What is a Family Pool?

The family and friends of Celine Dion must get quite a thrill when they visit the singer's Florida estate. Not because she steps up to a stage and belts out the theme from Titanic (although she might, for all we know). If you've ever checked out her backyard -- specifically that enormous recreational pool -- then you get the idea. It must be like visiting a water theme park that's been closed off to the public, and probably a lot cleaner.

While Dion's not-so-mini water park is a bit on the extreme side, it illustrates just what a fun, family pool is all about. Depending on the budget -- oh, that thing -- a recreational pool can have all the bells, whistles, slides, waterfalls, caves and rainbow lighting you desire. While Dion's appears to reflect the architecture of her estate, many family pools are designed to appear more naturalistic, like a giant body of water with two slides, three waterfalls, artfully positioned boulders and a sound system "just happened" to be part of the natural landscape. Early settlers probably partook of a similar pool when their chores were done. Right.

Family pools can be custom-built in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, but there are a few guidelines to which they must adhere. Among them:

• The diving end of the pool must be at least 11 feet deep. Practice diving safety.
• A 4-foot depth is best for water games and exercise or aerobics.
• A children's wading area should be no deeper than 3 feet.
• Supervision at all times is absolutely necessary. Safety is paramount.

Additional features that make family pools more appealing include grottoes, caves, built-in seating, waterfalls, slides, special lighting, bridges, boulders, rocks (often faux), a built-in sound system and home theater, swim-up bar (check IDs) and synchronized light and water features.