EDITED BY DAVID ADLER

METRIC
HANDBOOK
PLANNING
AND
DESIGN
DATA
SECOND EDITION Architectural
Press
22 Swimming
Gerald Perrin
CI/SfB 541
Uniclass F541
Gerald Perrin is senior partner of Perrin Consult, specialist architect in sport and
UDC 725.74
leisure since 1961

KEY POINTS : 1 INTRODUCTION

Encouraging everyone to learn and enjoy swimming is a
priority
There has been a general trend away from pools designed
specifically for competition and diving towards shallow water,
Provision divides into leisure and competitive facilities free-form fun pools with many features including water rides.
The introduction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) has
Contents further increased the emphasis on income-producing dryside
1 Introduction provision, in the form of fitness rooms, health and beauty suites,
2 Competition, learner, training and diving pools sunbeds, saunas and steam rooms. This dryside space around the
3 Water activities fun pool is often themed to represent tropical paradises where
4 Leisure pools and water features dense planting provides the backcloth for steel bands, travel
5 Movable floor pools agencies, and poolside refreshments. Indoor/outdoor pools often
6 Pool details and lane markings seen in European countries are becoming popular.
7 Changing provision Demand for serious swimming facilities in the meantime has
8 Provision for disabled people reappeared in the form of 25 m pools with six or eight lanes, 22.1.
9 Pool capacity analysis Many older 33.33 m pools have been converted into combined
10 Bibliography competition and learner pools by means of causeways at the 25 m

22.1 25 metre pool complex

22-1
 22-2 Swimming

lagoon
learner pool jets

25m POOL
17 000

toddlers
steps

pool

25 m pool

wild water

7330 25 000
1000

33 330

22.2 Plan of 331/3+ metre pool, showing use as 25 metre pool

plus learner pool 22.3 Hybrid pool

mark, 22.2. Hybrid pools with 25 m training lanes down the centre
parents and free-form sides are becoming increasingly common, 22.3.
Another leisure pool is shown in 22.4.
The refurbishment of old Edwardian pools and buildings of
teaching pool
similar vintage (corn exchanges, sawmills, etc.) has increased the
present stock of good pools considerably, especially in the UK and
Holland.
first aid
changing
slide 2 COMPETITION, LEARNER, TRAINING AND DIVING
POOLS
2.01 Dimensions
disabled main pool
Dimensions of these pools, are strictly laid down by major
governing bodies for swimming (FINA international: ASA for
Im spring UK). Changes are made from time to time and it is advisable to
plastic rocks board
seek up-to-date information from the relevant authorities.

diving 2.02 Competition pools

pool Competition pools are based upon long-course 50 m, 22.5, or
beach
short-course 25 m, 22.6 requirements. Long-course pools have a
spectator minimum width of 21 m or 25 m for Olympic competition. The
entry minimum depth of water may be 1 m, although 1.2 m is preferred
in 21 m wide pools. Olympic standard pools require a minimum
22.4 Plan of a leisure pool depth of 1.8 m.

1
2
3
4
5
10 - 12 lanes
21 m to 25 m

6
7
8
9
10
11
12

50 m
22.5 Plan of 50 metre pool
 Swimming 22-3

22.6 25 m pool:

