There are many types of swimming pools. Zero-entry is one feature of many that you can spend on creating a backyard swimming oasis.
Sadly, we don’t have such a pool, but at least I have the good fortune to live near a community pool that is zero entry (it’s a wave pool). It’s my older son’s favorite place to go so we go swimming there often.
He’s 5 and while he can stand in the shallow end of most pools now, he loves the beach entry because it gives him loads of space to splash around and enjoy himself instead of having to work hard keeping his head above water.
This type of swimming pool is becoming a very popular feature to include. A few years ago, it was rare but now more and more are being built for good reasons. We set out the several benefits of this type of pool below our amazing gallery.
Related: Average Size In-Ground Swimming Pool | Is Installing a Swimming Pool Worth It | Luxury Swimming Pools | Swimming Pool Design and Types | Saltwater Pools vs. Chlorine Pools vs. Ozone pools | Swimming Pool Cost
Photo Gallery
Beautiful palm trees surround this sparkling swimming pool boasting built-in round tables near the entry along with a waterfall feature on the side that’s accented by large vases. Colorful flowers set a gorgeous backdrop highlighting the pool’s features.
This zero-entry swimming pool offers wooden loungers that are shaded by a nipa hut umbrella. It has a concrete deck that resembles a sand beach creating a tropical vibe in the area.
Backyard swimming pool with a flagstone deck and brick planters on the sides filled with palm trees. It includes a seating area and a torchlight accentuating the yard at night.
Towering trees set a tranquil backdrop to this zero-entry pool showcasing a seating area and pebble paving with flagstone accents.
A beach style pool lined with a wood plank bridge and complemented by gorgeous palm trees and a vast of green plants. It is accented by deck jets and a stunning waterfall.
This backyard swimming pool with a jacuzzi stands out against the lush green lawn that’s accented by towering palm trees and large stones laying on the pool deck.
A sparkling swimming pool situated near the house. It is surrounded by luscious green plants and trees enhancing its beauty.
Backyard swimming pool enclosed in a wooden fence offering multiple seating and a bar over brick pavers. There’s a gorgeous waterfall on the side that’s accented by green plants and trees.
Colorful flowers and leafy plants add a nice accent in this zero-entry pool with a water feature. There are metal chairs on the side that are topped with red striped cushions.
This backyard swimming pool is incorporated with a waterfall feature and a slide accented by large stones and subtle plants.
A small backyard pool surrounded by water features and lush green plants. It is completed with a flagstone deck and a sleek cabana painted in yellow.
Modern swimming pool on an expansive lawn enclosed in a wrought iron fence. It boasts a water feature in front of the garden bed.
Hedge plants and towering trees provide optimum privacy in this zero-entry pool with a jacuzzi and metal loungers shaded by a beige umbrella.
A backyard swimming pool with plenty of features including boulder waterfall and a concrete bridge framed with wrought iron railings. It also offers multiple seating and a basketball ring adding a perfect recreational activity for kids.
Sparkling swimming pool accented by tropical plants and a rock waterfall that’s flanked by beige loungers and a raised jacuzzi.
Mediterranean house with a beach entry pool surrounded by towering palm trees. It offers a pergola and plenty of white cushioned loungers.
A black brick fence complements this small backyard pool showcasing a pergola along with pool bubblers and a rock waterfall accented by green plants.
Boulder waterfall and pool bubblers are some of the highlights in this backyard pool with multiple seating and lovely flowers bringing a pop of colors in the area.
A blue umbrella adds shade in this sparkling swimming pool that’s accented by large stones and pool bubblers. It offers multiple seating and a stone fire pit next to the pergola.
A backyard swimming pool with a serene ambiance overlooking an expansive view. It showcases a raised jacuzzi and a boulder waterfall that’s integrated with a waterslide.
A Tuscan style house boasting a beach entry pool with a jacuzzi and a rock waterfall feature. It is accompanied by wicker seats and a white table.
This house offers a freeform pool with a jacuzzi and a fire pit bowl that sits on the flagstone deck. It is complemented by gray cushioned loungers situated in front of the pergola bar.
Lush greenery surrounds this beach style pool showcasing a rock waterfall along with a curved concrete bench on the side.
A sleek swimming pool with a raised jacuzzi on the side clad in stone bricks. It is surrounded by manicured bushes and shrubs along with white cushioned seats.
Freeform swimming pool with a hot tub and water features on the side. It is accompanied by a fire pit and an antique vase sitting next to the large rocks.
This house boasts a sparkling swimming pool with large jacuzzis that are integrated with waterfalls. It is surrounded by towering trees and a cabana filled with ample seats and a wall-mount TV.
Tranquil swimming pool with a beach entry and a raised hot tub showcasing a water feature. It has a flagstone deck matching with the upper terrace that’s filled with abundant seating and a pergola bar.
Grotto waterfall is the focal point in this beach entry pool with a raised jacuzzi that’s clad in beige stone surround matching with the flagstone paving.
This two-story house features a zero-entry pool incorporated with a hot tub and a rock waterfall. It is complemented by a gazebo over the gorgeous stone deck.
A resort-style backyard with a freeform swimming pool accompanied by a cabana and a firepit with a curved stone bench. There’s a pergola at the far end that’s filled with ample seating.
What is a Zero-Entry Pool?
It’s also referred to as “beach-entry”. It’s a pool with a gradual entry… a gentle slope into deep water. In larger pools it may be a gentle slope the entire way; in other pools it slopes and then drops off into slightly deeper water.
Benefits of Zero-Entry Pools
1. Great for kids: If you have young kids, they can’t swim in 3 to 4 feet of water. However, zero-entry pools make for super shallow splash areas where young kids can enjoy the water as well.
2. Perfect for lounging: I love sitting in 1 foot of water at the lake and ocean… as well as in these types of pools. It’s very relaxing and comfortable. You can also place furniture in the shallow area and wade in the pool.
3. Looks cool: I love the “lake-look” of these types of pools.
4. Gradual entry: If you’re the type of person who likes to slow enter water, zero-entry makes it possible. You can slowly meander into the water.
5. Feels like you’re at the beach: Sitting poolside of a zero-entry pool gives the feeling of sitting lakeside … well at least a little bit anyway.
Hiring a pool builder to build this style of pool
The best thing you can do is to see examples of their work and do your own swimming pool research. Learn about the best way to build today’s pool so that it meets your needs and will last a long time. These are a very expensive backyard feature so choose your contractor carefully.
Get references from all prospective builders and then actually call those people and ask them about their experience with the contractor and how their pool is holding up.
As for cost, pools are not cheap. We did a ton of research on the cost of pools here. It’s best you know your options within your budget before you get too far down the hiring process. Of course, our cost guidelines is just a guideline. The real cost is how much you’ll have to pay your chosen builder to build it.
More than just beach-entry
Please keep in mind that there is a lot more to pools than just a zero-entry feature. In fact, you have many options, shapes, lighting and features to choose from including hot tub, waterfall, cabana, pool lighting, etc. Check out our extensive “Types of Pools” article.
That said, it’s best to invest in the best quality you can afford even if it means foregoing some features. You want your pool to last a long time with minimal repairs down the road.
