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—Design decisions

Designing a lap pool

A pool built for exercise has different priorities from a family pool. Length, width and turns matter more than lounging space.

Lap pools are long and relatively narrow, sized for swimming continuous lengths. The longer the pool, the fewer turns per distance swum. Width needs to allow comfortable strokes without touching the sides, and depth should be enough for turns without hitting the floor. A lane line or tile marking along the floor helps swimmers keep straight.

Design guides set out the choices that are hard to change once the shell is built.

Where space is limited, a counter-current unit can let a swimmer swim against a current in a shorter pool. Lap pools fit well along boundaries in narrow gardens, and their simple rectangular form suits automatic covers. Equipment sizing should reflect a long, narrow volume and good circulation along the length.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Length matters

    Longer pools mean fewer turns.

  • Width for strokes

    Enough space to swim without touching the sides.

  • Depth for turns

    Enough to turn without touching the floor.

02Detail

Design features

  • Lane markings

    A floor line helps swimmers stay straight.

  • Counter-current units

    For swimming in place in a shorter pool.

  • Steps at one end

    Keeping the swimming lane clear.

  • Covers

    Rectangular forms suit automatic covers.

  • Circulation

    Returns positioned along the length to avoid dead spots.

03Before you start

Before designing

  • Measure the available length

    Along the longest line in the garden.

  • Decide on a current unit

    If length is limited.

  • Think about sun

    Long pools exposed all day warm up quickly.

—In practice

How to use this

Measure the longest straight run available, then decide width and depth for comfortable strokes and turns. Consider a lane line or tile marking, a clean end wall for turns, and steps placed out of the swimming line. If length is limited, a counter-current system can extend continuous swimming without a longer pool.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Steps in the lane
Steps across the end of a lap pool interrupt every turn. Recess them into a wall or place them to one side.
Making it too narrow
A lane that is too narrow means hands hitting the sides on every stroke. Allow width for the swimmer’s full stroke.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

How long should a lap pool be?
As long as the garden comfortably allows; longer means fewer turns.
Can a lap pool be used for play?
Yes, but its narrow form suits swimming more than games.
Do counter-current units work?
They let you swim in place, useful where length is limited.
Should a lap pool be heated?
Many owners heat in winter and cool in summer for year-round swimming.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

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