13 m
6 lanes

4000 1800 to 900 to

8 lanes 3000 2000 water level 1200 3000
surround

25 m 6000 19 000

a Plan. b Longitudinal section

2.03 Short-course pools steps, and water features such as slides and play furniture make up
Short-course, 25 m, pools should have a width of 13 m for six-lane the main characteristics of these pools. There are no fixed
competition, or 17 m for eight-lane. Minimum water depth should dimensions or shapes.
be 0.91 m (preferably 1.2 m following recent court findings
relating to accidents in shallow water pools). Maximum depth may 2.08 Hydrotherapy pools
be 1.82m. These pools are suitable for ASA National, District These are commonly seen throughout Europe, particularly in
and County standard competitions. Germany and Austria, for the elderly or infirm, 22.9. The water is
heavily salinated to assist swimming and healing. The increasing
2.04 Training pools number of sports injuries clinics now appearing in the UK suggests
Training pools of 25 m length may have four or five lanes (9 m and a wider role for this type of pool.
11 m wide). Depths should be as for short-course pools. In both
cases the last 6 m of the deep end should be level. 2.09 Diving pools
Diving pools attached to main competition pools have been
2.05 Learner pools superseded by specialist diving facilities in separate self-contained
Learner pools for beginners and non-swimmers, 22.7, should
preferably be separated from the main pool far safety reasons and
in order to maintain higher air and water temperatures. Steps along steps
one side form part of the water-acclimatisation process especially depth 400 max
for the young. Ramps are sometimes included for disabled non- slide geyser
ambulant users, although with level deck pools these have become
largely unnecessary. Handrails should be provided where steps
lead down into the water.
Dimensions are based upon class size down one long side 4000 to 5000
(classes are of 3035 pupils on average), with the width allowing
beginners to take at least three or four strokes before reaching the 22.8 Plan of toddlers pool
side. Common dimensions are length 1213 m, width 710 m and
depth 0.7 m at the foot of steps to 0.9l.2 m at the deep end.

hooks
2.07 Pools for the very young (two months old)
These are frequently provided separately, 22.8, to acclimatise
children to water accompanied by parents. Shallow water, seat/

12 000 to 13 000
7000 to 10 000

steps

hand rail

a Plan.
a Plan.
water level 850
toe
water level space 800
900 to
550
1200 700 drain 200

b Section b Section through pool

22.7 Learner pool: 22.9 Hydrotherapy pool complex:

 22-4 Swimming

Table I Minimum dimensions in metres for diving boards

B K
Type of board Spring Spring Fixed Fixed* Fixed

M A Board height* 1.0 3.0 5.0 7.5 10.0

B Clearance forward 7.5 9.0 10.25 11.0 13.5
H D C Clearance to sides 2.5 3.5 3.8 4.5 4.5
D Clearance behind 1.5 1.5 1.25 1.5 1.5
E
E Centre of adjoining board 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
F Clearance overhead 4.6 4.6 3.0 3.2 3.4
G Depth of water 3.0 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.5
H Depth maintained forward 5.3 6.0 6.0 8.0 10.5
J Depth maintained to sides 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.0 3.0
K Board length 4.8 4.8 5.0 6.0 6.0
a Plan. M Board width 0.5 0.5 2.0 2.0 2.0
N Clearance forwards overhead 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0
P Clearance sides and behind 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75
min. clearance overhead
P
*The 7.5 m board is mainly used for training.
F A tolerance of 0.l is permissible on board height. relate all dimensions to front
B
edge centre of each board.

G 3 WATER ACTIVITIES
A number of activities are currently associated with deep water in
30max slope 30 hybrid or competition pools.

b Section 3.01 Water polo

22.10 Diving pool (see Table I for dimensions): Water depth at Olympic standard should be not less than 1.8 m, and
for lesser play, 1.2 m. The fields of play are:

Olympic standard 30 20 m
spaces where diving can be carried on without interruption. The Club standard 25 10 m
minimum distance to other pools should be 5 m. The minimum
requirements for a diving pool are given in 22.10 and Table I.
Olympic or international standard competition diving requires
more rigorous standards, 22.11, and associated specialist facilities
such as sprays to ripple the water surface and lifts to the higher
diving boards. The FINA/ASA standards for these are shown in
22.12 and Table II. An example of this type is shown in 22.13.
National training status requires length 30 m, width 25 m and
depths as Table I.
All dimensions should be checked with the relevant authorities
as they may be amended from time to time. 500

b Elevation from pool.

a Plan. c Side elevation and pool cross-section

22.11 Olympic regulations diving platform assembly and pool:

 Swimming 22-5

Table II FINA/ASA dimensions for diving facilities (see 22.12)

Springboard Platform

1 metre 3 metre 1 metre 3 metre 5 metre 7.5 metre 10 metre

Length 4.80 4.80 5.00 5.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
Width 0.50 0.50 0.60 0.60 min 1.50 pref. 1.50 1.50 2.00
Height 1.00 3.00 0.601.00 2.603.00 5.00 7.50 10.00

Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert.

