When designing your dream backyard pool, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to include a deep end. While a flat-bottom pool is a practical and popular option, adding a deep end can enhance the swimming experience and open up more ways to enjoy your pool.
At Affordable Pools, we offer a variety of modular pools that can be customised to suit different depths, including our versatile Palm Cove and Cape York ranges. If you’re wondering whether a deep end is right for your backyard, here’s what you should consider.
The Benefits of a Deep End
1. Perfect for Diving and Active Swimmers
A deep end is great for families with confident swimmers or those who enjoy diving. It provides a safe depth for practicing underwater tricks or simply floating and relaxing away from the shallow section.
2. Adds Variety to the Pool Experience
Having different depths in your pool makes it more versatile. While younger children can play safely in the shallow end, adults and teens can use the deeper section for more active swimming or water sports.
3. Enhanced Resale Appeal
A well-designed pool with a deep end can appeal to future buyers who want a backyard pool that caters to both fun and exercise. It can make your property stand out, especially when paired with quality features like wide coping or pool lighting.
The Drawbacks of a Deep End
1. Less Play Space for Kids
While deep ends are great for divers, they reduce the amount of flat, shallow water for games like water volleyball or pool basketball. If you have young children, you may prefer a flat-bottom design to maximise usable play space.
2. Increased Water Costs and Heating Time
A deeper swimming pool holds more water, which means it can also take a bit longer to heat. Adding an electric heat pump is an excellent way to offset these costs while extending your swimming season.
3. Higher Installation Cost
Because deep-end pools require more excavation and materials, they can be a little more expensive to install compared to a standard flat-bottom design. This is worth factoring into your budget.
Who Should Choose a Deep End?
A deep end is ideal if:
- You have older children or teenagers who love diving and swimming laps.
- You want a multi-use pool for both fun and exercise.
- Your backyard has the space and slope to accommodate a variable depth.
For smaller backyards or young families, a pool without a deep end may be the better option. Affordable Pools offers flexible module designs like the Billabong range, which are perfect for above-ground setups and shallow profiles.
Popular Swimming Pools That Support Deep Ends
Our Palm Cove and Cape York ranges are ideal for homeowners who want a custom depth. These models can be installed above-ground or semi-inground and are built with durable Bluescope steel walls for long-lasting performance.
Pairing these pools with upgrades like step entry stems or wedding cake steps ensures safe access to both shallow and deep sections.
Designing Your Perfect Pool
Deciding on a deep end is just one part of creating the perfect swimming pool for your home. Consider factors like pool size, shape, landscaping and how you plan to use it day-to-day.
At Affordable Pools, we can help you weigh up the pros and cons based on your space, lifestyle and budget. With our module systems and range of pool options, it’s easy to create a design that works for everyone in your family.
Ready to plan your dream pool? Explore our full pool range or get in touch with our team for expert advice.