Swimming can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and arthritic pain. It also enhances mood and improves health in people with heart disease.
You can do all this in a regular leisure pool, but exercise pools can do the job better. Luckily, homeowners can opt for lap pools if they're serious about fitness.
If relaxation combined with working out is more what you want, consider a swim spa instead. Either way, there is a lot to consider when designing pools for exercise.
Our guide will give you insight into what you should know when installing exercise pools. Keep reading to learn more about lap pool and swim spa design and installation in Cape Coral.
Know the Difference
You need to know the difference between these two sports pools before you buy and install either one. A lap pool exists for users to swim laps for health and physical fitness benefits.
A swim spa is similar to a spa pool but is longer and wider so users can swim against the jet currents. You can use these for health and fitness by swimming or the spa pool benefits.
Consider Area Requirements
Lap pools are like a typical pool but have different dimensions. They're longer and narrower than a normal pool. The common width and length for backyard lap pools is eight by 45 feet.
The average clearance for any pool is at least four to eight feet on each side. But this can be difficult considering the strange dimensions of lap pools. Consider the pool size in comparison to your yard's usable space.
You may have seen many swim spas above ground thanks to the equipment bays holding everything to make them work. But you can convert these into inground pools with professional installations.
Most swim spas are four feet wide and 12 to 21 feet long. They don't need as much space as a lap pool, but they're still large and the clearance is generally the same.
Year Round Use
Lap pools were not originally designed for year-round use. You'll have to pay extra for gas or a heat pump if you want to swim in the early morning or during the colder months.
Swim spas are hot tubs that double as exercise pools. They come with built-in heaters. You can use them at any time of day throughout the year.
Remember, both these sports pools accommodate swimming laps. But you'll have to spend more to heat a lap pool. However, it's not advisable to spend too long inside a hot tub.
Useful Tips for Installing Exercise Pools
There are three basic keys to designing and installing exercise pools. First, understand the differences between lap pools and swim spas. Next, consider the area and clearance for the pool.
Lastly, you should consider how much year-round use matters to you. These pools are for fitness purposes. You should get as much mileage as you can.
Florida customers can trust Channelmark Pools to install their inground pools. We've worked in pool design and construction for over 35 years. Contact us if you want to transform your backyard into a health haven.