A From plummet back Designation A1 A3 A1 pl A3 pl A5 A7.5 A10

to pool wall minimum 1.50 1.50 0.75 1.25 1.25 1.50 1.50
preferred 1.80 1.80 0.75 1.25 1.25 1.50 1.50

A/A From plummet back Designation A/A5/1 A/A/.5/3,1 a/Al0/5,3,1/

to platform plummet minimum 0.75 0.75 0.75
directly below preferred 1.25 1.25 1.25

B From plummet to Designation B1 B3 B1 pl B 3 pl B5 B7.5 B10

pool wall at side minimum 2.50 3.50 2.30 2.80 3.25 4.25 5.25
preferred 2.50 3.50 2.30 2.90 3.75 4.50 5.25

C From plummet to Designation C11 C 3 3, 3 1 C11 pl C33 pl, 1 pl C 5 3, 5 1 C7.55,3,1 C107.5,5,3,1

adjacent plummet minimum 2.00 2.20 1.65 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75
preferred 2.40 2.60 1.95 2.10 2.50 2.50 2.75

D From plummet to Designation D-1 D-3 D-1 pl D-3 pl D-5 D-7.5 D-10
pool wall ahead minimum 9.00 10.25 8.00 9.50 10.25 11.00 13.50
preferred 9.00 10.25 8.00 9.50 10.25 11.00 12.50

E From plummet to Designation E1 E3 E1 pl E3 pl E5 E7.5 E10

board to ceiling minimum 5.00 5.00 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 4.00
preferred 5.00 5.00 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 5.00

F Clear overhead Designation F1 E1 F3 E3 F1 pl E1 pl F3 pl E3 pl F5 E5 F7.5 E7.5 F10 E10

behind and each side minimum 2.50 5.00 2.50 5.00 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 4.00
of plummet preferred 2.50 5.00 2.50 5.00 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 5.00

G Clear overhead Designation Gl El G3 E3 G1 pl E1 pl G3 pl E3 pl G5 E5 G7.5 E7.5 G10 E10

ahead of plummet minimum 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 6.00 4.00
preferred 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 6.00 5.00

H Depth of water at Designation Hl H3 Hl pl H3 pl H5 H7.5 H10

plummet minimum 3.40 3.70 3.20 3.50 3.70 4.10 4.50
preferred 3.50 3.50 3.30 3.60 3.80 4.50 5.00

J Distance and depth Designation Jl Kl J3 K3 Jl pl Kl pl J3 pl K3 pl J5 K5 J7.5 K7.5 J10 K10

K ahead of plummet minimum 5.00 3.30 6.00 3.60 4.50 3.10 5.50 3.40 6.00 3.60 8.00 4.00 11.00 4.25
preferred 5.00 3.40 6.00 3.70 4.50 3.20 5.50 3.50 6.00 3.70 8.00 4.40 11.00 4.75

L Distance and depth Designation Ll Ml L3 M3 L1 pl M1 pl L 3 pl M3 pl L5 M5 L7.5 M7.5 L10 M10

M each side of minimum 1.50 3.30 2.00 3.60 1.40 3.10 1.80 3.40 3.00 3.60 3.75 4.00 4.50 4.25
plummet preferred 2.00 3.40 2.50 3.70 1.90 3.20 2.30 3.50 3.50 3.70 4.50 4.40 5.25 4.75

N Maximum slope to Pool depth 30 degrees Note: Dimensions C (plummet to adjacent plummet) apply to platforms with widths as detailed.
reduce dimensions Ceiling ht 30 degrees If platform widths are increased then C is to be increased by half the additional width(s).
beyond full
requirements

The standards are shown in 22.14. However, the game can be

played as a recreation in a standard pool, 22.15. The field is
Snorkelling pool ranging in depth from 1.5 to 5 m, with a diving
pit 7 m deep, and
marked above water level at the pool sides. Space should be
accessible for the free movement of the referee and goal judges at
Access to the pool using suitable ladders, 22.17.

