How Deep Should a Lap Pool Be?

When constructing a lap pool, determining the optimal depth is critical for functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Lap pools require adequate depth for swimming laps, executing dives, racing starts, and deck-level entry. Typical lap pool depths range from 4-12 feet to accommodate various users and activities.

By understanding common lap pool dimensions, depth requirements for different sports, and essential safety factors, homeowners, swimmers, coaches, and builders can make informed decisions when designing and installing residential or commercial lap pools.

Typical Dimensions and Depth Ranges for Lap Pools

Unlike free-form recreational pools built for lounging and splashing, lap pools are engineered for fitness, sport training, and competition. To properly perform swimming strokes, turns, dives, and starts, lap pools need appropriate length, width, and depth.

Regulation competitive pools are a minimum of 25 yards or meters long by at least 45 feet wide. However, residential lap pools typically range from 20-40 feet long and 10-20 feet wide. Backyard lap pools are often only 25-30 feet long and 8-12 feet wide due to space constraints.

In terms of depth, competition pools must be at least 6 feet deep. But most residential lap pools are 4-8 feet deep, which is adequate for casual laps and exercise. Here are common lap pool depth dimensions based on intended activities:

• Recreational Lap Swimming: 4-5 feet
• Lap Swimming for Exercise: 5-6 feet
• Competition Swim Training: At least 6 feet
• Water Polo Matches: Minimum 6 feet
• Platform Diving: 8.5-12 feet

For casual lap swimming and aquatic exercise like water aerobics, 4-5 feet of constant depth allows for upright swimming and moving freely. Athletes who swim laps for fitness training or competition require greater depth - at least 6 feet throughout.

Water polo players need space to tread water, pass the ball, and sprint swim without touching bottom, necessitating minimum 6 feet. Platform diving demands 8.5-12 feet of depth based on board height due to the forces involved with aerial entries.

Design Factors for Lap Pool Deep and Shallow Ends

Most lap pools have varying depths, with a shallow end for entry/exit and a deep end for diving. Carefully planning the deep and shallow areas based on intended activities enhances functionality.

Deep End Considerations

The deep section of a lap pool allows for diving boards, underwater lap swimming, competitive starts, and safer turns. Minimum depths are dictated by the height of starting platforms and diving boards.

For competitive swimming, starting blocks raise swimmers 24-30 inches above the water. With starting platforms, a minimum deep end depth of 7-9 feet is recommended. Greater depth is needed to safely cushion entries from elevated starts.

For platform heights up to 30 inches, 8.5-10 feet depth is required. Platforms over 30 inches necessitate 10-12+ feet of deep water. This prevents swimmers from hitting the bottom after starting or diving.

For 1-meter diving boards, which are most common for residential lap pools, the deep end should be 10-12 feet deep. High dives require 15-23+ feet of depth and extensive runway space.

By factoring in starting blocks and deck-level boards, a properly designed deep end for a lap pool is 10-12 feet deep. This safely accommodates competitive starts and diving while allowing for deep-water laps.

Shallow End Considerations

In contrast to the deep end, the shallow water area in a lap pool enables easy, gradual entry and exit. Here are key factors to consider for lap pool shallow end design:

Gradual Slope: The shallow end floor can gradually slope from 2 feet down to 4+ feet over several feet. This "beach entry" mimics wading into the ocean and enables safe access.

Resting Ledge: Many lap pools have a resting ledge 2-3 feet deep extending across part of the shallow end. This allows swimmers to stand and rest between laps.

Handrails: Installing sturdy handrails along the pool perimeter provides security and stability when getting in or out of the water.

Steps and Ladders: For ease of entry and exit, shallow ends should have recessed pool steps with grip-able edges and ladders. This prevents slips and falls.

Ideal shallow end depth starts around 2-3 feet and slopes down based on your needs. Ensure safe access with beach entries, ledges, rails, steps, and ladders.

Key Considerations for Safety and Functionality

Appropriate lap pool depth enhances safety and functionality for users of all ages and abilities. Here are crucial considerations when planning depth:

Allow for Visibility

Pool depths over 5 feet can impede visibility of the bottom, increasing safety risks. Ensure adequate lighting extends to the floor. Most swimmers should be able to see the bottom from the deck or use underwater cameras and mirrors.

Facilitate Drainage and Circulation

Effective skimming, circulation, and main drains prevent hazardous suction areas and allow contaminants to be filtered out. Combine proper water turnover rates with appropriate depth.

Accommodate Lifeguards

Lifeguards require unobstructed sightlines to spot distressed swimmers along the entire pool bottom. Minimum depths of 6-8 feet allow lifeguards to adequately scan and reach all areas of a lap pool.

Consider Accessibility

For swimmers with disabilities, incorporate gently sloped entry points, ADA-compliant lifts, railings, and visual cues on steps. Adjustable pool floors can modify depth as needed.

Plan for Activities

Consider the sports, training, exercises, and recreational uses planned for the lap pool. Ensure adequate depth, length, and clearance for the activities.

By factoring in visibility needs, lifeguarding, access, drainage, and activities, proper lap pool depth enhances safety and functionality.

Material Selection Based on Depth

The structural materials used for lap pool construction should be robust enough to withstand water pressures at the designated depths. Consider these common options:

Concrete

Poured concrete is the most popular choice for inground lap pools. Concrete can be reinforced with rebar and designed to withstand depths up to 12 feet or more.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass lap pools are pre-fabricated shells installed in dug pits. Fiberglass can structurally support depths up to 8 feet but is not suitable for pools over 10 feet deep.

Vinyl Liners

For above-ground lap pools, vinyl liners provide waterproofing when installed in steel or polymer wall structures. However, vinyl pools are not recommended over 5-6 feet deep.

Ensure your lap pool construction materials can handle the loads and pressures of the planned depth. Concrete is the most robust option for inground lap pools over 8 feet deep.

Cost Factors Based on Depth

As depth increases, lap pool construction and operation costs rise as well. Key factors include:

• Excavation expenses are higher for deeper digs.
• More concrete and steel is required for deeper pool structures.
• Increased water volume in deeper pools adds to water and energy costs.
• Heating costs are greater for deeper water volumes.
• Added depth may require upgraded filtration systems.

While allowing for adequate depth is crucial, also account for the impacts on upfront and long-term costs when selecting lap pool dimensions.