Lap Pool vs. Exercise Pool: What’s the Difference?
Ever dreamt of having your personal aquatic fitness center? Well, installing an inground swimming pool can turn that dream into a reality. But before you dive headfirst into researching inground pool prices and scheduling swimming pool installations, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between two popular options: lap pools and exercise pools.
What is a Lap Pool?
In essence, a lap pool is a rectangular inground swimming pool specifically designed for accomplishing laps – those repetitive swims across the pool’s length. Lap pools typically range from 40 to 75 feet (ca. 23 meters) long, with widths between 8 and 15 feet (4.57 meters). Their streamlined design prioritizes efficiency over aesthetics, making them ideal for dedicated swimmers who crave a no-frills workout environment.
Key features of a lap pool:
- Length: The defining characteristic – long and narrow for uninterrupted swimming.
- Depth: Ranges from 4 to 6 feet (1.83 meters), deep enough for efficient underwater kicking.
- Currents: Some lap pools incorporate built-in counter-current systems that simulate swimming against a current, adding an extra challenge to your workout.
- Turnarounds: Tight turns are essential in a lap pool to minimize wasted space and effort when changing directions. Pool builders often recommend installing smooth pool walls or specialized flip turns for optimal maneuverability.
Pros of a Lap Pool:
- Uninterrupted Swimming: The long, narrow design allows for continuous laps without bumping into walls or encountering obstacles.
- Year-Round Training: Lap pools are perfect for climates with unpredictable weather, offering a consistent training environment.
- Customizable Workouts: Lap swimmers can tailor their workouts by varying their pace, stroke techniques, and using pool equipment like resistance bands.
- Improved Technique: The repetitive nature of lap swimming allows for focused practice and improvement of swimming form.
Cons of a Lap Pool:
- Limited Use: Lap pools are primarily designed for swimming laps and may not be ideal for lounging, playing, or water games.
- Aesthetics: The focus on functionality can sometimes result in a less visually appealing pool compared to exercise pools with curves and custom features.
- Space Requirements: Lap pools require a significant amount of yard space to accommodate their length.
- Cost: While generally less expensive than feature-rich exercise pools, lap pools still represent a significant investment.
What is an Exercise Pool?
An exercise pool offers a more versatile aquatic fitness experience. While some exercise pools share the rectangular shape of lap pools, others come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes, including round pools. Exercise pools are typically shallower than lap pools, with depths ranging from 3 to 5 feet (1.52 meters). This shallower depth allows for a broader range of aquatic exercises beyond just lap swimming.
Key features of an exercise pool:
- Versatility: Exercise pools are designed for a wider range of activities, including water aerobics, aqua jogging, and resistance training.
- Depth: Shallower than lap pools, allowing for comfortable standing and in-water exercises.
- Seating: Some exercise pools incorporate built-in benches or ledges for resting or performing seated exercises.
- Jets: Certain exercise pools may have hydrotherapy jets for a massage-like experience.
Pros of an Exercise Pool:
- Multifunctional: Perfect for various activities, making them ideal for families with diverse interests.
- Shallow Depth: Provides a safe and comfortable environment for people of all ages and abilities.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The buoyancy of water can alleviate joint pain and improve flexibility. Hydrotherapy jets offer a massage-like experience for muscle relaxation.
- Aesthetics: Exercise pools offer more design flexibility, allowing for customization with waterfalls, fountains, and unique shapes to complement your outdoor space.
Cons of an Exercise Pool:
- Limited Lap Swimming: The shorter length and potential obstacles like benches or jets can make lap swimming less efficient.
- Higher Maintenance: Features like jets and waterfalls may require additional cleaning and maintenance.
- Cost: Depending on the chosen features and size, exercise pools can be more expensive than basic lap pools.
Beyond Shape and Size: Additional Considerations
When choosing between a lap pool and an exercise pool, consider these additional factors:
- Budget: Inground pool prices can vary significantly depending on size, material (fibreglass inground pool vs. concrete), and features. Lap pools, due to their simpler design, may be slightly less expensive than feature-rich exercise pools.
- Available space: Measure your available yard space to determine the maximum dimensions your pool can accommodate. Remember, swimming pool installation requires additional space around the pool for decking and safety.
- Aesthetics: While lap pools prioritize function, exercise pools offer more design flexibility. Companies that build fiberglass pools can design personalized exercise pools with waterfalls, unique shapes, and other eye-catching elements that go with your outside area.
- Maintenance: Both lap pools and exercise pools require regular maintenance, including cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment upkeep. Consider the time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your pool.
- Long-term goals: Think about how you’ll use the pool in the future. If you envision primarily lap swimming, a lap pool might be the better choice. If you see the pool as a multi-purpose space for exercise, relaxation, and socializing, an exercise pool might be a better fit.
The Final Splash: Making Your Decision
In the end, your own needs and tastes will determine whether you choose an exercise pool or a lap pool. Do you crave a dedicated space for serious lap swimming, or do you desire a more versatile aquatic fitness center for a variety of activities? You can achieve your aquatic goals with the ideal inground pool by carefully evaluating your priorities, speaking with knowledgeable pool builders, and taking into account the extra factors mentioned above.