How Big is an Olympic-Sized Pool, 50M, 25M, 25-Yard, 33.5M & 30M Pool?
Have you ever wondered what makes an ‘Olympic-sized’ pool different from other swimming pools? As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, let’s explore the various types of competition pools that host some of the most legendary competitions.
After years of anticipation, the Summer Olympic Games will officially begin on July 26, 2024. Athletes around the globe have trained, competed and qualified to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. While we get to finally see who takes home the gold.
With the Summer Olympic Games back in the spotlight, it got us thinking about “Olympic-sized” pools and other competitive swimming pool sizes.
How Big is a Meter?
A meter, about 3.28 feet, is the standard unit of measurement for competitive pools. Olympic-sized pools are 50 meters long, offering consistency across international competitions. Understanding this metric unit of length helps compare other pool sizes like 25M, 25-yard, 33.5M and 30M, each designed for specific competitive needs.
How Does an Olympic-Sized Pool Compare to Other Competition Pools?
To give you a better understanding before you tune in to the Olympics, here’s a quick guide to the different competition pool lengths:
The Olympic-Sized Pool
An Olympic-sized pool is the gold standard for competitive swimming, officially recognized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). An Olympic-sized pool is used for international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships and other elite events. Additionally, a true “Olympic-sized” pool has a depth of at least two meters and 10 lanes, with a width of two and a half meters each. Swimmers need to complete two lengths of an Olympic-sized pool to cover 100 meters.
How Big is an Olympic-Sized Pool?
- Dimensions: 50 meters long, 25 meters wide
- Depth: 2 meters (6.6 feet)
- Volume: Approximately 660,000 gallons (2,500 cubic meters)
- Lanes: 8 to 10 lanes
- Lane Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
- Typical Use: International competitions (e.g., Olympics)
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
50-Meter Pool
Long Course Swimming Pool (LCM)
A 50-meter pool, also known as a long course meter (LCM) pool, is used for long-course competitions, professional training and high-level swim meets. Ideal for training and professional events, these pools require fewer turns, helping swimmer performance. Typically, both an 50-meter pool and an Olympic-sized pool share the same dimensions. While a 50-meter pool is also considered an “Olympic-sized pool,” the term specifically refers to pools that meet the stringent standards set by the FINA.
How Big is a 50-Meter Pool?
- Dimensions: 50 meters long, typically 25 meters wide, but can vary
- Depth: Usually 2 meters (6.6 feet)
- Volume: Approximately 660,000 gallons (2,500 cubic meters)
- Lanes: 8 to 10 lanes
- Lane Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
- Typical Use: Professional events, training and summer swim club competitions
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
25-Yard Pool
Short Course Swimming Pool (SCY)
A 25-yard pool, or a short course yards (SCY) pool, is common for high school and college competitions in the United States. The U.S. is the only country that doesn’t use the metric system, so it’s the only country that has regulated 25-yard pools for these swimming competitions. Neighborhood HOA pools, recreation pools and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition pools are typically 25 yard pools. Additionally, 25-yard pool are shorter than both 50-meter and 25-meter pools. A 25-yard pool require swimmers to complete more turns, which can impact race strategies.
How Big is a 25-Yard Pool?
- Dimensions: 25 yards long (22.86 meters), typically varies in width (45 to 75 feet)
- Depth: Typically 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.6 feet)
- Volume: Varies
- Lanes: 6 to 8 lanes
- Lane Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
- Typical Use: High school, college competitions, neighborhood pools
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
25-Meter Pool
Short Course Swimming Pool (SCM)
While meters and yards may seem similar in length, competitive swimmers consider them very different. A 25-meter pool or short course meters (SYM) pools is slightly longer than a 25-yard pool and is used in international competitions and training. Swimmers need to complete twice as many lengths in a 25-meter pool compared to a 50-meter pool or an Olympic-sized pool. These pools allow for more turns, making them unique in training and racing.
