Water depth, gutter design (and lane ropes), and temperature.
In competitive swimming, speed doesn’t depend only on the athlete’s strength and skill, the pool itself can make a big difference. Certain design features reduce turbulence and keep conditions optimal, helping swimmers achieve faster times. Three main factors determine whether a pool is considered “fast”: water depth, gutter design (and lane ropes), and temperature.
Water Depth
Deeper pools are faster because they create “quiet water.” In shallow pools, waves bounce off the bottom and create turbulence. In deeper pools, the extra water absorbs wave energy, keeping the surface calmer, which is crucial since most swimming happens in the top 45 cm (18 inches). The deeper the water depth, the faster the pool.
Gutter Design and Lane Ropes
Well-designed gutters help control waves. They reduce bounce-back into the lanes, especially at the sides of the pool, so swimmers face less resistance from water movement. The proper gutter (and good lane ropes) can help eliminate any bounce back of a wave.
Temperature
Water that’s too warm can cause overheating, while water that’s too cold can lead to cramping and poor muscle performance. The sweet spot for competition pools is 25–27 °C (78–80 °F). Cool enough to prevent overheating but warm enough for optimal muscle function.
Source: Colorado Time Systems
How deep must a pool be?
Source: https://www.worldaquatics.com/rules/competition-regulations
See page 82
Competition Regulations Version June 2025 (updated 25.06.2025)
16.1.4 Depth
A minimum depth of 1.35 metres, extending from 1.0 metre to at least 6.0 metres from the end wall is required for pools with starting blocks. A minimum depth of 1.0 metre is required elsewhere.
Deeper Pools are Faster
Deeper pools are faster because they create “quiet water.” In shallow pools, waves bounce off the bottom and create turbulence. In deeper pools, the extra water absorbs wave energy, keeping the surface calmer, which is crucial since most swimming happens in the top 45 cm (18 inches). The deeper the water depth, the faster the pool.
Deeper Pools are Safer
Shallow Water Risks in Competitive Swimming
Overview
Shallow water poses serious risks in competitive swimming, particularly during starts from blocks. Diving into insufficient depth can result in catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences.
Dangers and Liabilities
- Severe Injuries: The primary danger is the risk of spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or even death, caused by swimmers striking their heads on the pool bottom during a dive.
- Standards and Regulations: Safety standards for competitive swimming pools are clearly defined by governing bodies such as World Aquatics (formerly FINA). These organizations mandate minimum water depths, especially at the starting end of the pool, to ensure athlete safety.
- Legal Liability: If an injury occurs in a pool that fails to meet established safety standards, pool operators, facility owners, and event organizers can face substantial legal liability. Negligence claims may arise for:
- Failure to maintain a safe environment
- Non-compliance with industry safety standards
- Insufficient warning signage
- Inadequate supervision or training
- Consequences: The repercussions of a serious diving injury can be severe, financially and reputationally. Costs may include millions of rands in medical expenses, long-term care, and potential legal settlements.
Safety Standards
- World Aquatics Requirements: World Aquatics mandates a minimum water depth of 1.35 meters for a distance extending 1 to 6 meters from the end wall in pools equipped with starting platforms.
- Compliance: Adherence to these depth standards is essential to safeguard participants and minimize legal and financial risk.