So you have just bought that brand new swimming pool and you are looking for some tips on how to use it? In this article, we will tell you how many liters (not gallons) you need for a proper Olympic-size swimming pool. It is important to keep in mind that the measurements indicated below are only an estimate and may vary depending on your personal preferences.
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The Pool Size
The first thing you need to determine is the size of the pool you are going to build. To create an Olympic swimming pool, you will need a 500 square foot pool with a depth of at least 4 feet. In this way, you will ensure that the proper buoyancy is maintained even when the water level is at its highest (i.e. during a competition).
The reason behind this recommendation is that due to the increased surface area, more buoyancy is produced in the water when compared to a typical backyard pool. Also, having a larger pool will make it easier for you to enter and exit the water when performing your morning and evening ablutions. You should however keep in mind that the space you have available for the pool is probably already occupied by other structures (e.g. decking, patio area, etc.).
The Fencing
Once you have your pool, the next thing you need to do is to install the fencing around it. The fencing should be at least 4 ft. tall and made of either wood or metal to ensure that the pool is completely contained. If you are building a wooden pool, you should opt for a classic design featuring horizontal pine planks on which you will paint the lettering for the division of the pool. Alternatively, if you are building a metal pool, you should look into purchasing a pool fence that is aesthetically appealing and highly durable.
The beauty of this option is that you will not need to paint the fence as it will blend in with the pool’s aesthetic. Plus, it will protect your pool from intruders (i.e. children and pets).
The Lighting
Another important aspect of your newly built pool is the lightings. During the day, you will want to use bright sunlight to illuminate the pool. To do this, simply place either a small tube light or a lamp near the water’s surface. At night, you should opt for underwater lighting to give the water an eerie glow. This will help bring life to the pool and make it feel less like a prison by adding a touch of mystery (e.g. ghosts, spirits, or mermaids in the pool with you!). There are several styles of underwater lights made for pools, some of which are aesthetically pleasing and also feature efficient LED technology (i.e. bright, colorful lights that last a long time).
Whether you choose to use a tube light or an underwater light, remember to place them in such a way as to avoid any shadows falling on the surface of the water. This will make the water appear darker and will give the illusion of three-dimensionality to the pool’s design scheme. Naturally, these lights should be switched off when leaving the area as the brightness can be overwhelming during the day and also pose a safety hazard to swimmers in the pool.
The Swimming Pool Shower
Finally, it is time to give your swimmer’s bath a makeover! When getting out of the shower, it is important to dry off completely before entering the pool area. After all, it is wet out there and you do not want to catch a cold! To finish off your swimmer’s wear, you should opt for a swimsuit coverup (e.g. small towel or a small towel with an athletic covering) to ensure that your privacy is protected while also avoiding any skin irritation caused by the wet environment. In case you want to add an extra layer of warmth to your swimmer’s wear, you should add another towel as a coverup and also keep in mind that wet skin can stay colder than dry skin. For men, a medium-sized towel will suffice; while for women, a smallish towel will do the trick. Remember to place these coverups in a basket near the pool so that you do not lose them while drying off after your swim!
As mentioned above, the above measurements are just a guideline and you should adjust them to fit your personal needs. For instance, if you are a competitive swimmer, you might want to build a deeper pool (i.e. 6-8 feet deep) and add a couple of extra feet to the width (i.e. make it 600 square feet). On the other hand, if you are a recreational swimmer, you can choose to build a shallower pool (i.e. 4 feet deep) and add only a couple of feet to the width to make it 550 square feet. Keep in mind that if you want to add a Jacuzzi or a spa, you will need to increase the overall size of the pool by another 50 square feet! So in other words, the above measurements only provide a starting point for your initial design and you should add or subtract from them as needed.
With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to build a proper Olympic-size swimming pool in no time! Of course, there are many other things you need to consider (e.g. safety, aesthetic appeal, etc.), but above all, you must keep in mind the amount of water needed for the pool. In case you need some inspiration, below you will find a list of some wonderful Olympic-size pools built by talented designers all over the world. You can also find many others in our Designs Collection.
Olympic Pool – Moscow, Russia
This is one of the most amazing Olympic pools we have ever seen! Located in Moscow, Russia, the modern-looking pool has a unique design that features a “yacht” shape with two decks, an indoor diving well, and an outdoor swimming pool (which is partially covered). We love the combination of the marble with wood and metal elements and the unique blue color used throughout the pool area. Additionally, the lighting is quite stunning with its reflection off the water surface creating an illusion of movement within the pool.
The architects of this wonderful pool designed it to resemble a yacht with two decks (one above the other). This gives it a unique look that is different from the standard “parenthetical ‘L’” shape commonly found in other Olympic-size pools. The top deck is where you will find changing rooms and a bar, while the lower deck is where the kids can play and get an ice cream while their parents change!
Olympic Pool – Lausanne, Switzerland
Another wonderful pool from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland. We love the combination of a traditional yellow with white accents and the wooden elements used for decking and fencing. It is also amazing how even the lighting effect is maintained throughout the entire pool area without any shadows falling on the floor or walls. The white fence enclosing the pool is simple yet elegant and also adds to the charm of this fabulous pool.
This wooden construction features a “yacht” shape with two levels and an outdoor swimming pool. The design is such that the deeper you look into the water, the narrower it gets until finally reaching a point where only a few inches remain. This creates a unique visual effect where only the very top layer of water is visible while the rest is concealed by the wooden ceiling. If you are looking for a traditional form of exercise, this pool has some beautiful jacquard fabrics (in orange, yellow, or green) you can opt for to line the pool decking. We also love the colors used here and how they pop against the wood.
Olympic Pool – Tokyo, Japan
This pool is located in Tokyo, Japan and was designed by the prestigious Japanese firm, Maru Architects. The unique thing about this pool is that it is octagonal in shape with 8 sides. This gives it an unusual appearance unlike any other Olympic pool we have seen. Naturally, this is due to the fact that the Japanese believe that 8 is a magical number and therefore utilize it whenever possible within their designs! The pool also has an amazing sliding roof that provides an elegant aesthetic appeal while also acting as a sunshade during the day. We love the lighting used here too with its reflection off the water surface giving it a stunning glow that is both classical and yet very modern at the same time.
Besides the octagonal shape, this pool is made entirely of wood with a metallic accent used for the decking, fencing, and balustrade. It is an example of excellent construction and design where even the little details like the wood grains in the balustrade or the curve of the deck fencing add a touch of class to the entire pool area. This is definitely one of our favorite Olympic pools!