Details from the British Sub-Aqua Club.

goal lines.

3.02 Synchronised swimming 4 LEISURE POOLS AND WATER FEATURES

This has become progressively popular over recent years and is 4.01 Fun pools
now performed up to Olympic standard. Water should be not less Fun pools, 22.18, with irregularly shaped sides and a considerable
than 1.82 m. Provision should be made for underwater windows, amount of shallow water space approximately 350400 m2 in area,
lighting and sound for coaching purposes. may have combinations of the following features:

3.03 Sub-aqua diving Wave-making machinery, 22.19

Water should be not less than 1.52 m in depth with a high degree Water cannons

of clarity. Other requirements are: Underwater massage jets

Waterfall
Water depths up to 5.5 m for pressure valuation experience Rapids/wild water, jungle river, lazy river/indoor-outdoor
Compressor room of approximately 15 m2 rides
Club room, 22.16, for approximately 50 people Whirlpool
Storage space for equipment of approximately 15 m, well Jacuzzi spa bath
drained Plume/water rides
Specialist rooms for advanced training including seminar Slides
rooms, club room, compressor store, equipment shop, separate Lagoons with jacuzzi rest ledges
changing rooms and an office Underwater lighting and sound.
22-6 Swimming

22.12 FINA/ASA dimensions for diving facilities (see Table II):

F G

30 max 30 max F F

platform or
springboard E
30 max platform 30 max

platform A/A C C
under
platform platform

springboard
A
D
springboard

A J B
C B
L L

1.8 min
1.8 min K
H H M
1.8 min
M H
30 max
30 max
30 max 30 max

a Side view. b Frontal view

300 min
30 000

mm depth
1.8 m
3000
(2 m pref)

access
ladder to
walway 2m 4m half distance line 4m 8m
in roof line line line line

a For men.
10m

300 min
7.5m 25 000

5m

3m

1m

a Side view. b Frontal view b For women

22.13 Ponds Forge, Sheffield: diving stages: 22.14 Water polo layouts:
 Swimming 22-7

1 . 000

300

300

300

22.15 Water polo layout for a 25 m 12.5 m pool

400

a Elevation.

a Section.
b Plan

22.17 Access to the pool for sub-aqua diving. Specially designed

removable steps assist a heavily laden diver:

games
restaurant

6000 3600 toddlers

b Plan

22.16 Sub-aqua equipment store and compressor room:

main pool

sunken diving
viewing toddlers
4.02 Dryside facilities terrace & animals
Dryside facilities usually associated with the above may include:
corner

Health and fitness suites plus separate changing, toilets and

showers
whirlpool

Beauty salon massage, aromatherapy, manicure, hair

treatment 22.18 Layout of leisure pool De Mirandabad, Amsterdam.
Rapid-tan sunbeds Architects: Architektenburo Baanders, Frenken
Sauna, steam cabins
Platform for concerts, receptions, fashion shows, steel bands
Lighting to match
Themed baths (Turkish, Roman, Japanese, Scandinavian)
Creche, meetings room
First aid room 4.03 Hybrid pools
Equipment store These, 22.3, are similar to leisure pools, but have a central area
Landscape features normally themed to represent a tropical
setting
25 m in length marked out with four or six training lanes for
serious swimming. Depths at either end of this area must be the
Food and drinks points same as for normal 25 m competition pools. Because the sides may
Administration/supervision/control points be free-form in shape and other features intrude (e.g. whirlpool,
Travel agency/displays. flume rides), competitions cannot be judged properly.
22-8 Swimming

forward chamber min recommended length 25000 5.30-8.30 am

air compressor
25 25
1000 promenade level club training
static water level
50 or club
1800 min keep fit keep fit
must be more than of training
wave height
grating 700-800
a b
9 am-12 noon and 1 2 - 4 p m
2300 1500
schools schools schools
public schools public
non non
swimmers s w i m m e r s swimmers
swimmers or
10 30 10 2 5 15 10

