Many believe that a small backyard is not spacious enough to place a swimming pool. But, what about a lap pool? Well, the shape is not new. In history, Greeks and Romans designed the lap pool for aquatic games, exercising, and military training. In the latter part of the 1960s, lap pools started to appear in many of California’s residential homes. The late architect Cleo Baldon found that reviving the antique style was convenient, luxurious, and sharp. The old shape became new again. To this day, it is still a trend in swimming pool construction around the world.
What Is A Lap Pool?
A lap pool is a long, narrow, rectangular-shaped oasis. Swimming laps daily is excellent for health and fitness purposes. Originally lap pools were designed measuring 8 or 9 feet wide, and at least 45 feet in length; the typical depth was three feet at the shallow end, four feet in the middle, and five feet in the deep end. The shallow end is great for children to play with and is close to the access steps.
The Advantages of the Lap Pool
- Space – a lap pool is ideal for narrow or shallow residential landscapes.
- Privacy – a homeowner can get a good workout by doing numerous laps in a pool in the privacy of their backyard.
- Aesthetics – a lap pool can work as a focal point of the patio when viewed from the house.
- Maintenance – since the it measures one-third the size of a full-size pool, it does not consume a significant amount of time. However, it requires all the standard pool equipment like a filter and pool system, chemicals, pH testing strips, and more. Lap pools are not high maintenance, but it needs care like the rest of your backyard.
Here are a few recommendations from pool experts if a homeowner considers in having a lap pool:
- Add a Spa – extend the use of your lap pool by adding a spa. It can save space, especially if a homeowner can have both in their backyard.
- Add Steps – if a homeowner doesn’t want the traditional metal steps, in-pool steps are the answer. It is essential to consult with a designer in choosing ah side to place the entrance.
- Decking – What matters when adding decking is allowing easy access to the oasis, preventing the garden from water-logging, keeping debris out of the water, and allowing for easier maintenance
- Morning, Afternoon, or Evening? – when it comes to adding a heater, a homeowner must keep in mind how often they will use the lap pool. It can make a difference.
Inground lap pools provide that classic, sleek, sophisticated, streamlined silhouette, and it can add value to a property. If you are ready for a new oasis in your backyard, don’t forget that Platinum Pools has the best designers ready to build your dream backyard. Call us at 281.870.1600 or request a free quote on our website.