Lap pools are swimming pools that are designed for exercise, especially for swimming laps. They are usually long, narrow, and rectangular, and can be installed in-ground or above-ground. Lap pools are a good option for people who want to swim regularly in their own backyard, or for those who have limited space for a traditional pool. In this article, we will explore some of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of lap pools.
Features of Lap Pools
According to various sources, lap pools typically have the following features:
- Length: Lap pools are usually about 40 feet long, but they can range from 25 to 75 feet, depending on the yard size and the swimmer’s preference. The longer the pool, the fewer turns the swimmer has to make.
- Width: Lap pools are usually about six to 10 feet wide, enough for one or two swimmers to swim side by side comfortably. Wider pools can accommodate more swimmers, but they also take up more space and cost more to build and maintain.
- Depth: Lap pools are usually about 3.5 to 4 feet deep throughout, which is sufficient for swimming without touching the bottom or the surface. Deeper pools can be more challenging for swimmers, but they also require more water and energy to heat and filter.
- Shape: Lap pools are almost always rectangular, which is the most efficient shape for swimming laps. Some lap pools may have rounded corners or slightly curved sides, but these do not affect the swimming experience significantly.
- Materials: Lap pools can be made of concrete, vinyl, or acrylic sheet.
- Concrete pools are the most durable and customizable, but they also take longer to install and cost more.
- Vinyl pools are cheaper and faster to install, but they are less durable and may need to be replaced every 10 years or so.
- Acrylic sheet pools are prefabricated and delivered on a truck, which limits their size and design options, but they are also easy to install and maintain.
- Extras: Lap pools can be enhanced with various extras, such as saltwater systems, heating systems, resistance currents, attached hot tubs, landscaping, lighting, etc. These extras can improve the comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the lap pool, but they also increase the cost and complexity of the project.
Benefits of Lap Pools
Some of the benefits of lap pools are:
- They work well in narrow or shallow backyards that cannot accommodate a traditional pool.
- They provide a convenient and private way to exercise regularly and improve one’s health and fitness.
- They can be customized with different materials, lengths, widths, depths, and extras to suit one’s needs and preferences.
- They can be a beautiful focal point in the backyard, especially when viewed from the house.
Drawbacks of Lap Pools
Some of the drawbacks of lap pools are:
- They may not be long enough for some swimmers who prefer longer distances or fewer turns.
- They may not be versatile enough for family fun and relaxation, as they lack features like a shallow end, a wide set of steps, or a diving board.
- They may not fit well with the style or architecture of some houses or neighborhoods.
- They may require more permits, inspections, or regulations than a traditional pool.
What is the cost of building a lap pool?
The cost of building a lap pool depends on several factors, such as the size, material, style, and location of the pool, as well as the labor and water costs. According to various sources, the average cost of a lap pool installed ranges from $40,000 to $65,000, with labor accounting for 25 to 50 percent of the cost. However, the cost can vary from $4,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the specifics of the project.
Cost Factors for Lap Pools
Some of the main factors that affect the cost of building a lap pool are:
- Size: The size of the lap pool determines how much material and labor are needed, as well as how much water is required to fill it. The most common length for a lap pool is 40 feet, which costs an average of $45,000 to install. Increasing the size to 82 feet can increase the cost to between $100,000 and $400,000. An Olympic-size 50-meter pool can cost between $300,000 and $500,000.
- Material: The material of the lap pool affects its durability, appearance, and maintenance. Lap pools can be made of concrete, vinyl, or acrylic sheet. Concrete pools are the most expensive and customizable, but they also take longer to install and require more upkeep. Vinyl pools are cheaper and faster to install, but they are less durable and may need to be replaced every 10 years or so. Acrylic sheet pools are prefabricated and delivered on a truck, which limits their size and design options, but they are also easy to install and maintain.
- Style: The style of the lap pool refers to its shape, depth, and extras. Lap pools are usually rectangular, but they can have rounded corners or slightly curved sides. They are usually about 3.5 to 4 feet deep throughout, which is sufficient for swimming without touching the bottom or the surface. Lap pools can also have extras like saltwater systems, heating systems, resistance currents, attached hot tubs, landscaping, lighting, etc. These extras can improve the comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the lap pool, but they also increase the cost and complexity of the project.
- Location: The location of the lap pool affects its installation and operation costs. Lap pools can be installed in-ground or above ground. In-ground pools are more expensive and require excavation and permits, but they also look more natural and add value to the property. Above-ground pools are cheaper and easier to install, but they also take up more space and may not fit well with the style or architecture of some houses or neighborhoods. Lap pools can also be installed indoors or outdoors. Indoor pools are more expensive and require ventilation and heating systems, but they also offer more privacy and year-round use. Outdoor pools are cheaper and more common, but they also require more maintenance and may not be usable in cold weather.
Cost Breakdown for Lap Pools
The following table shows a breakdown of the average costs for building a 40-foot lap pool with different materials and styles.
| Material | Style | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | In-ground | $65,000 |
| Vinyl | In-ground | $45,000 |
| Acrylic sheet | In-ground | $45,000 |
| Acrylic sheet | Above-ground | $5,000 |
The following table shows some examples of additional costs for lap pools.
| Extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Saltwater system | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Heating system | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Resistance current | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Attached hot tub | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Landscaping | $5 – $20 per square foot |
| Lighting | $700 – $1,900 |
The following table shows some examples of labor costs for lap pools.
| Labor | Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation | $500 – $2 per cubic yard |
| Installation | $5.50 per square foot |
| Filling | $80 – $160 per 1 |
Conclusion
Lap pools are swimming pools that are designed for exercise. They are usually long, narrow, and rectangular, and can be installed in-ground or above-ground. Lap pools are a good option for people who want to swim regularly in their own backyard, or for those who have limited space for a traditional pool. However, lap pools also have some limitations in terms of size, and versatility.