| Swim Spa: Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas are ideal for small backyards. There are three models, which range from 17 feet to 19 feet in length and are 8 feet wide. Select the acrylic and skirting colors to complement your landscape and outdoor space. You can also add lighting packages and a Bluetooth sound system. The MP Momentum Deep is a 19-foot swim spa that has two bodies of water — a swim area and an adjoining hot tub. But if you want more room to swim, the 18-foot MP Signature Deep is spacious while still featuring hydrotherapy seats. If you prefer a custom look, you can install a raised deck to give the appearance of an in-ground swim spa installation. Be sure that there’s access to the swim spa control panel for easy maintenance and service. Show
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.  If you don't have room for a classic rectangular pool, or your primary reason for an in-ground pool is to swim, a lap pool might be for you.There are generally two types of people who install lap pools — serious swimmers, or those with narrow or shallow backyards. Whichever category you fall into, it’s best to learn as much as you can about lap pool basics before you decide to jump in. On This Page
What is a Lap Pool?A lap pool is long, narrow and rectangular, usually installed in-ground, although they can be built above-ground as well. As the name suggests, a lap pool is designed for swimming laps, so they need to be long. Lap pools are typically about 40 feet long, but they can reach up to 75 feet. Their width ranges from six to 10 ft. Experts recommend a minimum depth of 3-1/2 feet so swimmers don’t scrape their hands or feet on the bottom. If you do flip turns at the end of each lap like the Olympic swimmers, you need a pool that’s at least four feet deep. While lap pools can certainly be used for recreation and family playtime, they lack the features of traditional in-ground pools. There’s no shallow end or wide set of steps for kids to splash around. To maximize the swimming space, there may only be narrow ladders to get in and out. Types of Lap PoolsUnlike traditional pools or even plunge pools, there’s not much design flexibility with a lap pool. It’s a long, narrow rectangle, with width and length the only variables. Most contractors recommend only narrow internal steps, or better yet offset entry steps that do not impede the swimming area. As with the different types of in-ground pools, a lap pool can be constructed in concrete, vinyl or acrylic sheet. (One caveat with the latter: Because these are prefabricated and must be delivered on a truck, they typically can’t be longer than about 40 feet.) Other decisions for your lap pool include whether to go with a saltwater or chlorine pool, and whether to spend extra to heat the pool. You might also consider an attached hot tub. Lastly, if your backyard is too small for a long lap pool, you can consider a much smaller spool pool, which offers resistance current to swim against. Pros and Cons of Lap PoolsThe benefits of a lap pool include:
The downsides of a lap pool include:
Lap Pool InstallationBecause a lap pool is essentially a long, skinny version of a traditional pool, installation steps are about the same. In-ground lap pools require excavation, pool pumps, filters and skimmers. You’ll probably want a pool deck, either in tile, cement or wood, plus some landscaping to beautify the pool area. If you’ve got advanced construction skills and access to heavy-duty earth-moving equipment, you could consider installing a DIY lap pool kit. Think long and hard about this one. Lap Pool Maintenance and CareThere’s little difference in the maintenance and ongoing expense of lap pools compared to traditional in-ground pools. Because lap pools have fewer beauty features such as waterfalls, there may be fewer things that can go wrong with them. If you don’t want to hand vacuum your lap pool, you can buy a “robot” pool cleaner or hire a pool service to maintain the pool. Lap Pool Cost ConsiderationsThough they’re narrower than a traditional in-ground pool, the long length of lap pools means installation time and materials are roughly the same as an average in-ground pool. Cost will vary based on whether you go with concrete, vinyl or fiberglass as your pool material. Of these options, vinyl is the cheapest and concrete is the most expensive. What type of pool is most cost effective?A fiberglass pool typically has the highest upfront cost but the lowest maintenance cost. They are quick to install, but because they're built from a mold the shape is not customizable (and they can't be wider than 16 feet). A vinyl pool has the lowest installation cost and can be built to any size and shape.
Why are lap pools more expensive?One study found, on average, an inground pool in the U.S. costs about $39,000. However, most backyard lap pools are longer and larger than the average inground recreational pool. That will make the price tag higher. A full-length 25-yard or 25-meter pool can easily exceed $100,000, once you factor in everything.
What type of swimming pool is cheapest?Overall, vinyl liner pools are the cheapest inground swimming pools that money can buy. It's rare to find a pool builder who can build a concrete or fiberglass pool at a vinyl liner pool price. This does not mean that vinyl liner pools are never expensive.
Is a lap pool worth it?They're smaller than an Olympic-sized pool, so you can swim more laps without feeling exhausted. Plus, lap pools come with all sorts of other benefits: they're cheaper than most other types of pools; they don't need much upkeep and maintenance, and the water is heated for year-round use.
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Cost of lap pool vs regular pool
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