How to design a swimming pool: the complete technical guide

This week’s guide will address some technical aspects regarding swimming pool designs and plans, including dimensions, building construction techniques and materials. Also, I will provide a complete 3D design project, that you can also use as a starting point for your next projects. You will also find render and dwg drawings.
If you want, you can already download the 3D model file for free and try photorealistic renders of the project for yourself.
To open and edit 3D models, or to create new designs, you can use the same software I used, Edificius, the BIM architectural design software.

Pool design project | Render created with Edificius

The image above is the render of a swimming pool created with Edificius; download the trial and experience for yourself how easy it is to model your designs and make photorealistic images like this one.

Swimming Pool Construction Types

When designing a swimming pool, the first critical step is identifying the most suitable pool type to meet specific needs and objectives.

Swimming pools are diverse in nature, ranging from compact residential designs to expansive commercial facilities. They can vary in temperature (heated or unheated), purpose (recreational, competitive, therapeutic), and construction style. The selection process involves carefully evaluating site conditions, intended usage, available space, budget, and functional requirements.

Each pool type offers unique features tailored to specific functional requirements, aesthetic preferences, and user needs. We can distinguish:

• in reinforced concrete – this is the most common type due to the solidity and durability of the construction techniques and materials used. Its construction requires a rather precise and well-calculated job, therefore the professionalism of a specialized construction company is required. The work consists of excavating, covering it with a single pour of concrete, and then creating the lining;
• with prefabricated structure in galvanized steel panels / in monolithic steel – this type is most commonly used for residential pools because it is a solution that offers quick installation and a result similar to that of a reinforced concrete pool. It requires a reinforced concrete slab of about 15 centimeters (sloped or flat, depending on the type of pool), which is then covered by modular steel panels that constitute the actual structure. The construction phase is quite easy and fast because, in addition to the concrete slab, it does not require further construction interventions;
• with lost formwork in polystyrene – this type is the most modern and allows for the construction of in-ground pools similar to those in reinforced concrete but more quickly, thus saving on labor costs. The EPS formwork consists of empty blocks of polystyrene, curved or straight, into which a metal mesh is inserted, which are then filled with reinforced concrete. The walls of the pool are thus created much more simply with less labor attention than that required for reinforced concrete pools;
• in fiberglass – these consist of a prefabricated monoblock or two-block structure. The installation work consists solely of excavating and placing the prefabricated blocks, without resorting to any type of lining. This solution is undoubtedly the fastest but is costly due to the transportation of the fiberglass monoblock.

Swimming pool design – render created with Edificius

Several types of swimming pools are available to suit different needs:

• for swimmers or swimming training;
• for diving and underwater activities;
• recreational, suitable for playing and bathing;
• multifunctional, which simultaneously allows different activities and / or uses;
• for rehabilitation, for curative and thermal uses.

Swimming pool design – view from above | Render created with Edificius

Furthermore, to create a complete project, it is necessary to thoroughly understand all the implications that make up the pool:

• environmental (where the pool is located, who uses it, why it was created, what the user expects, the location in the designated space, the shape, the depth, the color, etc.)
• technical (the head losses in the circulation system, filtration times, etc.).

Swimming pool designs and plans: shape, dimension and depth

Guidelines, shape and dimensions in the world of competitive swimming are established by the FINA rules (Fédération internationale de natation; English: International Swimming Federation).
Pool shape options are as follows:

• geometric: rectangular, square, oval or round
• complex : freeform, kidney shaped, grecian, etc.

In this case we have a rectangular shape and a constant depth. Similarly, variable shapes, different depths and the insertion of water features are preferred for recreational purposes.
Multipurpose pools tend to combine both these needs.

rehabilitation swimming pool- cross section produced with Edificius software

With regard to depth, the first thing to consider is the length of the pool. It is also important to verify whether a trampoline, a dive access or a slide will need to be installed. In addition, the type of bottom material also needs to be taken into account.

• For swimming purposes, the minimum depth for swimming is 1.20 meters.
• If, in addition to swimming, there is also a trampoline one-meter high in relation to the water surface, a depth of 2.5 meters is recommended.
• If the trampoline exceeds one meter in height up to two meters or three, a minimum depth of 3 meters is recommended.

swimming pool render created with Edificius software

With regard to water depth shape types, there are several alternatives that can be adopted. Not all of them can be applicable, since a lot depends on the swimming pool perimeter shape. Generally, we could refer to four shapes of water depth:

1. Flat: same depth at both ends of the swimming pool.
2. Sloped: pool floor gradient starts with a 50 cm depth and progressively continues down to the desired depths
3. Spooned: the bottom is first sloping and then creates a sinking with the shape of a spoon, so as to ensure maximum depth in the diving area
4. U-shaped: the deepest part is at the center of the pool.