12500 c d
46 pm

clubs clubs,
lessons lessons
5 0 public,
or keep fit
public
10 30 10
control panel
e f
22.19 a Section through a leisure pool showing wave making 68 pm
machine room and beaching of pool b Sectional plan of synchro
wave-making machine room public swimming/ disabled
water polo
10 30 10

g
52 500
1250 25 m
50 000 ( 0.00 + 0.03) 50 m competition competition
10 000
pool pool
2.43.0 m deep constant
depth 3.0 m

h i
water polo
2 25
30 m 20 m
competition
3.0 m deep
or
25 m 17 m
training
for ladies
pools
movable floor bulkhead 25 m

a Plan.
j k
synchronised swimming
300
3000 2500 1300 25 m 20 m
3000
500 30 000 area
3.0 m deep
b Cross-section

l
22.20 A 50 metre pool with ultimate flexibility. This has two
movable floors and two laterally moving bulkheads: 22.21 Various arrangements of the pool above: a 5:30 to 8:30
am, club training and keep fit. b 5:30 to 8:30 am, alternative
for club training and keep fit. c 9 am to noon, public, school
swimmers and school non-swimmers. d 9 am to noon,
alternative for public, school swimmers and school
5 MOVABLE FLOOR POOLS
non-swimmers. e 4 to 6 pm, clubs and public. f 4 to 6 pm,
22.20 shows a pool with movable floors; while 22.21 shows the
alternative for clubs, public, keep fit and lessons. g 6 to 8 pm,
flexibility offered to 50 m and 25 m pools by movable floors.
synchro swimming or water polo, public and disabled people.
Flexibility is further increased by the inclusion of two movable
h 50 m competition pool 2.4 to 3 m deep. i 25 m competition
floors and two laterally moving bulkheads.
pool constant 3 m depth. j Twin 25 m competition or training
pools. k Water polo: 30m 20m, or 25 m 17m for women,
3 m deep. l Synchronised swimming: 25 m 20 m by 3 m deep

6 POOL DETAILS AND LANE MARKINGS

6.01 Rest ledges

These are required around pool sides where the water depth
exceeds 1.2 m, 22.22.
6.02 Raised ends and touch pads
Where pools are to be predominately used for competitions and
serious training, raised ends should be provided, 22.23, equipped
with touchpads, 22.24.
6.03 Edge channels
The present preference for deck level pools requires edge channels
designed for overflow purposes, finger grip and demarcation
between water edge and pool surround, 22.25.
6.04 Lane rope anchorage
This is for fixing lane booms on level deck pools and is usually
behind edge channels on pool surrounds.
 Swimming 22-9

water level surround

finger grip expansion point
plastic grille
overflow static
channel water level

rest ledge
100-150

22.22 Rest ledge

static contrastin gcoloured grille

525mm min water level

finger grip

removable
starting
backstroke platform
starting
grip

22.25 Edge details for deck level pools

normally
tiled on
all faces
6.05 Start-recall
A recall rope and flags are required 15 m in front of the start for
competition use.

level
deck
6.06 Lane markings in competition pools
grille These should be laid in accordance with FINA/ASA recommenda-
tions, 22.26 and Table III.

22.23 Removable starting platform 6.07 Backstroke turn indicators

These are required 5 m from end walls, 22.26.

6.08 Underwater windows

These may be considered for coaching and video. Underwater
500 50 lights may be required for environmental purposes.

