Inground Swimming Pools In Illinois: The Lap Vs. Plunge Debate

Key takeaways:

• Lap pools are typically 40 feet long and 10 feet wide
• They are ideal for serious swimmers and narrow backyard spaces
• Plunge pools are generally square-shaped or ten by 20 feet
• They work well for therapeutic and relaxation purposes
• Both designs are excellent for entertainment and aesthetics

When property owners consider the installation of inground swimming pools, one of the first choices they need to make is whether to install a lap pool or a plunge pool. Both swimming pools have unique benefits and drawbacks, so deciding which type is right for your home can be challenging.

This blog post will explore the differences between lap and plunge pools. You don’t have to be a swimming pool designer to understand the critical differences!

What Is a Plunge Pool?

Before we – ‘plunge’ right into the debate, let’s first take a moment to review what exactly a plunge pool is. A plunge pool is a small, shallow swimming pool typically used for cooling off or relaxation.

Plunge pools are usually much smaller than lap pools – they can be as small as 6 feet in diameter and only 5 or 7 feet deep. They’re also usually less expensive to build than lap pools, making them a more budget-friendly option for many homeowners.

Plunge pools are a good choice for above-ground and inground swimming pools, and they can be both freestanding and attached to a larger structure like a house or deck.

A popular size would be a ten by 20 rectangular inground pool.

What Is a Lap Pool?

These pools are much longer and narrower than plunge pools – they typically measure 40 feet long by 10 feet wide. As you may have guessed, lap pools are ideal for swimming laps and exercising, so if that’s your main goal for your inground pool, a lap pool will be the perfect solution.

A cautious swimming pool designer will ensure that the pool’s depth goes further than 3.5 feet, as there’s a danger of scraping your knees or feet if the pool is too shallow.

Lap pools are also a good choice if you’re limited on space – since they’re long and narrow, they don’t take up as much room as traditional inground swimming pools. Plunge pools, on the other hand, are typically square-shaped or very wide and can be shallow.

The Pros of Plunge Pools

Now that we have a picture of what it looks like let’s explore the benefits of having a plunge pool in your choice of inground swimming pools.

• It’s excellent for a modern backyard, courtyard, and smaller spaces.
• You get generous bench seating, which is perfect for entertaining guests.
• The smaller size will cost less time and money to heat up.
• You’ll need less water and chemicals to maintain chemical balance.
• Cleaning is easier.
• The shallower depth is ideal and safer if you have children learning to swim.
• Rehabilitation patients can also benefit from the hydrotherapy a plunge pool provides.
• Your property value will go up, and you’ll have a luxurious backyard oasis to enjoy for years.

As you can see, there are numerous pros to investing in a plunge pool. However, these sweets also come with some sours, so let’s explore a few things to consider before making your final decision.

The Cons of Plunge Pools

While a few bad apples don’t necessarily have to spoil the proverbial barrel, it’s good to know what you’re plunging into before taking the leap.

1. Length: A plunge pool won’t be long enough if you’re an avid swimmer looking to do some serious laps.
2. Entertainment: Having all your nearest and dearest over for a pool party? They might not be thrilled about sitting in a small, shallow pool. If you’re looking to host events, you’ll probably want a lap pool.
3. Cost: Despite its size, a plunge pool will still come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a smart return on your investment, go with a lap pool.

The Pros of Lap Pools

We’ve covered the first half of this debate on inground swimming pools, so let’s move on to the benefits of lap pools.

• Your narrow backyard will no longer be an excuse for not having a swimming pool.
• You can add other elements to your backyard, as this type will take up less space.
• Its versatility also makes it ideal for those who want to use their pool for exercise and entertainment.
• A lap pool is perfect if you’re fitness-inclined but don’t want to break the bank on a gym membership. They’re also excellent for swimming laps and doing water aerobics.
• Spa and swim jets can be added to your inground lap pool, providing you with a luxurious experience.
• Your home value will skyrocket if you have a lap pool installed.
• You’ll have several designs to choose from; consult a swimming pool designer to get started.
• A lap pool is a fantastic option if your children want somewhere to hone their swimming skills.

Installing a lap pool reaps several benefits, as you can see. However, there are also a few drawbacks.

The Cons of Lap Pools

Now that we’ve covered the advantages of investing in this type of inground pool, let’s explore some disadvantages.

No. 1: Size

Some of us prefer to have a partner when swimming laps. This can be difficult if you have a lap pool that’s too small. Of course, you could always invest in a larger pool, but this might not be feasible for everyone.

No. 2: Fit

Given its long and narrow shape, this type won’t fit well in a courtyard or box-shaped backyard. Instead, it might be better to look into a plunge pool for those spaces.

No. 3: Cost

You might expect that since a lap pool is typically narrower than your regular pool, it would cost less to install. This is not always the case. Some lap pools can be just as expensive, if not more so, than traditional inground swimming pools.

For more on how much inground pools might cost, check out this article from Forbes Home.

Conclusion

That was our take on the lap vs. plunge inground swimming pools discussion. As you can see, there are pros and cons to both types of pools. It depends on your needs as a swimmer and the space you have in your home for installation.

Swimming pools demand a lot of maintenance and upkeep. Read about the five essentials of swimming pool maintenance,

AsureNet is proud to serve Oak Brook, IL, with all your inground swimming pool needs. We’re here to answer any questions about lap pools, plunge pools, or any other type.

Get your free estimate today!

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