Types, shapes and dimensions of swimming pool
in 1971, the standard shape of public swimming pools in the UK was rectangular or L-shaped. Some large pools
had two shallow ends. In L-shaped pools, the long leg can be used for swimming
and the short leg for diving.
had two shallow ends. In L-shaped pools, the long leg can be used for swimming
and the short leg for diving.
However, with the advent of the leisure centre, the shape, size and use of pools
have changed considerably. Figures 1.11–1.13 show examples of public swimming
pools in leisure centres. In these centres, it is usual for the main pool to be freeformed
and incorporate a sloping ‘beach’ and the installation of a wave-making
machine which is switched on for relatively short periods several times a day.
It is emphasised that for competitive swimming,diving and aquatic sports,
the requirements of the ASA (for national events) and FINA (for international events)
must be fully complied with. The requirements mentioned in this book are only a
few of the very detailed requirements laid down by these two organisations. The
following are examples of some of these requirements:
must be fully complied with. The requirements mentioned in this book are only a
few of the very detailed requirements laid down by these two organisations. The
following are examples of some of these requirements:
1. For competitive swimming (national events), the water depth in front of the
starting blocks must not be less than 1.80 m and this must extend forward for
a distance of 6.00 m.
2. Stairs and steps must be accommodated outside the pool dimensions, i.e. they
must be recessed.
3. For water polo, the minimum depth of water over the whole playing area must
not be less than 1.80 m; the playing area must not exceed 30 m× 20 m and
must not be less than 20 m×8 m.
4. For life saving certificates, a water depth of 2.0 m is required and this must
extend for a length of 6.00 m over the full width of the pool.
starting blocks must not be less than 1.80 m and this must extend forward for
a distance of 6.00 m.
2. Stairs and steps must be accommodated outside the pool dimensions, i.e. they
must be recessed.
3. For water polo, the minimum depth of water over the whole playing area must
not be less than 1.80 m; the playing area must not exceed 30 m× 20 m and
must not be less than 20 m×8 m.
4. For life saving certificates, a water depth of 2.0 m is required and this must
extend for a length of 6.00 m over the full width of the pool.
The provision of a diving pit as part of the main pool is deprecated as diving into
a pool in which persons are swimming is unpleasant and can be dangerous. There
are many advantages in having a separate diving pit which is used only for diving.
a pool in which persons are swimming is unpleasant and can be dangerous. There
are many advantages in having a separate diving pit which is used only for diving.
simultaneously, and the same applies to training.
Pools intended for competitive swimming are normally 25 m or 50 m long with
a width based on a number of swimming lanes, either 2.0 m for national events or
2.5 m for international events. Reference must always be made to the latest edition
of the relevant regulations.