How Big is a 25-Meter Pool?
- Dimensions: 25 meters long, typically varies in width (10 to 25 meters)
- Depth: Typically 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.6 feet)
- Volume: Varies
- Lanes: 6 to 8 lanes
- Lane Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
- Typical Use: International competitions, training
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
33 1/3 Meter Pool
The 33 1/3 meter pool is less common but used for some competitive events and specialized training. Its unique length allows for exactly three lengths to cover 100 meters. It offers a middle ground between 25-meter and 50-meter pools. Additionally, 33 1/3 Meter pools provide a unique training environment. Swimmers practice turns more frequently than in a 50-meter pool, while experiencing longer swim lengths than in a 25-meter pool. Ideal for honing pacing, turn techniques and stamina, 33 1/3 meter pools are versatile for various training regimens and competitive events.
How Big is a 33 1/3 Meter Pool?
- Dimensions: 33 1/3 meters long (109.3 feet), typically varies in width
- Depth: Typically 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.6 feet)
- Volume: Varies
- Lanes: Usually 8 lanes
- Lane Width: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
- Typical Use: Specialized competitions, training
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
30-Meter Pool
Water Polo Swimming Pool
A 30-meter pool is primarily associated with water polo. They often do not have traditional swimming lanes but are marked for water polo play, including the goal line, halfway line, 2-meter line and 5-meter line.
How Big is a 30-Meter Pool?
- Dimensions: 30 meters long (98.4 feet), typically 20 to 25 meters wide
- Depth: Minimum 1.8 meters (5.9 feet)
- Volume: Varies
- Lanes: None (marked for water polo)
- Lane Width: Not applicable (marked for water polo)
- Typical Use: Water polo, training
- Temperature: Typically 25-28°C (77-82°F)
Comparing Pool Sizes
Understanding these different pool sizes helps appreciate their unique benefits. Each pool type offers distinct challenges and training opportunities. Whether it’s the fewer turns of a 50-meter pool or the strategic turns in a 25-yard pool, each has its own appeal.
To differentiate pool sizes for swimming times, here are the three top types of competitive pools:
- Long Course Meters (LCM): For 50-meter pools.
- Short Course Yards (SCY): For 25-yard pools.
- Short Course Meters (SCM): For 25-meter pools.
For example, a swimmer competing internationally will have three different times for a 100 freestyle event: an LCM, SCY and SCM time. There are world records for SCM and LCM races but only U.S. records for SCY events.
| Type | Length | Width | Lanes | Temperature | Depth | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic | 50 meters (164 ft) |
25 meters (82 ft) |
8-10 | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
2 meters (6.6 ft) |
International competitions |
| 50 Meter | 50 meters (164 ft) |
Varies | 8-10 | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
2 meters (6.6 ft) |
Professional events, training |
| 25 Yard | 25 yards (22.86 m) |
Varies | 6-8 | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
1.5-2 meters (5-6.6 ft) |
High school, college competitions |
| 25 Meter | 25 meters (82 ft) |
Varies | 6-8 | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
1.5-2 meters (5-6.6 ft) |
International competitions, training |
| 33 1/3 Meter | 33 1/3 meters (109.3 ft) |
Varies | 8 | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
1.5-2 meters (5-6.6 ft) |
Specialized competitions, training |
| 30 Meter | 30 meters (98.4 ft) |
20-25 meters (65.6-82 ft) |
None | 25-28°C (77-82°F) |
1.8 meters (5.9 ft) |
Water polo, training |
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Get Ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics
Now that you know more about the different pool sizes and their unique features, you’re ready to watch any upcoming swimming event, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. Understanding the Olympic-sized pools and other competition pools helps us appreciate the sport and athletes’ performance.
Looking for the best way to protect your aquatic facility’s time, budget and swimmers? Download product sheet for low-chlorine Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool treatment now. »
Originally Published: August 23, 2017.
