What’s the difference between a simple backyard pool and a truly family-friendly oasis? The answer is in the design.
Having a pool in Pennsylvania is a summer lifesaver. It’s the soundtrack of a perfect July: kids laughing, water splashing, and the hum of happy neighbors. But for homeowners, especially parents, that joy comes with a big responsibility. The primary goal is creating a space that is not only fun but fundamentally safe.
You don’t have to choose between a beautiful backyard and a secure one. A well-designed, kid-friendly pool area integrates safety features so seamlessly they become part of the landscape’s beauty.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to design a pool area that gives you peace of mind and your kids a place to make lifelong memories. We will cover the non-negotiables of pool safety, smart design tricks for fun, and how to make it all work even in small backyard pools.
Safety First: The Non-Negotiable Layers of Protection
When it comes to pool safety, there is no single solution. The best approach is using “layers of protection,” where multiple safety features work together. If one fails, another is there to back it up.
1. The Right Fencing (It’s the Law)
This is the most critical and visible layer. In Pennsylvania, pool fencing isn’t just a good idea; it’s a legal requirement. While specific codes vary by municipality (you must check your local ordinances), state-wide building codes generally require a barrier of at least 48 inches high, with a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens away from the pool.
Think of your fence as the first line of defense. It should be unclimbable (no wide horizontal rails) and completely enclose the pool area, separating it from the house and the rest of the yard.
2. Non-Slip Surfaces
Kids run. They will run near the pool, even after you’ve told them not to (for the tenth time). The surface you choose for your pool patio, or “pool deck,” is one of your most important safety decisions.
Standard concrete can become slick. A brushed-finish concrete offers more texture and grip. However, modern pavers are an excellent choice, offering style and a non-slip texture. Materials like travertine, bluestone, or high-quality concrete pavers are designed to provide better footing, even when wet. They also tend to stay cooler on hot days than poured concrete.
Here’s a quick comparison of popular non-slip patio materials:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Broom-Finished Concrete | Cost-effective, good grip. | Can crack, basic appearance. |
| Concrete Pavers | Excellent non-slip texture, many styles, repairable (can replace single pavers). | Higher initial cost than concrete, can settle over time if not installed properly. |
| Travertine Pavers | Stays cool to the touch, porous (absorbs water), natural non-slip texture. | Higher-end cost, requires sealing. |
| Bluestone (Natural Cleft) | Beautiful, classic PA look, durable, good texture. | Can get hot in direct sun, more expensive. |
Proper installation of these surfaces is key. An expert hardscaping team ensures the base is level and compacted, preventing sinking or tripping hazards from uneven pavers down the line.
3. Alarms and Covers
Your fence is the passive barrier; alarms are your active alert system.
- Gate Alarms: These emit a loud alert whenever the pool gate is opened.
- Pool Alarms: These sit in the water or use sensors to detect when someone or something (over a certain weight) breaks the water’s surface.
- Door Alarms: If your house forms one side of the pool barrier, any door with direct access to the pool should have an alarm.
A safety cover is another essential layer, especially during the off-season or when the pool isn’t in use for extended periods. A proper safety cover (not a simple floating cover) anchors to the patio and can support the weight of a person, preventing accidental falls into the water.
Designing for Fun (Without Sacrificing Safety)
A kid-friendly pool isn’t just about safety; it’s also about fun. The right design choices can create an engaging space that encourages safe play.
Create Designated Zones
Use landscaping and hardscaping to create different “zones” in your pool area.
- Splash Zone: This is the area immediately around the pool, with non-slip surfaces and clear sightlines.
- Lounge Zone: A slightly separate area with seating for adults, where you can relax but still have a clear view of the water.
- Play Zone: A small patch of grass or artificial turf nearby is perfect for kids to dry off and play. This soft surface is safer for tumbles than a hard patio.
- Dining Zone: If you have an outdoor kitchen or grill, keeping it a safe distance from the main pool traffic path prevents kids from running into hot surfaces.
Add Shade (A Lot of It)
Pennsylvania summers can be strong. Protecting kids’ skin is just as important as protecting them from the water. Integrate shade to create cool spots for rest.
- Pergolas: A beautiful hardscaping feature that provides filtered shade.
- Umbrellas: Use large, stable cantilever umbrellas that can be adjusted.
- Landscaping: A strategically planted deciduous tree can provide wonderful natural shade in the summer (just be sure it’s not a “messy” tree that will drop constantly into the pool).
Smart Storage Solutions
Pool toys, floats, and safety gear can quickly turn a patio into a tripping-hazard obstacle course. Designating storage is key. A built-in deck box or a handsome storage bench can blend right into your hardscaping, keeping toys tidy and pathways clear.
Consider Small Water Features
You don’t need a giant waterslide. Small, simple water features like bubblers on a shallow “sun shelf” or gentle deck jets (fountains that arc from the patio into the pool) are endlessly entertaining for young children and add a touch of elegance.
Smart Landscaping for a Kid-Friendly Pool
Your plant choices matter. The right landscaping can enhance safety, while the wrong choices can create problems.
- Avoid Thorny Plants: Steer clear of plants like barberry, holly, or certain roses right near pathways or play areas.
- Minimize Bee-Magnets: While pollinators are great for the garden, you may not want high-attractant flowers like bee balm right next to the pool edge. Opt for ornamental grasses, hostas, or ferns.
- Create Soft Buffers: Use durable, soft-textured groundcovers or small beds of mulch to separate the patio from the fence, creating a “softer” border.
- Block Views (or Keep Them Clear): Use dense privacy shrubs (like Arborvitae) to block the view of the pool from the street, adding privacy. But within the yard, ensure your landscaping doesn’t create blind spots between the house and the pool.
What About Small Backyard Pools?
Do you have a smaller yard, common in many Pennsylvania neighborhoods? You can still have a beautiful and safe kid-friendly pool. The keyword for small backyard pools is “efficiency.”
- Plunge Pools and “Spools**“: These smaller-scale pools are perfect for cooling off and family fun. A “spool” combines the features of a small pool and a spa.
- Safety is Magnified: In a small space, safety is even more critical. The fence is non-negotiable.
- Vertical Design: Use vertical space. A “living wall” of plants can provide greenery without taking up patio space. Wall-mounted storage and slim-profile furniture are your friends.
- Lighter Colors: Using light-colored pavers for your patio can make a small area feel larger and more open.
Your Final Kid-Friendly Checklist
Before pool season starts, run through this final checklist.
- Emergency Plan: Does everyone in the house know the pool rules? Is your address posted clearly for emergency services?
- Safety Gear: Do you have a first-aid kit, a life ring, and a shepherd’s hook easily accessible?
- CPR Knowledge: Do the adults in the household know CPR?
- Clear Rules: Post a simple, clear list of pool rules (No running! No swimming alone!) where everyone can see them.
Your Perfect Family Oasis Awaits
Creating a kid-friendly pool area is the ultimate investment in your home and your family’s happiness. It’s about building a space where you can relax, knowing that the design, the hardscaping, and the landscaping are all working together to keep your loved ones safe.
A safe pool is a fun pool. By layering fencing, non-slip surfaces, and smart design, you can build a backyard retreat that will be the heart of your home for years to come.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re in Pennsylvania and looking to transform your pool area with a beautiful, non-slip paver patio, a secure fence, or landscape design that puts your family’s safety first, we can help.
Contact FS Landscaping Contractors today for a consultation. We specialize in designing and building the hardscaping and landscapes that turn backyard dreams into a safe, beautiful reality.