Homeowners often like to simulate nature in their pool design. The goal is to create a pool that appears as a natural body of water, such as a lagoon or even a seaside beach. Such a pool requires a lot of landscaping and hardscaping to make it appear as if you just happened upon this body of water.
If your goal is to simulate the seaside, a beach entry, or zero entry, swimming pool might be ideal for you. Discover all about this style of entryway into your pool and if it makes sense for your space.
BASICS OF A BEACH ENTRY POOL
A beach entry pool features a specialized entry system for the main pool. Instead of steps, contractors build a wide expanse of space that gradually deepens. You have two options for this gradual entry. One option is the bottom just keeps deepening as you enter the pool proper. The second is a shorter beach entry that leads to submerged steps.
The goal of the zero entry is to simulate the way the land leads you into the sea or a lake. One thing you must consider is that while a beach entry doesn’t have to have set dimensions, it does take up more space than steps – such as in the same way an entry ramp takes more space than stairs.
USES FOR THE BEACH ENTRY
Naturally, one of the main uses for the beach entry is the aesthetic value. As mentioned above, if you’re trying to simulate a naturalistic body of water, a beach entry does just that. A beach entry is also an upgrade that lends a high-end feel to your pool.
That said, a zero entry also has practical advantages. The sloping entry resembles the gradation of a wheelchair ramp, and it’s similarly easy for people with disabilities to enter the pool via zero entry. The beach entry is also easier for people who are elderly.
Finally, the beach entry can be a great sun tanning spot. Similar to a Baja shelf, you can set out chairs in the zero entry to sunbathe while keeping cool or sit partially submerged in the water. The beach entry is also an ideal space for entertaining small children, like a splash pool.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE BEACH ENTRY
The main disadvantage of zero entry pools is that they take up more space. Or, if the overall pool doesn’t widen, the beach entry takes up more of the swimmable space. That said, this disadvantage can be somewhat mitigated if you choose a shorter beach entry with submerged steps at the end.
The main advantage of the beach entry is its multiple uses. As noted, a zero entry makes the pool accessible to people of different ages and abilities. This advantage can be a big selling point.
FINISH IDEAS FOR A BEACH ENTRY POOL
Since a beach entry is meant to simulate naturalistic water, many homeowners choose an aggregate finish for the entry. You can choose a finish that’s been colored a sandy beige and that features smooth river rocks as the aggregate. Not only does such a finish simulate the look of a sandy entry, but the pebbled texture also provides traction and, therefore, safety for a slippery slope.
Not all natural pools feature a sandy shore. Another option for your beach entry is to have it finished in natural stone. You’ll want to choose stones with some texture to provide some of that traction.
A beach entry can also be a beautiful complement to a modern-style pool, especially if you’re adding the submerged steps. In this case, you may choose white plaster or one of the shinier aggregates, such as glass beads.
If you have the space, a beach entry can be a beautiful and practical addition to your swimming pool.
Let our experts at Athens Pool & Spa help you design a beautiful swimming pool with a zero entry. Contact us to day.
