Lap pools have been growing steadily in popularity over the last few years. For pool owners who want a large pool that’s appropriate for swimming laps but who don’t necessarily need the width of a full-size pool, lap pools are a fantastic solution. In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know to understand what makes lap pools popular with Australian families, and to decide whether a lap pool might be right for you.
What is a lap pool?
A lap pool is a swimming pool that is primarily designed and built to use for fitness and health. Its main function is to serve as a place to swim laps. Lap pools are also wonderful options for households with narrow but long yards. With a lap pool, you enjoy the ability to swim back and forth but don’t lose as much as your yard as you typically would with a full-sized swimming pool.
How big are lap pools?
When it comes to lap pool sizing, there is quite a lot of variation. Our Fastlane Lap Pool, for example, comes in standard 10.3 metre or 12.3 metre sizing. However, it allows for custom sizing up to 30 metres in length. Most lap pools are approximately the width of an average swimming lane or two. The Fastlane, for comparison, is 2.78 metres wide. Regardless of the exact measurements, lap pools are, by design, long and narrow. They are almost always rectangular-shaped and deep enough to support athletic swimming.
Why were lap pools invented?
Lap pools exist to solve a space problem. The idea originally began with Greeks and Romans, who preferred long, narrow, rectangular pools in their gymnasiums. They used these pools for athletic training, water games, and military exercises. Roman emperors were also said to enjoy lap pools stocked with fish.
While the lap pool has evolved over time, of course, it sprang back to life again in the 1970s, when a designer in the United States brought these long, narrow pools into the limelight. People began to realise that lap pools were ideal for pool owners for which space was an issue, but who wanted to be able to swim in the privacy of their homes.
Today, lap pools are growing increasingly popular with Australian homeowners due to limited space. If you value health, love swimming, and don’t want to deal with the hassle of a full-size pool, a lap pool might be a great alternative to consider.
What are lap pools made of?
Like most pools, lap pools can be created from concrete or fibreglass. These days, fibreglass lap pools tend to be the more popular option because they are a bit less expensive and easier to install. Some lap pools include pool heating technology, lighting, or self-cleaning elements in their concrete or fibreglass design.
Can I customise my lap pool?
Lap pools can be customised in a number of ways. For starters, you can decide whether you want a traditional lap pool or a smart lap pool. Smart lap pools are technologically advanced pools that allow you to free up your time and not have to stress about pool maintenance. Components of smart lap pools that can typically be automated include automatic salt chlorination, self-cleaning, automated pool pump, automatic lighting, and automated temperature control.
You can also easily customise the colour of your lap pool. Most pool builders offer at least a few different colour options for you to choose from when you initially start designing your pool. At Compass Pools, we’re happy to provide bi-luminite colour options that make your pool look truly unique and create an array of lovely three-dimensional effects in the water once your pool is filled.
How to design your lap pool
When you’re designing a new lap pool, there are a number of variables to take into consideration. You should start by considering how you will get in and out of the pool. What areas might make convenient entrance and exit points? Will you need a ladder or stairs to get in and out of your lap pool?
You’ll also need to decide whether your pool is going to be above ground or in the ground. In-ground lap pools are more expensive due to excavations and more involved labour that must be done to install the pool properly. However, in-ground lap pools are known for looking especially chic and timeless as compared to their above ground models.
If you choose an above ground lap pool, you’ll also need to think about what sort of deck structure you prefer. Building an aesthetically pleasing and strong deck to support the weight of your above ground lap pool is an extremely important part of the installation process. Decks can be created from a variety of materials including wood, concrete, or tile. Consult with a reputable pool dealer if you have questions about how you can be sure your above ground lap pool is properly supported by a structure that won’t serve as an eyesore.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you’d like to have a spa attached to your lap pool. If you have space, adding a spa adjacent or near to your lap pool is a popular decision because the spa offers you a place to relax your tired muscles after a swim. You’ll love soothing your aching bones in the warm spa, and your family members will love having an extra space to relax and unwind at the end of a stressful day.
How are lap pools installed?
The lap pool installation process is very similar to the installation process of a traditional pool. Depending on whether your pool is in the ground or above ground and whether you go with a concrete lap pool or a fibreglass lap pool, your installation process is likely to vary.
While traditional pool technology used to limit the installation of fibreglass pools to in-ground installations on simple, flat terrains, Compass Pools’ unique MaxiRib technology allows for above ground fibreglass pool installation on a variety of landscapes. From rooftops to hillsides, MaxiRib technology allows you to place a pool virtually anywhere. Please contact us for more information about installing an above ground fibreglass pool on difficult terrains.
Choosing an in-ground pool requires that a portion of your yard be excavated before the installation can begin. Once the area is dug up, a fibreglass lap pool can be installed in the ground and recovered in a relatively quick and seamless fashion. However, if you decided to go with a concrete pool, your installation process will likely span a few weeks. Concrete pools are built one at a time to your specifications, on your property.
Whether you decide to go with an in-ground or above ground model, lap pool installation is best left to the professionals. As with many pool designs, there are some lap pools online that promise to be DIY and save you a substantial amount of money. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. DIY pools are almost always made of vinyl, which is prone to tearing, ripping, and generally not holding up well over time. We recommend that you partner with a licensed, experienced pool builder for your project to ensure that you’re getting the best experience possible.
How much do lap pools cost?
Since lap pools can vary substantially in terms of size, cost of materials, and levels of automation, lap pool prices accordingly. In general, lap pools are priced similarly to full-sized pools. While some people assume that a lap pool should cost less due to its smaller size, installing a lap pool actually takes a very similar amount of work to installing a full-size pool. For a more tailored quote in regards to your own lap pool project, please feel free to get in touch with us. We have a variety of lap pools for sale and would be happy to help you choose the best pool for your budget.
Should I choose a lap pool?
If you’re considering installing a pool at your home, a lap pool can be a great choice. Lap pools are ideal for people who are avid swimmers and wish to have a place to swim laps without having to leave home. They’re also great for families who want a large enough pool to swim and play in but who don’t necessarily have the space for a full-size swimming pool. Lap pools are also ideal for individuals who want to practice water aerobics or work on water-based physical training or therapy in the privacy of their own home.
Lap pool alternatives
If a lap pool doesn’t quite sound like what you need, there are a variety of alternatives that boast similar but contrasting features. Infinity pools, swim spas, and plunge pools are all great examples of more compact pools that offer a unique array of benefits—for example, swim jets that allow for swimming in place and double as a tool for hydrotherapy, or small areas to cool off and relax at home. If you have questions about lap pools, the lap pool alternatives listed here, or any other type of pool, please Contact Usget in touch with us. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you design the best pool for your family.