Pros and cons of beach entry

Looking for feedback on the pros and cons of beach entry. Trying to decide between true beach entry (no lip or coping) or a hybrid, with a 6" step down to a sloped tanning ledge.

Other than what I have read about birds using it as a bird bath (I assume this only happens in < 1" of water), are there any issues with dirt lines at the water line? or keeping it clean (I assume it is all manual brushing for the beach entry)... or how about cracking issues since most pictures I see do not have the gunite going down below the frost line... is there some code requirement for that?

Already decided on River Rok Pebble Beach on whatever we decide for the entry.

Any pictures would be great!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.