16 minute reading time

What are the Pool Types?

What are the Pool Types?

Swimming pools are water-filled areas with many types of water with different depths and features, which are used for health and entertainment, especially for sports purposes. The development of living standards, the difficulty of transportation to the seaside during short holidays, the increase in the use of entertainment and recreational purposes are also effective in the increase of swimming pools in direct proportion. Pool types are subdivided according to their structures and intended use.

Pool types are listed below;

OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS    

Outdoor swimming pools are swimming pools that are generally used for sports and entertainment purposes, are not covered, and are therefore mostly preferred to be used in summer or spring. With an adequate heating system, they can also operate in winter. Due to their varying depths, they can appeal to all age categories. They usually have a depth between 0.30-1.80 meters. However, the depth of children's swimming pools is not more than 50 cm. The pool temperature is a maximum of 32°C. The pH level should be in the range of 7.2-7.8 on average and free chlorine should be in the range of 1-3 ppm per million. Many materials and tools such as reinforced concrete, special production porcelain, drainage lines, discharge manholes, pipes, filters, and lighting armature buckets are used in the construction of outdoor swimming pools. With the long life and durability of porcelain pool coating materials produced by Serapool, it is possible to have a fully functional outdoor swimming pool.

In outdoor swimming pools, pool water disinfectants should be in minimum concentration. Combinations of sedimentation, filtration, oxidation, and disinfection agents are needed. As it is valid in almost all pools, it is recommended to take a shower before entering the pool, to wear a swimming cap while entering the pool, and to shower and clean after the pool by hygiene rules. Since swimming pools have a limited usage time, it is possible to benefit from daylight for a longer period and extend their lifespan if they are constructed using west and south directions. In case of any dangerous situation, lifeguards, ropes, and lifebuoys should be available in the pool facilities. The fact that the pools produced within Serapool have a non-slip surface prevents such dangerous situations.

OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOLS    

Olympic swimming pools are swimming pools designed following the standards of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), which can be used by individuals interested in swimming for training purposes and are suitable for Olympic swimming competitions and water sports competitions. There are two types of Olympic swimming pools: Full Olympic and Semi-Olympic.

There are various tools such as signal flags, jumping areas, and separators in Olympic pools. In this way, it is transformed into a pool for water sports and competitions. It has dimensions of 25 meters in width, 50 meters in length, and at least 2 meters in depth. In the construction of Olympic swimming pools, in addition to many materials and tools such as reinforced concrete, special production porcelain, drainage lines, discharge manholes, pipes, filters, lighting armature buckets, anti-bacterial in-pool tiles, and porcelain designed within Serapool are also included.

The lanes are 2.5 m wide. In order not to be affected by edge fluctuations during the competitions, competitions are held over 8 lanes without using the first and last lanes. Pool temperature is 25°C - 27°C. There are two types of competition: short lane and long lane.

Hygiene needs to take a shower before entering the pool, to wear a swimming cap while entering the pool, and to shower and clean after the pool. A lifeguard, rope, and lifting should be available during competitions and pieces of training in case of jumps or any dangerous situation. By using Serapool's Terrace Anti-Slip and Stair Anti-Slip, the possibility of encountering risky incidents is reduced.

It is also possible to come across two types of Olympic pools, indoor and outdoor. But indoor pools are mostly used. For this reason, it is recommended that the place where the destination is reached should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should not be exposed to sunlight in a way that disturbs the athlete.

Olympic swimming pools must be built according to international standards. For this reason, the Olympic pool covering materials used in the construction of these pools must also be of high standards. In this context, as Serapool Porcelain, our high-quality Olympic Series products offer a problem-free solution.


FULL OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOLS (LONG LANE POOLS)

Full Olympic swimming pools are Olympic swimming pools preferred for swimming sports competitions organized using 8 lanes (long lane).

They have dimensions of 50 meters in width, 25 meters in length, and 2 meters in depth. There is a condition that the width should not be less than 21 meters. Pool temperature is 25°C - 27°C.

SEMI-OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOLS (SHORT LANE POOLS)

Semi-Olympic swimming pools are Olympic swimming pools preferred for competitions consisting of 5 lanes (short lane). For this reason, they are also called Short Lane Pools.

They have dimensions of 16 meters in width, 25 meters in length, and 2 meters in depth. Pool temperature is 25°C -27°C. It can be made suitable for other competitions by increasing/decreasing the depth size.

SRES POOLS

Ornamental pools are pools that do not have the opportunity to swim and contain visuality. Ornamental pools are one of the most preferred pools because they color the environment thanks to their aesthetic appearance and provide cooling.

Size, depth, and width are planned entirely depending on the criteria of the area of use. It does not have a fixed size. It usually varies between 20-60 cm. If no aquatic life is housed, there is no fixed temperature. However, if a water creature is desired to be kept, 25°C - 26°C degrees are suitable. Again, if there is no aquatic life, the hygiene criterion is at a minimum level (for clean appearance), because it is not used for swimming. Goldfish and koi fish species are known as the most preferred types of pond fish. A filter system is used to maintain water cleanliness.

At the same time, ornamental pools, which are one of the types of garden pools, are considered to have low energy consumption. They consist of materials such as slate stones, concrete slabs, mosaics, fountains, and ceramics. With Serapool mosaics and porcelains with a wide range of colors, ornamental pools can take a more aesthetic shape. If there is a lighting system, it may be exposed to dangers such as electric shock, especially because it attracts the attention of children. It should be ensured that the LED lights are carefully turned off and do not contain any leaks.

THERMAL POOLS

Thermal pools are often used for healing, but they also have a relaxing effect. They are intended for those who need treatments such as physical therapy, psychotherapy, and climate cure. In addition to these, they are also visited only for healing.

