Top 10 Swimming Pool Features for Kids

Nothing says family fun quite like a backyard pool! Kids love spending their days splashing and playing in the water, and a day in the pool is the perfect way to create lasting memories with your family and friends.

Choosing the right kid-friendly pool features will take things to a whole new level. Whether they’re playing water sports, jumping off a diving board, or swirling down a slide, your children and their classmates are sure to have a blast! 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

There are few things that kids enjoy more than using a classic diving board. From learning how to dive to jumping and doing flips, there’s virtually no limit to the fun they’ll have flying through the air and splashing into the water. 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.

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.

3. Pool Slide

There’s no need to head to the nearest water park when you can enjoy sliding and splashing in your very own backyard. Everyone from small kids to teens 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.

4. Volleyball Net

Adding a volleyball net to your pool is a great way to encourage hours of family fun. Water volleyball is a casual sport that helps build muscle and improve coordination. Plus, there’s an extra incentive to win if the losers have to do chores around the house! Or, maybe winners get an extra ice cream scoop…

5. Safety Cover

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 not to forget about basic safety. 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.

6. Tanning Ledge

A pool with a tanning ledge 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, and all types of waterfalls. Not only do they look cool, 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. 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. Water sports, swimming laps, tag, and other activities all 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!