Regardless of the size and shape of your inground pool, there are a number of features to consider when you're working with a pool contractor to choose a pool design. One feature to think about is a ledge. The exact specifications of this feature are up to you, but many pools have a ledge that runs around the perimeter of at least part of the pool. This addition, which sits several inches beneath the top ledge of your pool, is useful in several ways. Here are three reasons to equip your pool with a ledge.

It Helps With Safety

Some pool owners choose to have ledges in the deep ends of their pools. This choice of placement plays a big role in safety. For example, if someone is swimming in the deep end and gets tired, he or she could swim over to the ledge and sit on it for a few minutes to rest. While it's true that swimmers can hang on the edge of the pool for a break, this requires some degree of arm strength. For a swimmer who is seriously fatigued, sitting in safety on the ledge will be a welcome addition.

It's Ideal For Sitting

A lot of people enjoy sitting with their feet in the water. While people can definitely do so while seated on your pool deck, you might be planning to have a pool deck that is on the narrower side. This idea may be applicable to you if your yard is small and you want to have as large of a pool as possible. Instead of having people take up space on the pool deck while they sit with their feet in the water, they can sit on the ledge. Someone who sits in this manner will get to enjoy having his or her waist submerged, which can be appealing on a hot day.

It's Perfect For Small Children

A backyard swimming pool can be fun for the whole family, but you may occasionally have guests who have small children who aren't big enough to swim on their own. While there are several different ways to familiarize children with the water, the presence of a ledge can be valuable. For example, a parent can get into the water and position the child on the ledge. In this position, the water will be partway up the child's body, depending on his or her size, which can provide fun without being scary. Speak to a pool contractor to learn more about inground pool ledges.