Pool installation: competition pools

Olympic swimming pool render produced with Edificius software

Public swimming pools can have multiple functions:

• Competition pools
• Exercise pools
• Rehabilitation / thermal / therapy pools
  
• Wellbeing and relax pools
  

Standards, prescriptions and indications for a correct planning are demanded for all these typologies; but major constraints, like dimensions, especially apply to pools for competitive use and training.
Similarly, according to the size of the pool, we classify competition pools in:

• Olympic swimming pools (50×25 m, depth min 1,80-2,00 mt, depth max 2,10 mt, lanes from 8 to 10, lane width 2,5 m)
• Semi-olympic (21×25 m, min depth 1,20 mt, max depth 1,80 m; 8 lanes with lane width 2,5 mt)
• Minimum size pools (10×25 mt, min depth 1,20 mt, max depth 1,80 mt; 8 lanes)
• Women’s water polo field (20x25mt, min depth 1,80 m)
• Men’s water polo field (20x30mt, min depth 1,80 m)

Olympic swimming pool – plan

Minimum swimming pool – plan

Semi-olympic swimming pool cross-section made with Edificius

Pool installation: water treatment and recovery systems

When designing a swimming pool project, it is necessary to provide a suitable water filtration and purification system with recirculation system and a compensation tank.

Water recirculating system

The water can be fed into the tank both from the walls and from the bottom, provided that the water is homogenized.

Water filtration systems

• Most skimmers on in-ground pools are built into its upper sides, where the suction draws debris and traps it. Most pool skimmers are accessed via the pool deck area through a trap door or hatch of rectangular shape and they compensate the need for a compensation tank.
• A ‘deck level’ edge allows pool water to constantly overflow the edges of the pool tank and drain into a continuous channel set into the pool surround and to be gathered into a compensation tank. The channel can be positioned at the pool edge or set back behind a tiled margin for at least 60% of the pool perimeter.

This system involves more accurate filtration and also allows effective aesthetic results, creating a ‘knife edge’ pool effect.

swimming pool design – render produced with Edificius software

Compensation tank

The compensation tank is a lateral structure which captures the surface water, directing it towards the filtration systems and which keeps the water level unchanged.
Furthermore, the volume of the compensation tank must be sufficient to maintain the maximum number of bathing people present in the tank (usually 8-10% of the main tank).

swimming pool design – render produced with Edificius software

Other aspects of the swimming pool project: cladding, pool surrounds, copings and equipment

Claddings

After defining the type of pool to be built, it is necessary to choose an appropriate type of cladding, to guarantee good safety and hygiene requirements and a pleasant aesthetic result. A pool cladding goes from the bottom to the pool walls and is characterized by a variety of materials.

Reinforced PVC

PVC is one of the most used materials for any type of pool due to its adaptability, its impermeability, resistance and easiness of cleaning. PVC pools have a smooth but non-slippery finish, PVC is resistant to UV rays and has a long installation time, it is fixed directly on the spot and remains perfectly attached to the walls.

Preformed Liner

It has the same technical specifications as reinforced PVC but differs for its application: it is prefabricated directly in the factory according to the specifications of the tank, and is then applied through a suction system.

Ceramic

This type of coating is now used only for reinforced concrete pools. The most used material in the form of tiles is Gres: glued to the bottom and to the walls of the tank, it requires an internal and external waterproofing treatment.
The ceramic allows you to customize the pool, as well as being resistant to cleaning products, UV rays and biological agents.
Despite these positive aspects, the weak point of this type of coating is the joints, which must be checked every 4-5 years or so.

Mosaic

It has always been used to create elegant and valuable projects. Available in textures and colors for every taste, the mosaic is the ideal covering for those who want to create a work with great visual impact. The same type of critical aspects and strengths apply as for the tiles, however its use is widespread.
The tiles that make the mosaic generally have 10 x 10 mm, 20 x 20 mm or even higher dimensions. The laying phases, with the relative waterproofing treatment for swimming pools and the careful execution of each work, are similar to ceramic coating.

Paints

The paint coating technique is used for concrete pools and precisely consists in painting the walls of the structure with particular products based on acrylic resins.
Its application requires walls that are perfectly dry and clean and can not be applied to materials other than concrete, in addition to specific characteristics. It does not guarantee 100% the hydraulic seal and therefore is accompanied by other interventions.
As in the case of tiles and mosaic, it can undergo micro-fractures caused by temperatures and soil settling.

