Playing in and around the pool is one of the pastimes that makes owning a pool the most fun. Jumping in the pool is an activity most kids—and adults—enjoy, but what’s a safe pool depth for jumping?
This is a deceptively simple question. The best pool depth to keep your family safe when jumping in the pool depends on a couple of factors.
The Way Your Kids Jump
Most kids like to jump in the water feet-first. While this is no doubt a fun activity, if the pool isn’t deep enough for this type of jumping, it can lead to injuries like twisted ankles or even broken toes.
For feet-first jumping, the pool should be no less than 4 feet deep. However, if your children are particularly tall or older, increase the depth to be on the safe side. You can also encourage them to jump in the deeper end if they’re strong enough swimmers.
If you or your kids want to dive into the pool, the safe pool depth for this style of jumping is even deeper, no less than 9 feet. Never let anyone dive into the shallow end of the pool, or even the middle, if your pool has a single, gradual slope downward. Always dive into the deepest area, and ensure it’s at least 9 feet deep before you do.
Indicate Your Pool’s Depth
Should your pool have a shallow end, consider using a brightly colored rope or another prominent visual indicator to help children remember that the shallow end is not a safe pool depth for jumping. You could try painting the surrounding deck a different color or adding colorful floatation devices that live in the shallows to discourage jumping there.
Be sure to indicate that nobody should dive head-first into any area except the deep end at 9 feet minimum.
