What is the Maximum Depth of a Fiberglass Pool?

A couple of frequently asked questions we get as a fiberglass pool manufacturer involve pool depth. In that regard, people often want to know, “Can a fiberglass pool have a deep end?” and, “What is the maximum depth of a fiberglass pool?” This post will answer these questions and more about fiberglass pools.

Can a fiberglass pool have a deep end? If so, how deep is the deep end of a pool?

Many fiberglass pools have a deep end. However, most designs that are manufactured today aren’t diving depth. The typical fiberglass pool has a deep end of five and one-half feet, but pool depth varies by design. Because many pool-goers spend most of their time in areas of the pool where they can stand with their head above the water, having too deep of a deep end could be perceived as wasted space for some.

How deep does a pool need to be for a diving board?

There are many different specifications for the five types of diving pools, but the required pool depth is typically eight-feet or more for the diving well. Pools with diving boards are approximately one-third diving well, one-third hopper area (slope between shallow and deep ends), and one-third shallow area. Because many people spend most of their time where they can touch the bottom, thoughtfully consider a pool with a diving board. Here are a few reasons you don’t see deep ends in pools that much anymore:

 

• Pool Safety. A diving board requires constant supervision to ensure safe use, which may be more effort than a homeowner wants to put in. Plus, diving boards are sometimes too tempting for inexperienced swimmers. 

 

• Higher insurance premiums. Many insurers will require a liability rider or additional coverage on your homeowner’s policy if you have a diving board. 

 

• Alternative activities. The presence of a diving well or deep-end can cancel out some of the other in-pool activities. A flat-bottom pool design is better suited to splash volleyball, water basketball, and other pool games. 

 

• Stiffness. Due to accidents and liability concerns, diving boards have evolved into stiffer designs. The more rigid design makes them safer but maybe not quite as fun. 

 

• Large dimensions are required. If you’re going to have a diving board, you’ll need a large pool, especially if you want to enjoy other activities. 

 

 

 

That all said, preferences are preferences, and if you want a diving board, Thursday Pools does offer a Type 1 diving pool design. At 8′ 6″ deep, the Monolith, a 40′ x 16′ rectangular pool design, exceeds the depth of our other large pools by almost two feet. If you are a diving enthusiast, take a look at the Monolith Wet Tour to understand what a deep fiberglass pool looks like in use. 

(Note: *Thursday Pools strongly recommends that diving boards and slides not be installed or used with its pools, given the inherent dangers associated with diving boards and slides in residential pools. These dangers include brain, spinal cord and other severe permanent injuries, and death. For that reason, Thursday Pools does not manufacture or sell diving boards or slides. If, despite this warning and recommendation, the owner decides to install or use a diving board or slide, the owner assumes all risks inherent with a diving board or slide, and Thursday Pools further warns that diving boards and slides require minimum depths and distances and must be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturer‘s specifications and ANSI/NSPI, ANSI/APSP, and ANSI/APSP/ICC standards, as well as in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The owner is responsible for making sure the pool is appropriate for diving boards and slides and otherwise meets all standards and laws for diving pools, and the owner must consult the diving board or slide manufacturer and/or installer as to the appropriateness of the pool for the diving board or slide and that its installation, location and use meet all standards and laws for diving and slide pools.)

What is the maximum depth of a fiberglass pool?

Diving board dilemma aside, some people still want to know the maximum depth of a fiberglass pool. This will vary by manufacturer. It is true that smaller pools tend to accommodate less depth than larger, longer ones. Still, there are pools of various depths out there that can fit your lifestyle. Four feet deep pools are perfectly suitable for underwater swimming, so consider how you will use your pool and other built-in features that would make your pool time memorable. Are you looking for a deep pool, or would a large pool that is not a diving pool be just as or more your style? Take a look at the following large pool designs to see why they are so popular among pool buyers:

The Grace Beach Entry (Patent US 10,472,839) comes in a maximum depth of 5’10″—not a diving depth—but it’s a homeowner favorite because it brings a resort aesthetic and is functionally fantastic. The easy entry and exit accommodate swimmers of all ages (and pets). The gentle slope lets you stay cool in the water while soaking up the sun, and it provides a great place for little ones to splash around in the shallow waters. 

The aptly named Goliath is a large pool with a maximum depth of 6’8″. It features convenient stairs and comfortable seating ledges strategically placed to create an open swim lane right down the center of the pool. Pool users who like to swim and those who like to lounge find this  to be a great place to do both at the same time.  

A best-seller, the Aspen, comes in a variety of sizes. The largest is 16’x40′ and has a maximum depth of 5’10”. While it boasts an open swim area, Aspen also has a large tanning ledge with room for a couple of loungers while leaving plenty of space for swimmers to enter and exit the pool. It is an all-around favorite pool design because it accommodates almost any lifestyle.  

The Spirit, Lil Bob, and Lil Bob LX are larger fiberglass pools with a 4’6″ depth. While they provide ample room for swimming, these designs also accommodate pool volleyball and socializing more readily than a variable depth pool. 

 

If you are now second-guessing whether you need a deep pool, the best advice we could give is to talk to an independent pool dealer near you. They can assess your outdoor space and pool desires and help you determine what’s right for you.