New Build - Vinyl Pool - Final Planning Prep - Digging Stage

[Dambra]

Hi everyone,

In the permit / material order stage of my vinyl pool build in Ontario slated for spring 2025.

Trying to decide between getting a baja shelf/ledge, or running a bench/ledge across the length of a pool.

Looking to hear from others who have either option and get some input as to what they think are pros/cons, regrets, etc. If you had pictures, do not hesitate to share either.

For context and information, I will explain both possible options below:

Pool - will be 15'x33' - attached a drawing reference showing it in the yard, as well as a rendering done. Pool faces North meaning sun in the warmer months will be overhead or behind the shallow end area.

Option 1: Baja Shelf/Ledge...See renderings showing this option in the pool - 15'x6' ledge in shallow end, as well as 3 steps, running full 15' width of pool - in all will be around 15'x9.5' of pool for this configuration. We like the idea because we have little ones and can see them, as well as adults hanging out in this area. However, have reservations because of the direction of the sun - would be overhead or behind this area. Additionally, takes up a lot of the pool and would leave approximately 23.5' for swimmable area.

Option 2: Bench running along length of pool - See photo with highlighted portion - 3 steps, and a bench running along the length of the pool - leaves seating area along the whole pool, and frees up a lot more swimmable area - approx. 29.5'

Option 3: None bench or shelves - classic rectangular pool with stadium steps

Curious what others think, or what experience you may have with either option?

Also curious on thoughts of vinyl longevity on either option?

My PB suggested if we go with option 2, we get the vinyl welded to ensure a tighter fit along the bench that runs across the whole pool, but of course will add $$ to the installation.

If anyone has any questions, or if I did not explain anything well - do not hesitate to let me know.


Thanks all!

 

[PoolStored]

You are going to get a wide range of answers. This is a very personal decision...you may not like what others like.

I have grandkids, and we like to float. Given the size of your pool, I would choose #3, maximum swim area for the kids (shallow end), and more room to float. We just wouldn't use the shelf or ledge.

At 15', the ledge will further reduce the swimmable width of the pool.

YMMV

 

[HermanTX]

If you have children under 3 y.o. They will enjoy the shelf.
A shelf with steps adjacent to it does not let older children jump off into deeper water or swim up to for a rest.
A shelf for adults to lounge - maybe teenagers, I have been to many pools with loungers and see very few people in them for any length of time.
I have a short bench (not the length of the pool) and the children like it as a resting place or a “safe base” when playing tag. Not sure I would want a bench the whole length of the pool.

 

[Newdude]

FWIW being entirely subjective, at every decision to be made we sided that we were building a swimming pool. The waterfall / ledge / bubblers / etc budget went into building a larger pool instead.

My little one couldn't stand at first in the shallow end of the original pool (now on 2). She was a legit fish by week 3 and didn't care she couldn't touch. She's since had a dozen or so years of being able to touch versus the 2 years that she couldn't and that gap widens every year.

For pool 2 we went with an 8ft bench in the deep end that seats 4 instead of a ladder. I can sit sideways stretched out and 2 more can still sit regular. It's a little awkward to climb out with, but it works, and little kids would not care one bit it was akward. They stretch better than we do. Lol.

 

[Dambra]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and personal experiences with this so far. Totally understand it is a personal choice, just was looking to gauge other's experience, see photos, etc.

Certainly leaning towards option 2 or 3 I must say. We do have little ones aged 3 and 1.

 

[Newdude]

We do have little ones aged 3 and 1.

For how long ? Food for thought.

Especially with your short seasons, the baby you plop down this season will be faster than you next season.

With This lounger i have 800 sq ft to float around, not being limited to a small area. I put my electronics down in a different spot in case I wipe out it getting on/off, but while floating, stay entirely dry the times I choose to.

Puddle jumpers are a must for little kids. They work way better than swimmies and are comfortable so there are no fights about them. Or less fights at least. Lol. They're especially critical on longer swim days when everyone is wiped out with hours left. They suit up and can go all day after. We also purchased small, medium and large life vests. Our kids were fish but friends/family weren't always. Or somebody kept having littles once ours were more grown. We worried alot less about who could swim, how well, for how long. They'd just grab a PJ/vest or be prompted to, and then the fun would continue with everyone at ease.

 

[Dambra]

For how long ? Food for thought.

Especially with your short seasons, the baby you plop down this season will be faster than you next season.

With This lounger i have 800 sq ft to float around, not being limited to a small area. I put my electronics down in a different spot in case I wipe out it getting on/off, but while floating, stay entirely dry the times I choose to.

