What Size is the Perfect Lap Pool?

Swimming builds strength and endurance, it burns tons of calories and is easy on the joints. This most effective exercise is best when done in a proper lap pool, one that's built for exercise and competition.

  1. Olympic Pool Dimensions

    • An Olympic-size pool is 50 meters (164 feet) long and 25 meters (82 feet) wide. Typically, they have eight racing lanes.

    Junior Olympic Pools

    • A Junior Olympic pool is exactly half the length of the Olympic pool: 25 meters.

    Athletic Considerations

    • If you are a serious competitive swimmer, or plan to be, an Olympic pool is ideal because it allows you to establish pacing and rhythm in a pool identical to the one where competition will take place.

    Space Considerations

    • Depending on where you live and how big your property is, your zoning might not allow you to build a large swimming pool.

    Neverending Lap Pool

    • Neverending lap pools are built for swimmers looking for a workout in a small space. These work like a treadmill; they have just enough room to get in and perform a stroke comfortably, and the swimmer works against a motorized current.