There are different levels of danger. Some of these are; when standing too long, it can harm asthma patients, newly delivered puerperium, pregnant women, and blood pressure patients. The temperature of thermal pools is usually 35°C-56°C. Generally, pool depths are a maximum of 2 m.  Other width and length dimensions vary from business to business. There is no fixed size. Although open ones are very rare, there are mostly closed thermal pools. For this reason, the need to benefit from daylight is not felt. Thermal pools are preferred especially in winter months. Structural-shaped concrete and sprayed-modeled concrete are the most commonly used materials among thermal pool tiles.

ENTERTAINMENT POOLS

Amusement pools are also known as Aqua parks. There are water slides, slope slides, amusement machines on the water, and wave pools. Their sizes vary between 60 cm-1.80 m. There are pools of different sizes for each section. The pool temperature is a maximum 32°C. In recreational pools, pool water disinfectants should be in minimum concentration. Combinations of sedimentation, filtration - oxidation, and disinfection agents are needed. If recreational pools are constructed using west and south directions, it is possible to benefit from daylight for a longer period and extend their lifespan. It is recommended to take a shower before entering the pool, to wear a swimming cap while entering the pool, and to shower and clean after the pool by hygiene rules. In case of an incident such as drowning or injury, there should be a lifeguard, rope, and life ring in the pool facilities.

COLD WATER POOLS    

Cold water pools are also called shock pools. It is known for its sudden decrease and sudden increase in body temperature. It is generally preferred after sauna. It allows the muscles that have relaxed due to the heat to tighten again and accelerate the flow. It is mostly made square and rectangular. Width and length vary completely according to business preference. They have a depth of 1.10 meters -1.35 meters. Each area measures 10 m². The volume is 2 m3. Pool temperature should not be more than 15°C. The chlorine level of the water is 0.3-0.6 mg/lt. Since the water in the pool is in constant circulation, it must be renewed by adding fresh water and this process must take place on the pool floor. It is constructed with hard plastic and concrete materials. As it is valid in almost all pools, it is recommended to take a shower before entering the pool and to shower and clean after the pool by hygiene rules.

THERAPY POOLS    

Therapy pools are for swimmers at high risk of infection (hospital, clinic...). The maximum pool depth is 1.35 meters. The pool temperature is around 35 °C. Thermal therapy pools are also available. Waterfall showers and wall massage systems are used in treatments. It is preferred in all seasons. SPA massages are also one of the frequently requested therapy types in these pools. For regional massages, there is separate equipment for many parts such as the waist, neck, and back. Taking a shower before the pool and taking a shower again after the pool is important for hygiene. To achieve uniqueness in therapy pools, Serapool produces according to various sizes, patterns, and features.

WATER GAMES POOLS

Water game pools are pools suitable for games such as volleyball, basketball, football, water polo, etc. It is generally used for sports purposes. Water game pools can appeal to all ages. Their depth is usually between 0.6 cm - 1.35 meters. If water polo is to be played in the Olympic pool, the depth of the pool water should be 2.20 meters. The size of water polo field is designed to be 20 meters wide and 30 meters long. The special water polo pool is designed to be 33 meters wide by 21 meters long. Following hygiene rules, it is recommended to take a shower before entering the water games pool, to wear a swimming cap while entering the pool, and to shower and clean after the pool. In case of any dangerous situation, there should be a lifeguard, rope, and life ring in the pool facilities.

JUMPING POOLS

Jumping pools are mostly used by athletes for sports such as tower and diving board jumping. In this type of water sports, jumps are performed according to the heights, and an aesthetic dive is made by making acrobatic movements during the jump.

Their depth is at least 3.40 meters. Trampolines are located 1-3 meters above the water. In tower jumping, it is up to 5-10 meters above the water. In case of a dangerous situation such as wrong diving and reverse jumping, lifeguards, ropes, and lifebuoys should be available in the pool facilities. As it is valid in almost all pools, it is recommended to take a shower before entering the pool, to wear a swimming cap while entering the pool, and to shower and clean after the pool by hygiene rules.


FOOT WASHING POOLS    

Foot washing pools are designed for foot cleaning and hygiene before using the actual pools. For this reason, they are usually located in entrance areas. 0.10 cm-0.15 cm depth size is available. Since there is a drain, no drainage channel is used. It is mostly preferred in rectangular and square shapes. Although body disinfection is valid for all types of pools, use should be restricted, especially if there are open wounds and inflammations on the feet. It can be made of pool materials (concrete, tiles) as well as plastic materials. Plastic types are seen especially in personal pools. Measurements such as 54 cm-42 cm, and 120 cm-70 cm are the most common foot-washing pool sizes. The most important danger is the slipping problem. Thanks to Serapool non-slip tiles, foot-washing pools become less risky.

REHABILITATION POOLS

It has an important place in physical therapy and rehabilitation processes. Such pools are used to reduce muscle and joint pain, increase mobility, and improve general health by utilizing the buoyancy of the water. Exercises in the water reduce the pressure on the body and provide a less painful and more effective rehabilitation process. The water in rehabilitation pools is usually heated, which helps to relax the muscles and provide a more comfortable range of motion. In addition, the resistance of the water creates an ideal environment for muscle-strengthening exercises.

The design of rehabilitation pools can be customized according to the needs of the users. For example, there are ramps, lifting devices, and special stairs for disabled people to easily enter the pool. In addition, the depth of the pool can be adjusted to suit different types of therapy and exercise. Rehabilitation exercises in water are preferred for various health problems such as spinal problems, musculoskeletal disorders, recovery processes after stroke, and chronic pain management. Supported by technological tools such as underwater cameras and motion analysis systems, rehabilitation pools allow therapists to better track patients' progress and create customized treatment plans.