If you’re just starting your pool construction journey, you have likely realized just how many choices you must make.
“How big do I want my pool?”
“DO I want above or below ground?”
“How much am I willing to spend?”
“Do I want pool lights, and if so, where?”
“Do I want tiling or plaster?”
“What design do I want?”
These questions likely race through your head. Don’t worry, each one counts as a valid question when making a big decision like constructing your very own luxury pool. Today, we want to help you with the design question by introducing you to a design option that often gets ignored.
Introducing the flat bottom pool! Unlike the Queen song, Flat Bottom Pools make the pool world go around. Below, we’re going to tell you what a flat bottom pool is, the advantages they offer, design options for flat bottomed pools, and the difference between flat and sloped bottomed pools.
What is a Flat Bottom Pool?
What is a Flat Bottom Pool, you ask? Great Question! A flat bottom pool is a type of design option that strays away from the traditional pool design. Traditionally, pools slope from a low depth to a higher depth as one goes farther into the pool. For a flat bottom pool, the pool’s floor remains the same height throughout the pool. This means that no shallow end or deep end exists, just a consistently level surface. These pools typically remain 3.5- 5 feet deep, varying depending on the owner, their height, and how they plan to use the pool.
Why Choose a Flat Bottom Pool?
Upon initially hearing about the logistics of a flat bottom pool, you may be wondering why anyone would choose this pool option. With no variation in floor height, leaving zero flexibility on how submerged you want to be in the water, one may feel that choosing a sloped pool over a flat-bottomed one is a no-brainer. And while the flat bottom pool doesn’t offer as much flexibility, there are many reasons why you should still consider a Flat Bottom Pool for your luxury pool design.
1. Perfect for Play and Games
Flat bottom pools work perfectly for water games like volleyball, pool basketball, Marco Polo, and pool noodle battles because the pool’s depth remains the same. A constant depth means no pool volleyball teams face a disadvantage while standing on the slope. In Marco Polo, the risk of Polo drowning in the deep end vanishes. Without a sloped bottom, participation from everyone becomes much easier and safer. In fact, many of the games in our Ultimate Pool Party Checklist work best in this type of setup.
2. Family-Friendly and Safe
For parents, a flat bottom pool remains a favorite because it eliminates the unexpected depth changes that can trip younger swimmers. If you’re designing this pool with young kids in mind, we do recommend the depth of the pool remain around 3.5-4 feet. The uniform design of a flat bottom pool also makes monitoring children easier and reduces the risks associated with diving or deep-end confusion.
3. Great for Socializing
Flat Bottom pools make excellent spaces for socializing. Everyone can comfortably stand or float at the same depth, encouraging more in-water interaction. Whether you’re lounging with a drink or playing with pool toys, the consistent depth brings everyone together.
Turning Your Flat Bottom Pool into Luxury
If you’re feeling like a flat bottom pool might not be exciting or luxury enough for your pool construction dreams, you’re wrong. Let us show you all the ways in which you can have a luxury pool without the traditional sloped floor.
Ambiance Pool Lighting
For starters, adding lighting to any pool instantly makes its level of luxury increase. Pool lighting means your flat bottom pool will be the go-to spot for pool parties, nighttime volleyball, swimming laps, cooling off and socializing on a warm summer night. Whether you choose a floating color changing light perfect for parties, ground or wall lights that can change the mood with the click of a button, or landscaping lights around your pool, you will appreciate the ability to safely swim and see at night.
Integrated Seating
If you want to take your pool socializing game to the next level, try integrated seating. If you want to take your pool socializing game to the next level, try integrated seating. Whether you’re just adding a few benches to the side of your pool, creating a pool bar set up, or building a full-on table and chair pool area, having some kind of integrated seating will enhance your pool experience. Integrated seating works even better in flat bottom pools because the consistent surface level makes adding benches, stools, and tables easier, no matter the spot in the pool! Including these in your pool offers great places to relax, cool off with a drink, or even enjoy your summer BBQ without even needing to exit the pool!
Sun Shelves
Like pool benches, sun shelves make the perfect addition to your luxury pool. These shallow platforms allow you to soak up the sun in the coolness of your pool. Add lounge chairs, umbrellas, and even side tables to make your pool the perfect spot to lay back and relax. These shallow shelves also work as the perfect play area for young ones who are still too small to reach the bottom of the pool.
Grottos, Water fixtures and landscaping
If you’re feeling like your flat bottom pool isn’t screaming luxury from the exterior, consider adding a waterfall grotto. A waterfall grotto makes the perfect place to cool off from the sun on an especially hot day. It also creates ambiance with the sound of rushing water and improves exterior aesthetics. Adding other water features like fountains offers another good option. Incorporating plants, flowers, and stone structures around your pool will also enhance its looks and make it feel more elegant and luxurious
The Possibilities are Endless
If none of these options have you thrilled, don’t worry, there are many family-friendly features you can add to increase the WOW factor of your luxury pool. The possibilities are endless and with our trained professionals at Shoreline Pools, we can transform your backyard into a show-stopping retreat you’ll never want to leave.
Flat Bottom Pool vs. Sloped Bottom Pool: Pros and Cons
When choosing the best pool design for your home, understanding each style’s strengths and limitations proves essential. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide whether a flat bottom or sloped bottom pool better fits your needs.
Flat Bottom Pool Pros
- Even Depth for Safety: Ideal for kids and beginner swimmers.
- Great for Games: Perfect for water volleyball, pool basketball, and more.
- Easier Maintenance: Consistent depth means simpler cleaning and circulation.
- More Social: Encourages in-water interaction at a single, comfortable depth.
Flat Bottom Pool Cons
- Not Ideal for Diving: Depth tends to be too shallow for safe diving.
- Limited Exercise Variety: Not ideal for swimming laps or diving practice.
Sloped Bottom Pool Pros
- Diving Capability: Deeper ends allow for diving and more dynamic use.
- Lap Swimming: Slope accommodates those wanting fitness-focused use.
- Varied Experiences: Offers shallow lounging and deep-end exploration.
Sloped Bottom Pool Cons
- Less Game-Friendly: Uneven depths can complicate play and social activities.
- Safety Concerns: Depth changes may be risky for younger swimmers.
- Higher Maintenance: Multiple depths can complicate water circulation and cleaning.
Ready to Relax in Your Very Own Luxury Flat Bottom Pool?
If you’re dreaming of a stunning, safe, and social luxury pool, a flat bottom design might be exactly what your backyard needs. From pool parties to peaceful afternoons, this versatile option checks all the boxes, and with Shoreline Pools’ expert designers and builders guiding you every step of the way, bringing your vision to life has never been easier. We’ll help you select the right features, install your dream setup, and transform your backyard into a retreat your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. Give us a call at (203) 357-1544 to schedule your personalized pool consultation and take the first step toward your luxury pool experience.
