A Complete Guide To Lap Pools
Having a swimming pool in your backyard is a luxury that many families cherish. It provides a great opportunity for quality time and leisure activities with loved ones. However, with the growing population and limited space, many Australian backyards are becoming smaller, making it challenging for some homeowners to install a full-size pool.
Have you always dreamt of having your own pool in your backyard but have limited space to work with? Fret not, because lap pools are here to save the day! Lap pools are a popular choice for homeowners who want to enjoy swimming without compromising on the available space. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what lap pools are and the many benefits of owning one.
What Is A Lap Pool?
A lap pool is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a pool that is designed primarily for health and fitness. Unlike traditional pools that come in square or round shapes, lap pools are elongated and narrow, making them an ideal option for backyards with space constraints. As the name suggests, lap pools are designed for swimming laps and provide a perfect solution for those who want to stay in shape but don’t have space for a full-size pool.
How Big Are Lap Pools?
Lap pools are usually designed with a long and narrow rectangular shape and are available in different sizes to suit various requirements. Professional athletes usually prefer Olympic-sized lap pools that measure 50 meters in length with individual lanes that are 1.8 meters wide. However, for homeowners looking to install a lap pool in their backyard, there are several size options available ranging from 8 to 12 meters in length and approximately 3.5 meters wide. This width is comparable to one or more lanes of a typical swimming pool. If you have additional space available, you can increase the width to 4.2 meters, which provides enough room for swimming alongside a partner. The depth of lap pools is usually around 1.35 meters, which is suitable for swimming laps even at a professional level.
What Is the History Behind Lap Pools?
Lap pools have a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times when the Greeks and Romans incorporated them into their daily routines. The rectangular, long and narrow swimming pool was preferred in their gymnasiums for athletic training, water games and even military exercises. Roman emperors were known to enjoy lap pools filled with fish, which added an element of luxury to the experience.
In modern times, the popularity of lap pools declined until the 1970s when an American designer brought them back into fashion. Homeowners quickly realized that lap pools were the perfect solution for those who wanted to enjoy a resort-like relaxation experience in the comfort of their own homes, even when backyard space was limited. Today, lap pools are a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor living space.
How Can Lap Pools Be Installed?
The installation process for a lap pool is similar to that of a traditional full-size pool. The installation process can vary depending on whether you choose an in-ground or an above-ground pool, and whether you opt for a concrete or fibreglass lap pool.
For an in-ground pool, the first step involves excavation of a portion of your backyard. The chosen lap pool can then be installed in the ground and leveled. Backfills are placed around the pool, and concrete is poured to make the pool compact. Once the concrete dries, your chosen tile can be laid. Any final plumbing is taken care of once the pool is filled with water and balanced. After passing a quality test, the pool can be handed over to you.
It’s important to note that concrete lap pools take longer to install than fibreglass lap pools. While fibreglass lap pools can be installed in about a week, the installation time can be extended by factors such as the time of year, weather conditions, and delayed council approvals.
How Much Do Lap Pools Cost?
Many homeowners assume that lap pools are cheaper due to their smaller size. However, the truth is that lap pools require the same installation process and must comply with industry standards as traditional pools. Each lap pool is customisable to fit your budget and lifestyle, making it difficult to determine an exact price. On average, lap pool costs range from $40,000 to $65,000. Adding features like heating, lighting, and covers will increase the price. Above-ground fibreglass lap pools are more cost-effective as they eliminate excavation costs and can be directly installed. You can use the money you save on installation to add more features to your pool for an enhanced experience.
Can I Customise My Lap Pool?
Here are some ways in which you can tailor your lap pool as per your swimming needs:
Spa Jets: Want to improve your fitness levels? Spa jets can create resistance in your lap pool for a good fitness session. They can even be used to relax after a difficult training lap.
Lighting: If you want to enjoy swimming at night, good lighting can instantly elevate the look of your pool to the next level.
Heating: A heating system works brilliantly well to ease muscle tension or relaxing sore muscles with year-round warm water.
Landscaping and Surrounds: Want the surrounds of your pool to tie harmoniously with the overall look of your home? There is a wide array of landscaping options to enhance your pool surroundings.
Smart Pool Options: With the advancements of smart technology for pools, you can control every component of your lap pool at the touch of a button from your smart device. Want to switch on the heating of your lap pool while you are on your way home after a long day at work? Simply push a button and arrive at home ready to dip into your pool to relax.
Gel Coat Finish: Even though you may not be able to customise the shape of your fibreglass lap pool, you can choose its colour. Most reputable companies spoil you for choice when it comes to colour selection for lap pools.
Key Takeaways
If you’re seeking to add a swimming pool in your backyard but don’t have sufficient space for a full-sized one, a lap pool is a smart option. It can also help you enhance your fitness and health levels. You can enjoy your lap pool to the fullest by incorporating suitable design elements and pool enhancements.
Contact our pool building team today if you’re planning to install a pool in your backyard.