Glass fiber

Another option for covering the pool is glass fiber, which, although more expensive, is very durable compared to paint: in fact, its durability can last more than 10 years.
The main advantage of glass fiber is low maintenance, as well as being waterproof and resistant to water leaks. Its installation is quite simple and fast, it can be applied to both new and old swimming pools and even cleaning operations are quite easy.

Natural stone

The choice of natural stones is purely for aesthetic reasons, especially when you want to place the pool in a natural and rustic environment. The advantage of using natural stones is in its durability, low water absorption and its characteristics are similar to non-slip tiles, especially suitable for the pool edge.

Pool surrounds and copings

Pool surrounds

Swimming pool with relax area – render produced with Edificius software

For an adequate pool design it is also necessary to consider the external paving, which must comply with adequate hygiene and safety requirements.
Many the materials that can be used. Here are some:

• wood – teak, frassino, iroko and in general all those materials that show a high resistance to humidity and bad weather
• marble – to confer an elegant appearance
• natural stone – aesthetically remarkable, absorbs water in minimal quantities, allowing to have an anti-slip surface
• cement – a low cost, versatile material that does not require much maintenance
• cotto – shows excellent resistance against the elements and is a material resistant to the attack of moss and mold and is non-slip material
• pebbles – used exclusively for aesthetic purposes, also ensuring a non-slip surface.

Copings

Coping is an element of the design of in-ground pools which, by definition, is the edging placed around the top edge of the pool. It has several functions – it separates the structure from the decking and serves as a frame, protects the swimming pool as well as protecting the surroundings from being damaged by water.

Equipment

Finally, pools can be equipped with many accessories, such as:

• ladder
• trampoline, in the pools that allow you to practice diving
• slide
• mushroom fountain (with jet effect nozzle)
• underwater lighting placed under water to light up the inside of the pool
• hydromassage jets which, by mixing air and water, provides targeted jets with a massaging effect
• pool heating that allows you to adjust the water temperature.

UK building regulations and planning permission for swimming pools

Swimming pools should be designed to meet the recommendations as indicated by British Standard 8007:1987.
Planning permission is not usually required to install an outdoor swimming pool as it is often considered as a garden project.
However it is always recommended that you check with your local planning authority, especially if the property is listed building or located in a national park or in its surroundings.
If you’re deciding to go for an indoor swimming pool, first check if planning permissions for the building are required. Here is a direct link to the UK Planning Portal section dedicated to swimming pools.
It is advisable for indoor or commercial pools to commission an architect to prepare a basic set of drawings for an outline planning application.

USA building regulations for swimming pool

Although all States rely on established building codes from the IBC as well as Uniform Plumbing and Electrical Codes and safety and health codes, swimming pool regulations and codes vary among individual States.
Building regulations and planning permission will not normally apply to an outdoor swimming pool.However, Building regulations do apply to indoor pools.
Here is a useful link with requirements for the State of New york.

Download objects from the catalogue for your swimming pool project

Swimming pool designs: 3D models to download

Download the 3D BIM model (.edf file) of the swimming pool project
Download the 3D BIM model (.edf file) of other swimming pool models

Frequently Asked Questions about Swimming Pool Design

To clarify some of the most common doubts related to swimming pool design, here is a collection of FAQs (frequently asked questions) with concise and practical answers.

What are the main types of swimming pool constructions?

The most common types are: in reinforced concrete (robust and durable), prefabricated in steel (quick to assemble), with lost formwork in polystyrene (more economical), and in fiberglass (fast but expensive). The choice depends on function, budget, and timing.

What types of bottoms can be chosen for a swimming pool?

The main options are: flat, sloped, spoon-shaped, and U-shaped bottoms. The shape of the bottom affects usability, safety, and the structural complexity of the project.

What is the ideal depth for a swimming pool?

It depends on the use: 1.20–1.40 m for family use; at least 2.5 m if a 1 m diving board is installed; 3 m if the diving board exceeds 2 m. Differentiated bottoms allow for areas for relaxation, swimming, and diving.

What are the minimum dimensions of a sports pool?

An Olympic pool measures 50×25 m; a semi-Olympic pool 25×21 m; a minimum pool 25×10 m. Depths vary from 1.20 m to over 2.10 m, depending on the planned sporting activity.

What types of linings can be used?

The most common are: reinforced PVC, preformed liner, ceramics (stoneware), mosaic, paint, fiberglass, and natural stone. Each has advantages in terms of aesthetics, durability, and maintenance.

What accessories can be installed in a swimming pool?

Among the most useful accessories are: ladders, showers, underwater lights, hydromassage, diving boards, slides, covering systems (roller, telescopic, thermal), heaters, and control units.