avoid injury when jumping in.

Diving boards are an extremely popular option for families with high-energy kids. Since it’s so versatile, a diving board is also a pool feature that will grow with your kids as they get older and more experienced.

One thing you should know is that a diving board costs between $500 to $1,500. If you do make the investment, though, it’s sure to be fun for all ages for years to come.

2. Basketball Hoop

Not only is water basketball a super-fun group activity, but it’s also great exercise. A basketball hoop designed specifically for aquatic use is a great kid-friendly pool feature — and it’s one that the adults are sure to enjoy too. Your kids (and maybe your spouse) will love inviting their friends over for a pick-up game of basketball in the pool.

You can opt for a hoop that doesn’t need any installation, though these might be a little less stable as their only base is attached to the pole and hoop itself. If you’re looking for a more permanent fixture, you can choose to have your hoop installed professionally, which involves digging a hole wherever you would like it placed, and using concrete to permanently fix it to the ground.

3. Pool Slide

Think you can only enjoy a water slide by paying an extravagant theme park entrance fee? Think again. There’s no need to head to the nearest water park when you can enjoy sliding and splashing in your very own backyard. From small children to teens, everyone will shout with joy as they glide down the slide into the water. Think about adding a full-sized slide with fun twists and turns for even more thrills. These, like diving boards, tend to cost a bit more than other pool add-one. For a slide with a ladder, including installation, you might pay $4,000 or more. However, smaller slides typically cost between $1,000 to $3,000.

4. Volleyball Net

A more affordable option, such as the addition of a volleyball net, is a great way to encourage hours of family fun. Water volleyball is more than just a casual sport, it’s a solid workout that helps build muscle and improve coordination. Plus, there’s the fun of adding an extra incentive to win. For example, perhaps the losers have to do chores around the house! Or, maybe winners get an extra ice cream scoop.

5. Safety Cover

We can’t forget safety. Statistics show that approximately 73% of non-fatal pool injuries involve kids under the age of 5, so if you have little ones, it’s important to accident-proof your pool as best you can. Adding a safety cover to your pool provides extra protection against accidental drownings and other pool accidents, giving you extra peace of mind when you can’t be around to supervise. Plus, pool covers keep most unwanted debris out of your pool when it’s not in use, which can save you major time. 

6. Tanning Ledge

A pool with a tanning ledge, also called a tanning shelf or sun shelf, is perfect for families with smaller kids. These shelf-like features near the edge of the pool provide a safe and shallow place for the little ones to splash and play all day. They also make it easier for kids of all ages to ease their way into the pool. Once the kids have grown, you can still use the ledge to spend your days basking in the sun.

7. Water Features

Kids can’t resist deck jets, bubbler fountains, or any type of waterfall, really. Not only do they look great, but they’re irresistible to splash and play in. Adding some illuminating fiber optics or LED lights to your water features will also create a gorgeous ambiance after the sun goes down. You can even customize your pool lights to change color, so whether you’re partying or relaxing, you can set the perfect vibe. Check out our pool accessories page to see all of the fun features that you can add.

8. Rectangle Shape

There are many different pool styles to choose from, but if you want to maximize your kids’ play area, a rectangle-shaped pool is your best bet. Rectangle pools allow for a large step area on the shallow end, seats and a tanning ledge in the deep end, and plenty of space in between. Plus, the best water sports and games benefit from a spacious pool interior.

9. Level Bottoms

Pools with level bottoms or those with only a slight slope are safer for families with children. A consistent pool depth also makes it easier to enjoy pool sports and games where reaching the bottom is an advantage — like Sharks and Minnows or Marco Polo.

10. Dual-End Exit Points

While the kids may choose to slide, dive, or belly flop into the pool, having a pool with dual exit points can be an underestimated benefit when it’s time to get out. Adding corner swim-outs in the deep end will make climbing out significantly easier! There’s no need to trudge across the entire pool just to get to your towels, shoes, or snacks.

Create the Perfect Pool for Backyard Family Fun!

Upgrading your new pool with just a few of these kid-friendly pool features can make all of the difference. Use our pool cost calculator to see how affordable these add-ons can be! 

Once you’ve decided on your dream pool and the features you want, schedule a consultation with one of our sales reps. We’ll help finalize your fiberglass pool purchase and schedule your installation so you and the kids can start having some backyard fun!