Shallow End/Platform Update.

The platform was a HUGE success.

For less than $300, we have a pool that we have spent 4 hours and more at a time in. It is easy to climb in/out without needing a ladder. Adults can sit comfortably. Kids can rest from swimming and play with water toys on the platform. We can use it for many years to come. It stores easily or can be left in a permanent AGP.

Please bear in mind that my goal was to have a pool that both Adults and Kids could enjoy.
Before the platform, my 4 year old son would not spend more than about 20 minutes in the pool. I can’t imagine I would enjoy spending too much time in a pool if I could not touch the bottom. He would soon get tired of constantly kicking his legs.


We had about a dozen play-dates with six or so kids each time. They would spend about 2/3 of the time on the platform (belly deep standing and neck deep sitting). It proved to be a very popular area of the pool for water fights. The rest of the time they would be jumping into the deeper section or just swimming around. (safety note: The jumping was done from belly deep water).
At least 2 adults were in at any one time. We usually had one standing in the deeper area, and one sitting on the platform.


My boy liked to drop toys onto the platform. He would then dunk his head under to retrieve them while still standing. Until then, he was afraid of getting his face wet. Next up was jumping / swimming followed by swimming underwater.
By Sept last year, my 4 year old was swimming unassisted. He could also swim down 4 feet to pick up toys. I honestly don’t think this would have happened without the platform since it allowed him to play and experience the water in his own timeframe. He was not just plopped in the water until it was time to climb the ladder.

For the winter, I stored the platform and steps in the garage. Since they are only 2 foot high, they store nicely alongside the wall in a vertical position.

None of the PVC unions / parts show any sign of failure.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I used Galvanized screws to hold the PVC planking to the PVC tubes. By the end of the season, there are signs of surface rust on the screw heads. I will soon be changing over to stainless.



The changes for this year will be:
Stainless screws
Carry the platform into the pool before filling with water (otherwise 4 adults are needed to lift it in)