Whether you live in the suburbs where your pet or kids can play or live in a townhouse, there is nothing more fun and amazing than having a pool of your own. Having a swimming pool in your home is the perfect place for you to cool down during the summer months. Because of their small size, plunge pools and lap pools are more affordable and easy to install and maintain than your large family pools. If you are considering a swimming pool for your property, a plunge or lap pool will give you everything you want without taking up a lot of space in your backyard. But, which is the better option? Read on to learn the main differences between the two.
Lap Pools
Lap pools+- are rectangular and long pools that, on average, measure 2.5 metres across and 10 metres long. The primary use of these types of pools is for health and fitness. But they are great for kids’ pool parties as well. Generally, they have a depth of about 2.3 metres, though this can change depending on the style of pool you choose. You can get a pool with shallow depths or go for a deeper one.
Unlike the traditional swimming pools or even the plunge pool, there is not a lot of flexibility in the design of a lap pool. It will be a narrow and long rectangle with length and width as the only variables. Most people opt for offset entry steps or narrow internal steps so that they don’t impede on your swimming area.
Just like with other types of in-ground pools, you have multiple options for lap pool construction, including concrete, acrylic sheet, or vinyl. You will have to make some other decisions as well for your lap pool. These include whether or not you are willing to spend extra money for heating the pool or whether you want to go with a chlorine or saltwater pool. You can also consider getting an attached hot tub. Here are a few pros and cons of lap pools
Pros
- They are ideal for keeping you fit
- Suited for shallow or narrow backgrounds
- Can be used for fun
- Takes up less space than traditional inground swimming pools
- Easy installation
- God for athletes
- Can be customised with swim jets or heating for harder workouts.
Cons
- Not suitable for square or small backyards
- Generally have extended seating areas or splash decks
- Even though they are smaller, the cost of installing and maintaining them is almost the same as a family pool
Plunge pool
Plunge pools, also called dipping pools, usually measure about 3 to 5 metres in length and 2 metres in width. Their depth is typically around 1.5 metres. They are a lot smaller than the typical fibreglass inground pool and a bit bigger than a spa. The two main purposes of having a plunge pool are aquatic rehabilitation and relaxation. Since they have a flat bottom and shallow depth, they are perfect for recovery from injury and low-impact exercise. The main purpose of this small, shallow pool is cooling off, wading, and lounging.
They can be a great alternative to the traditional pool, especially if you are looking for a place where you can chill and don’t need a pool for exercise. You might also want a plunge pool because of its smaller size, lower costs, reduced water requirements, and ease of maintenance. Because of their limited dimensions, these pools take up less space and are shallow. This would work great in the case of a smaller lot.
You also have the option to upgrade your plunge pool with water features that look like waterfalls and fountains. These types of pools are very popular in Europe as they are economical, have less water usage, and are easier to maintain. Even though you won’t be able to swim big laps, you can still perform low-impact exercises. For example, you can perform exercises focusing on abdominal muscles, legs, and arms instead of cardio from swimming laps. So here is our Complete Guide To Plunge Pools!
Pros
- Visually appealing
- Suitable for patio spaces or smaller yards
- Less impact on the environment
- Takes less space than the conventional swimming pools
- Can be easily incorporated into a lavish or simple backyard landscaping design
- Can be customized with swim and heating jets
- Require less maintenance and are easy to clean
- Faster and cheaper to install than the large fibreglass swimming pools
- Costs less as it requires less water and can run with fewer chemicals
Cons
- Not a lot of space for your kids to play
- Not large enough for exercising
- Can fit only a few people, so not great for entertaining your guests
- Dangerous for kids because of its shallow depth
- Even though it is smaller, it has the same fencing and fate requirements
Deciding which one is best
The decision of whether you want a lap pool or a plunge pool will depend on your usage requirements and space. Either way, you will have a lot of options and if you choose the right service, you will have a lot of design options with their own set of features and benefits.
If you think that there is no chance that you could fit a pool in the small corner of your backyard, you are wrong. With the right pool, you can have a nice place for relaxing in your backyard. With some research and creativity, you can transform the uninspiring space in your garden into a relaxing haven.
When you are talking to the professionals, make sure that you let them know exactly what you are looking for. Depending on your requirement, they will be able to let you know what type of swimming pool will work best for your backyard. They will not only help you with the type of pool but also the right size, colour, and design. Both lap pools and plunge pools are great options. What you have to do is decide which works best for you and your home.
