Synchronized swimming pools: main features and requirements

What are synchronized swimming pools?

Synchronized swimming pools are those where artistic or synchronized swimming competitions take place, both in individual and collective discipline events.

These pools must meet a number of adaptable requirements for this competition. They usually take place in Olympic swimming pools that are adapted, although temporary swimming pools can also be set up for this sport.

At Fluidra we recommend the installation of a modular pool, based on a modular panel system such as Skypool.

It is also very useful to have movable floors in the case of a multisport complex, as they allow the depth of the pool to be adapted according to the needs of each event.

Main characteristics

The characteristics of synchronized swimming pools, and everything related to their measurements and depth, are officially indicated by the World Aquatics federation (the former International Swimming Federation or FINA).

These include the need for 0.7 metre high elevated starting platforms (with a tolerance of approximately 1 cm) in the case of Olympic Games and World Championships competitions. As for regular competitions, the starting platforms should be between 0.5 and 0.7 metres high. In both cases, they must be 4 metres wide.

In both cases, the surface of the platform must be covered by a non-slip material such as a waterproof mat for quick drying.

Synchronized swimming pools require enough space for an optimal performance of the choreography. Therefore, there is no need for swimming pool accessories inside the pool like in other competitions like water polo or other Olympic events.

Warm-up pools for artistic swimming competitions, which also have their own established characteristics, are very useful for the athletes when preparing and warming up before starting their performance. The official rules of World Aquatics state that the warm-up pool for the practice of this sport must have a minimum surface of 25 x 25 metres or 30 x 20 metres with a minimum depth of 3 metres.

Size and depth of syncronized swimming pools

For the proper development of the competition, artistic or synchronized swimming pools require specific measurements in terms of size and depth, due to the nature of the exercises performed in them.

For the routine section of regular artistic swimming competitions, the pool must have a minimum area of 15 x 25 metres. Within this area, in a section of 12 x 12 metres, the minimum depth must be 3 metres. For the rest of the surface, the depth may be a minimum of two metres. The depth at the pool wall must be two metres and gradually slopes down until it reaches the section where the three metres are required, 1.2 metres from the pool wall.

For the Olympic Games and World Championships, a minimum area of 30 metres by 20 metres is required for the routine section of the competition, as well as a depth of three metres throughout the pool.

In addition, both in regular competitions and in Olympic Games and World Championships, the water temperature must not be lower than 27° Celsius.

Design recommendations

For temporary events, a modular panel system such as the Skypool is an ideal solution. This system incorporates an «L» shape structure for the pool deck area, whether it is a synchronized pool or any other type of pool.

This type of construction system allows swimming pools to be set up very quickly, always ensuring the exact measurements required by the swimming federation. In addition, being a temporary event, the pool can be dismantled once the competition is over and use the space for other purposes.

The pool deck area is the area surrounding the pool basin and an essential element in this type of competition. It requires certain characteristics in terms of non-slip materials so that it is easy to walk on.

Other accessories, such as the mentioned starting platform, are also important elements. As well as the movable floor indicated above, in the case of a multisport complex.