By William Gunzburg, Owner of Kingfish Pools Inc., Metairie, Louisiana
When it comes to pool design, one feature that often doesn’t get enough attention is how people actually enter and exit the water. Custom pool steps and entryways do more than just look good — they play a major role in making a pool accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Accessibility in pool design has moved beyond just meeting minimum standards. It is now about creating spaces that invite everyone — kids, seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and casual swimmers alike — to enjoy the water without hesitation. The way a pool is built says a lot about who it is built for, and thoughtful entryways make a big difference.
Wide steps, tanning ledges, beach entries, and custom handrails are no longer extras. They are part of designing a pool that works for real life. More property owners are recognizing that a pool should be as welcoming and functional as it is beautiful. Custom entry solutions allow the design to meet the unique needs of each space and the people using it.
Wide Steps and Tanning Ledges
Wide steps offer a gradual, stable way to enter the water. Instead of relying on narrow ladders or steep steps, wide entryways allow swimmers to ease into the pool naturally. This is especially important for young children learning to swim and older adults who may have trouble with balance or strength.
Tanning ledges, also called sun shelves, serve a similar purpose. They create shallow areas perfect for lounging, playing, or simply cooling off without being fully submerged. Tanning ledges also provide natural resting points for anyone who needs a break without having to exit the pool entirely.
These features improve the overall experience by providing flexibility. Swimmers can choose how they want to enjoy the water, whether that’s sitting, standing, or slowly moving deeper at their own pace.
Beach Entries and Zero-Entry Designs
Another popular option for improving accessibility is the beach entry, or zero-entry design. Instead of steps, the pool floor slopes gently downward from the deck into the deeper water, much like a natural shoreline.
Beach entries eliminate barriers to access completely. They are ideal for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone needing a smoother transition into the pool. The gradual slope also makes the pool more inviting for toddlers and young swimmers who may be intimidated by sudden depth changes.
A zero-entry pool enhances visual appeal while providing a fully inclusive swimming experience. It is both a practical and attractive way to bring more people into the water comfortably and safely.
Handrails and Support Features
Handrails are a key component of custom entryways. Properly placed, sturdy handrails offer the necessary support for those who need assistance entering or exiting the water. Whether built into wide steps or positioned alongside a beach entry, handrails provide an added layer of safety without compromising the look of the pool.
Support features like built-in seating near entry points also help create welcoming spaces. Swimmers can rest, acclimate to the water temperature, or simply enjoy the pool without needing to commit to full immersion. These thoughtful additions cater to a range of physical abilities and preferences.
Custom Solutions for Specific Needs
One of the biggest advantages of custom pool steps and entryways is the ability to tailor them to specific needs. Every pool has a different audience. A backyard pool might prioritize family-friendly features for children and grandparents. A hotel pool might focus on ADA compliance and ease of use for a diverse group of guests. A therapy pool might require extra-wide steps, handrails, and underwater benches to assist with rehabilitation exercises.
Custom design allows every aspect of the entry to match the goals of the project — from the slope and width of the steps to the placement of handrails and resting areas.
Benefits Beyond Accessibility
Custom entryways do more than improve access. They contribute to the overall functionality, beauty, and long-term value of the pool.
Shallow ledges and wide steps create natural gathering areas, making the pool more social and enjoyable. Thoughtful entry designs reduce wear and tear on pool structures because swimmers are not relying heavily on narrow ladders or small step areas. Custom features can also enhance the landscape design around the pool, tying together the entire outdoor living space.
Pools that are easier to use are also pools that get used more often. This increases the return on investment for property owners and enhances the lifestyle value of the home, hotel, or facility.
Durability and Maintenance
When properly designed and built, custom steps and entryways also contribute to easier maintenance. Smooth surfaces, gradual slopes, and durable materials reduce areas where algae can collect and make cleaning more efficient. Good design considers not just how a pool looks on day one, but how well it will perform and hold up over years of use.
Slip-resistant finishes, reinforced concrete structures, and well-planned drainage all play a role in creating a pool that stays safe, beautiful, and easy to maintain over time.
The Future of Pool Design
Custom pool entryways are becoming the standard, not the exception. As more property owners prioritize accessibility, safety, and user experience, pools are being built with features that welcome everyone into the water.
Designing a pool with accessibility in mind is a smart decision — not only for today’s users but for the future value and usability of the property. Custom steps, beach entries, and thoughtful support features transform a pool from a simple amenity into a true gathering space where everyone can feel comfortable and included.
Good pool design is about more than just appearance. It’s about creating spaces that work for real people in real life — and that starts at the water’s edge.