A Complete Guide To Lap Pools
Having a swimming pool in your backyard is a luxury that many families cherish. It provides a great opportunity for quality time and leisure activities with loved ones. However, with the growing population and limited space, many Australian backyards are becoming smaller, making it challenging for some homeowners to install a full-size pool.
Have you always dreamt of having your own pool in your backyard but have limited space to work with? Fret not, because lap pools are here to save the day! Lap pools are a popular choice for homeowners who want to enjoy swimming without compromising on the available space. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what lap pools are and the many benefits of owning one.
What Is A Lap Pool?
A lap pool is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a pool that is designed primarily for health and fitness. Unlike traditional pools that come in square or round shapes, lap pools are elongated and narrow, making them an ideal option for backyards with space constraints. As the name suggests, lap pools are designed for swimming laps and provide a perfect solution for those who want to stay in shape but don’t have space for a full-size pool.
How Big Are Lap Pools?
Lap pools are usually designed with a long and narrow rectangular shape and are available in different sizes to suit various requirements. Professional athletes usually prefer Olympic-sized lap pools that measure 50 meters in length with individual lanes that are 1.8 meters wide. However, for homeowners looking to install a lap pool in their backyard, there are several size options available ranging from 8 to 12 meters in length and approximately 3.5 meters wide. This width is comparable to one or more lanes of a typical swimming pool. If you have additional space available, you can increase the width to 4.2 meters, which provides enough room for swimming alongside a partner. The depth of lap pools is usually around 1.35 meters, which is suitable for swimming laps even at a professional level.
What Is the History Behind Lap Pools?
Lap pools have a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times when the Greeks and Romans incorporated them into their daily routines. The rectangular, long and narrow swimming pool was preferred in their gymnasiums for athletic training, water games and even military exercises. Roman emperors were known to enjoy lap pools filled with fish, which added an element of luxury to the experience.
In modern times, the popularity of lap pools declined until the 1970s when an American designer brought them back into fashion. Homeowners quickly realized that lap pools were the perfect solution for those who wanted to enjoy a resort-like relaxation experience in the comfort of their own homes, even when backyard space was limited. Today, lap pools are a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor living space.
How Can Lap Pools Be Installed?
The installation process for a lap pool is similar to that of a traditional full-size pool. The installation process can vary depending on whether you choose an in-ground or an above-ground pool, and whether you opt for a concrete or fibreglass lap pool.
For an in-ground pool, the first step involves excavation of a portion of your backyard. The chosen lap pool can then be installed in the ground and leveled. Backfills are placed around the pool, and concrete is poured to make the pool compact. Once the concrete dries, your chosen tile can be laid. Any final plumbing is taken care of once the pool is filled with water and balanced. After passing a quality test, the pool can be handed over to you.
It’s important to note that concrete lap pools take longer to install than fibreglass lap pools. While fibreglass lap pools can be installed in about a week, the installation time can be extended by factors such as the time of year, weather conditions, and delayed council approvals.
How Much Do Lap Pools Cost?
Many homeowners assume that lap pools are cheaper due to their smaller size. However, the truth is that lap pools require the same installation process and must comply with industry standards as traditional pools. Each lap pool is customisable to fit your budget and lifestyle, making it difficult to determine an exact price. On average, lap pool costs range from $40,000 to $65,000. Adding features like heating, lighting, and covers will increase the price. Above-ground fibreglass lap pools are more cost-effective as they eliminate excavation costs and can be directly installed. You can use the money you save on installation to add more features to your pool for an enhanced experience.
Can I Customise My Lap Pool?
Here are some ways in which you can tailor your lap pool as per your swimming needs:
Spa Jets: Want to improve your fitness levels? Spa jets can create resistance in your lap pool for a good fitness session. They can even be used to relax after a difficult training lap.
Lighting: If you want to enjoy swimming at night, good lighting can instantly elevate the look of your pool to the next level.
Heating: A heating system works brilliantly well to ease muscle tension or relaxing sore muscles with year-round warm water.
Landscaping and Surrounds: Want the surrounds of your pool to tie harmoniously with the overall look of your home? There is a wide array of landscaping options to enhance your pool surroundings.
Smart Pool Options: With the advancements of smart technology for pools, you can control every component of your lap pool at the touch of a button from your smart device. Want to switch on the heating of your lap pool while you are on your way home after a long day at work? Simply push a button and arrive at home ready to dip into your pool to relax.
Gel Coat Finish: Even though you may not be able to customise the shape of your fibreglass lap pool, you can choose its colour. Most reputable companies spoil you for choice when it comes to colour selection for lap pools.
Key Takeaways
If you’re seeking to add a swimming pool in your backyard but don’t have sufficient space for a full-sized one, a lap pool is a smart option. It can also help you enhance your fitness and health levels. You can enjoy your lap pool to the fullest by incorporating suitable design elements and pool enhancements.
Contact our pool building team today if you’re planning to install a pool in your backyard.
