What’s the Best Width for a Lap Pool?

For some people, the term “swimming pool” isn’t fully accurate if you throw pool-based games and casual fun and relaxation into the mix. However, some individuals prefer to primarily use a swimming pool to swim laps. If this is what you have in mind for a backyard pool, you’ll want to consider what’s referred to as a lap pool. Here’s what you need to know about the width and other important factors.

Standard Lap Pool Dimensions

Pools competitive swimmers use to swim laps are typically extremely wide and long, but this isn’t practical for most backyards. For a backyard version of a lap pool, the general recommendation is a width of about 8 feet. But if you’ll be regularly swimming laps with at least one other person, add an extra 4 feet of width. As far as depth goes, the standard suggestion is to make the pool at least deep enough to prevent swimmers’ fingers from dragging along the bottom, which is about 4 feet. With length, somewhere between 45 and 75 feet is usually what’s recommended.

Making Adjustments

Keep in mind the lap pool dimensions mentioned above are only what’s considered standard or average for a backyard, so you’re certainly welcome to make some adjustments. For example, if you have a large yard with plenty of space, you might prefer a significantly wider, deeper, and longer lap pool. Ultimately, what’s right for your lap pool design depends on several factors that apply in your unique situation, including:

• How much space you have to work with
• Whether or not you have other intended uses for your pool in mind
• Your budget

It’s also worth pointing out that a lap pool doesn’t have to be a standard rectangular shape. For instance, an L shape provides extra space for other pool-based activities when you’re not swimming laps.

Lap Pool Costs

How much a lap pool costs depends on what materials are used and many other factors. For this reason, it’s best to further explore all the possibilities with a pool builder so you can get an accurate estimate. When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, costs are about the same as those for any other backyard pool.

Lap Pool Alternatives to Consider

If a lap pool is a bit beyond your budget, there are some lap pool alternatives to consider. The most common one is known as a swim spa. It’s basically a large hot tub that’s not actually hot. Instead, it has water jets that create a constant current for you to swim against. In this instance, you’ll actually be swimming in place, but you’ll still get resistance from the current produced by the jets.

If you’re getting ready to build a lap pool at your home, make sure to work with the finest professionals in the pool-building industry. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool construction in san diego homeowners should call us today at 888-707-7786. We offer complimentary consultations and professional pool conceptual designs with all of our estimates.