Everything You Need to Know About Installing Lap Pools at Home

When it comes to designing a home pool, you might be faced with the question – “What kind?”. After all, there are many types of pools out there. First off, you need to choose between an in-ground pool and an above-ground pool. Then you need to select the shape – circular, rectangular (lap), or free form. Finally, comes the other decisions – material, colour, pool equipment, lighting, pool aesthetics, etc.

Well today, we’re here to help ease this decision-making a little, by helping you understand all there is to know about lap pools. So, if you’re considering getting your home pool installed for regular exercise, then this is one article you should definitely read.

What is a lap pool?

A lap pool is a type of pool in which swimmers can swim in laps. That’s why this pool is long and typically rectangular in shape. The length of the pool ranges between 40 and 75 feet, with the width between 6 and 10 feet, making it a pretty big pool for most homes. However, we’ve found that lap pools are perfect for homes with large yards and farmlands.

If you wanted shorter and smaller lap pools, they can be constructed after an experienced home pool installation company visits your residence to check the space you have.

Benefits of getting a lap home pool

It is great for serious swimmers who need it for exercise or competitive training.
It can be installed in shallow backyards, by keeping the depth at a minimum of 3.5-4 feet.
It can also be installed above-ground if necessary.
It can be fitted with resistance current equipment to increase swim intensity.
It can be fitted with resistance current equipment to increase swim intensity.
It can support many swimmers and be a great addition to pool parties.

Are there any disadvantages to a lap pool?

The sheer length of the lap pools makes it difficult to install for homes with smaller yards.
It is not an ideal pool size for small families.
It can be an unnecessary investment for those who prefer to use it for recreation and not exercise/training.
It can increase your pool maintenance costs since the pool is larger in size.
It can be difficult to add seating areas and intimate coves in the pool since it is not functional for lap workouts.

Is a home lap pool ideal for you?

The best way to know if a lap home pool is right for your home and family is to answer these questions.

What is your goal of getting the pool installed?
How often will you use it?
How much space do you have in your yard?
Are you able to bear the higher pool maintenance costs?
Will you be able to meet any pool safety legislations in your neighbourhood?

Lap pools are a great choice for people who:

Want to exercise or train for competitive swimming very regularly.
Prefer lap swimming over other shorter-range swims.
Intend to host many people over for swim meets or pool parties.
Have a large enough yard to install a lap pool.
Are financially secure to handle the expenses of lap pool maintenance.
Are aware of the pool safety rules and are willing to adhere to them after installation.

Wondering what the difference is between Lap Pools and Plunge Pools? Find out here!

Different types of lap pools to choose from:

If you check some of the boxes, continue reading. Let’s discuss the types of lap pools you can have installed.

Material

Lap pools can be made with acrylic sheets, vinyl tiles or concrete. The choice depends on your personal aesthetics and how much you’re willing to spend on the pool. Concrete is the most long-lasting. But it can be expensive.

Water-type

Lap pools can be conventional, i.e., chlorinated, or, you can choose to get a saltwater pool installed for a more natural, ocean-like experience. Check out your water options here!

Equipment

To mimic water currents and waves, you can install different types of resistance and wave-making equipment as well. Heating equipment can also be added to warm your pool water. You can even convert your traditional lap pool into a lap spool pool, which includes jet sprays and a built-in hot tub in the pool.

Here’s a tip: In case your yard is not large enough to install a traditional lap pool, consider getting a spool pool installed. This type of pool is longer than a plunge pool and shorter than a lap pool. That’s the perfect length for a family that loves lap swimming but has a small yard.

How long does it take to get the lap pool installed?

It can take up to 12-15 weeks to install your brand-new lap pool at home. While some pools need to come pre-fabricated, others will be constructed right onsite at your home. During this time, it’s best to keep your children and pets out of the way, so the pool installation can be done safely and quickly.

Tips to maintain home lap pools

Maintaining a lap pool can be tough work until you get the hang of it or you hire a pool maintenance company to support you. We recommend that you:

Disinfect the water every 1-2 days and shock the water once a month.
Run your pump regularly to ensure proper filtration occurs.
Scrub your pool’s sides and bottom every week to prevent algal build-up.
Vacuum the area around the pool and dry it every few days.
Daily removal of any debris that’s fallen.
Check and clean the skimmer every time you top up the water of the pool.
Regularly clear out the debris stuck inside the filter.

We also strongly suggest that you invest in a robotic pool cleaner to get the work done faster and at a more budget-friendly cost in the long run.

Check out our complete pool maintenance Checklist!

Are lap pools expensive?

Given their larger dimensions, lap pools are on the pricier side of home pools. However, the cost is more than made up over time, especially if you use your pool for regular workouts and training. The happiness that a home lap pool provides, compared to a plunge pool, is immense.

Contact Factory Pools Perth for home lap pool construction

At Factory Pools Perth, we are reputed pool installation experts based out of Perth. We have experience installing different types of pools in homes of all sizes. We can come over to your property, examine the prospective pool location and help you make an informed decision about your new lap pool.

Our team can also advise you on proper pool care and maintenance. Contact us today to see some of our previous installations and to discuss your home lap pool specifications.