60050 300
water level 7 CHANGING PROVISION
7.01 Facilities
25050 600
Segregated changing facilities, 22.27 have been largely replaced
by the changing village arangement, 22.28, which is based upon
25050 separation of dry and wet footpaths to and from changing cubicles.
Minimum cubicles are shown in 22.29, but it is important to
240050
provide a proportion of larger cubicles for the use of families and
disabled people.

400 50

60050 300 Table III Dimensions of lane markings in metres

water level

FINA/ASA ASA
600 50 m pools 25 m pools
20050

A Width of lane markings, end lines, targets 0.25 0.05 0.2 0.05
B Length of end wall targets 0.5 0.05 0.5 0.05
20050
C Depth to centre of end wall targets 0.3 0.05 0.3 0.05
D Length of lane marker cross line 1.0 0.05 0.8 0.05
190050 E Width of racing lanes 2.5 2.0
F Distance from cross line to end wall 2.0 0.05 2.0 0.05
22.24 a Touch pad to conform to FINA regulations. b Touch pad G Touch pad 2.4 0.05 1.9 0.05
for ASA Championship requirements in 25 m pools
22-10 Swimming

Against the nominal length of 50.000 a tolerance of plus 30mm is allowed 300mm above and 800mm below the surface
of the water

a 50 metre pool to Olympic standard;

b 25 metre and 331/3 metre pools

22.26 Lane and other marking required for competitive swimming

poolside
poolside

hairdrying

22.27 Traditional layout of changing rooms 22.28 Changing village. No segregation. Average cubicle
occupancy 4 minutes
 Swimming 22-11

7.02 Other arrangements

Toilets should be positioned between lockers and poolside. Pre-
cleanse footbaths are no longer mandatory although foot sprays are
still desirable. Showers are largely for after-swim shampooing.
Hairdrying facilities are desirable close to changing-room exits.

7.03 Sauna and steam rooms

These may also form part of the village, 22.28.

8 PROVISION FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

8.01 Disabled people

Consideration for disabled people is mandatory. As well as
wheelchair users this includes people with impaired vision and
those with learning difficulties. Wheelchair users may be provided
for either in the changing village or alternatively in rooms around
the pool, 22.30 and 22.31. The disappearance of the footbath has
eased wheelchair access to the poolside.
22.31 Better provision for disabled people
8.02 Deck level pools
These also improve access into and out of the water for disabled
people. Chair hoists are still sometimes provided for this purpose
although they are often disliked by users for the attention they
cause.

8.03 Other arrangements

Shallow water spa (bubble) areas are much liked by those with
learning difficulties.
Large, clearly marked signs, colour-coded footpaths and rails
are required for visually impaired people.

9 POOL CAPACITY ANALYSIS

As a rule of thumb, pool capacities may be determined by dividing
the water surface area by 2. Thus a 25 x 13 m pool can
accommodate to reasonable comfort standards 325 2 = 162
Scale 1:25 bathers.
Changing cubicles, lockers and car parking provision can be
a Plan; b Section
based upon the same analysis plus the following allowances:

22.29 Changing cubicle: cLocker allowance based upon pool capacity, with a further 162
hanging = 324 lockers, usually in two- to three-tier
compartments
Changing cubicle provision may be based upon a time factor of
510-minute occupation per bather. Thus in any one hour 162
bathers in the pool plus a further 162 changing ready to enter
the pool = 324 bathers 10 minutes = 32 cubicles
Car parking provision may be calculated thus: 324 bathers, 3
persons per car average = 101 spaces + a further allowance for
staff, disabled, etc., say 125150 spaces.

22.30 Minimum changing provision for disabled people
10 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Geraint John and Kit Campbell, Ice rinks and swimming pools,
handbook of sports and recreational building design, volume 3,
2nd edn, Butterworth Architecture and the Sports Council, Oxford,
1996
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