Do you have a vision of spending your summer days lounging by the pool in your own backyard? Maybe you’re thinking of incorporating a daily swim into your fitness routine. Or perhaps you’re a serious swimmer training for an upcoming event, and the convenience of a home pool beckons. Building a pool in your backyard can seem like a daunting project, but with the right information and guidance, you can bring that vision to life. This article provides you with the detailed insights you need on the dimensions required for building a lap pool in your UK backyard.
Understanding the Basics of a Lap Pool Design
Before you dive into the pool-building project, you must understand the basic design elements of a lap pool. Traditionally, lap pools are long and narrow, allowing for straight-line swimming. They are typically designed for fitness and health purposes, which is why they are a perfect addition to your home if you’re looking to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine, or if you’re training for a swimming competition.
Lap pools are usually rectangular in shape – the simplicity of this design not only appeals to the aesthetic eye, but it also allows for efficient and streamlined swimming. The overall design, coupled with the dimensions and specifications, differentiate a lap pool from other types of swimming pools.
Standard Dimensions of a Lap Pool
When it comes to the standard dimensions for a lap pool, there are some key measurements to consider. These measurements will dictate the cost, materials, and the overall project timeline needed to build the pool.
The length of a lap pool typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters. A longer pool will give you more room to swim uninterrupted laps. It’s important to note that if you’re training for a competition, an Olympic-size lap pool is 50 meters long.
As for the width, most lap pools are around 2.5 meters wide. This allows enough space for one person to comfortably swim laps. However, if multiple people will be using the pool at the same time, you might want to consider making it wider.
The depth of a lap pool is usually between 1.2 and 1.8 meters. This ensures that the pool is safe for all users, without the water being too shallow or too deep.
Material Choices and Building the Lap Pool
The choice of building materials for your lap pool has a significant impact on the look, feel, and durability of the final product. The two most common materials used for constructing pools are concrete and fiberglass.
Concrete is a versatile material, allowing for different shapes and designs, which can be an advantage if your backyard has a unique layout. However, concrete pools can take longer to build and require more maintenance in the long run.
On the other hand, fiberglass pools are quicker to install and require less maintenance. However, they are limited in terms of design flexibility.
The choice between concrete and fiberglass will largely depend on your budget, timeframe, and specific design preferences.
Costs Associated with Building a Lap Pool
The cost to build a lap pool can vary significantly based on a number of factors. These include the size of the pool, the materials used, and any additional features you may want to add, such as lighting or heating.
On average, the cost to build a lap pool in the UK can range from £25,000 to £40,000. This estimate includes the cost of excavation, materials, labor, and pool equipment like pumps and filters.
Additional costs may be incurred if the pool requires fencing for safety reasons, or if you choose to add features like a pool cover or a heating system.
Remember, while building a pool is a significant investment, it’s one that can add value to your house and provide countless hours of enjoyment and health benefits.
Planning Permission for a Lap Pool in the UK
Before you start to build your swimming pool, it’s important to understand the planning permission laws in your local area. In the UK, planning permission for swimming pools varies depending on whether the installation is indoors or outdoors.
For an outdoor pool, you will usually not need planning permission if the pool is behind the rear wall of your original house and does not cover more than 50% of your garden. However, if you are planning on installing a pool house or enclosure, you may need to acquire permission.
Conversely, indoor pools often require planning permission since they typically involve an extension to the current property.
It’s wise to consult with your local planning authority or a professional pool installation company like Falcon Pools to understand the specific requirements in your area. Having the right permissions in place will ensure that your pool construction process is smooth and legal, preventing any hiccups or penalties down the line.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance of a Lap Pool
A key part of owning a swimming pool is understanding the running costs and maintenance requirements. A swimming pool can significantly increase your household energy bills, so it is crucial to look for energy-efficient options.
One of the ways to make your pool more energy efficient is by using a pool cover. A pool cover helps to retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out of the pool, reducing the need for heating and cleaning. Choosing an insulated pool cover can also help keep the water at a comfortable temperature.
When it comes to maintenance, both concrete pools and fiberglass pools will require regular cleaning and the addition of chemicals to keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
A fiberglass pool may require less frequent and less intensive maintenance than a concrete pool, but both types will still need regular attention. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your pool, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Conclusion
Ultimately, building a lap pool in your UK backyard is a significant project that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the pool’s dimensions (length, width, and depth), the choice of building materials, associated costs, planning permissions, and energy efficiency considerations.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to add a new dimension to your workout routine, a serious swimmer needing convenient training facilities, or someone who simply enjoys the idea of relaxing by the pool, having a lap pool can certainly enhance your home’s value and your lifestyle.
However, it’s crucial to remember that this project should be a balance between your personal preferences, budget, and the practical constraints of your property.
By doing thorough research, seeking expert advice, and planning carefully, you can ensure that your new lap pool meets your needs and expectations while providing an enjoyable, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing addition to your UK backyard.