Puddle jumpers are a must for little kids. They work way better than swimmies and are comfortable so there are no fights about them. Or less fights at least. Lol. They're especially critical on longer swim days when everyone is wiped out with hours left. They suit up and can go all day after. We also purchased small, medium and large life vests. Our kids were fish but friends/family weren't always. Or somebody kept having littles once ours were more grown. We worried alot less about who could swim, how well, for how long. They'd just grab a PJ/vest or be prompted to, and then the fun would continue with everyone at ease.

Very true and I agree. My wife, however is pushing for some sort of bench/ledge .. which is how I came up with option 2... which does shrink my 15' width down to like 13.5' but better than losing a lot of space from the shallow end or overall length...

Also I hear you - regarding the puddle jumpers - we have some for our older one already and he seems to enjoy using them for now....

All great information you shared, much appreciated.

 

[Newdude]

My wife, however is pushing for some sort of bench/ledge

My Mrs's only ask was the deep end bench. As much as it hurt me to give away valuable deep end space, it was beyond a fair compromise. (Shown above) It turns out I absolutely love it. If i build again, it'll be a wider pool to accommodate one on each long wall.

I opted for putting it on the house side because looking at the yard was nicer than looking at the house. And if we're entertaining, it's plenty comfy to sit sideways to chat with company on the patio. That's where the 8ft really comes in handy VS the PBs standard 6 ft he wanted to do.

 

[Dambra]

My Mrs's only ask was the deep end bench. As much as it hurt me to give away valuable deep end space, it was beyond a fair compromise. (Shown above) It turns out I absolutely love it. If i build again, it'll be a wider pool to accommodate one on each long wall.

I opted for putting it on the house side because looking at the yard was nicer than looking at the house. And if we're entertaining, it's plenty comfy to sit sideways to chat with company on the patio. That's where the 8ft really comes in handy VS the PBs standard 6 ft he wanted to do.

What are the dimensions of your pool?

 

[Newdude]

20X40. My build thread is in my signature under any of my posts. (Turn your device sideways is you're on mobile)

 

[hpt84]

This is what I'm building. Depends on if you are active or lazy. When I visit my friend pool, I'm hanging around the shelf with a drink in my hand. Whereas my kids will be all over the deep end with the diving pool. Here is a layout of what we are building.

 

[Dambra]

20X40. My build thread is in my signature under any of my posts. (Turn your device sideways is you're on mobile)

Just checked it out - nice pool... wish I could go bigger than what I am proposing (15x30')... but to maintain a good sized patio, I cannot.... With my option 2, leaves me about 13.5' width throughout pool... not sure if that is wide enough..... and as much as I would love to go spray paint it in the yard, we have 3 feet of snow

 

[Dambra]

This is what I'm building. Depends on if you are active or lazy. When I visit my friend pool, I'm hanging around the shelf with a drink in my hand. Whereas my kids will be all over the deep end with the diving pool. Here is a layout of what we are building.


View attachment 629087

Nice design.. I like the split of stairs/shelf... my wife and I are considering that also but our biggest issue is our shelf/stairs would have sun overhead or behind it all day (due to orientation of sun), so would be more of a roasting area and which is why we are thinking of getting rid of it altogether.

 

[hpt84]

Nice design.. I like the split of stairs/shelf... my wife and I are considering that also but our biggest issue is our shelf/stairs would have sun overhead or behind it all day (due to orientation of sun), so would be more of a roasting area and which is why we are thinking of getting rid of it altogether.

You could get an umbrella stand installed in your pool. It would be part of the pool construction and would just be a hole that you can put an umbrella in.

 

[Newdude]

and as much as I would love to go spray paint it in the yard, we have 3 feet of snow

If you get the chance, stake out rope/string waist high. Adding the 3rd dimension gives you a way better feel for it than lines on the ground.

our biggest issue is our shelf/stairs would have sun overhead or behind it all day (due to orientation of sun), so would be more of a roasting area and which is why we are thinking of getting rid of it altogether.

If you really like it, good thing it's Toronto and not Phoenix.

 

[Newdude]

Oooooooo. Go clear the area with the snowblower. First the small one, then the bigger one. Make believe a while in each.

 

[Dambra]

You could get an umbrella stand installed in your pool. It would be part of the pool construction and would just be a hole that you can put an umbrella in.
View attachment 629089

Yes, was thinking about that also ... what are the dimensions of your proposed steps/shelf from your earlier design?

 

[Dambra]

Oooooooo. Go clear the area with the snowblower. First the small one, then the bigger one. Make believe a while in each.

LOL, great idea! I may just try to do that

 

[Newdude]

I clear paths out back for my dogs to run laps everytime it snows.

 

[hpt84]

Yes, was thinking about that also ... what are the dimensions of your proposed steps/shelf from your earlier design?

It is not finalized yet. The short side of the pool is 16 feet. I think the shelf will be around 5 ft x 12. That would leave 4 ft for the steps.