17 essential swimming pool markings and parts that swimmers should know

There are parts of the swimming pool which all swimmers should be familiar with no matter how long they are swimming. These swimming pool markings help them to work themselves up around the pool as well as become aware of some safety measures that should be taken near the pool.

Here are the common areas near the pool and the signs you would find.

Deck

The deck is the poolside area where swimmers prepare for races. The swim coach stands on the deck to give instructions to swimmers. The swimmers also keep their swimming equipment, energy drink and other necessary things on the deck.

Deep end

The deep end of the pool is the part of the pool which has more depth than the other end. The depth of the pool would be marked on the deck either in meters or in feet. This is the side where swimmers usually dive into the pool. The swim coaches are heard to give instructions to the swimmers to go to either the deep or shallow end during practice sessions.

Shallow end

The shallow end of the pool is the part of the pool which is less deep than the other end. It is important to know the deep and shallow end of the pool before using the pool. Beginners and intermediate swimmers usually use the shallow end of the pool when they learn swimming.

Diving area

These are markings on the deck of the pool to indicate to the swimmers and others using the pool from where the swimmers can dive. These areas are usually the deep end of the pool where the depth of the water is more.

Depth Change Warning

Signs may warn swimmers of sudden depth changes, such as a transition from the shallow to the deep end. Young children who are not strong swimmers may be at a higher risk of injury if they venture into the deep end of the pool without realizing it. The depth change warning can alert parents and swim coaches to keep a close eye on these children and prevent them from accessing the deep end without supervision.

Lane separators

Lane separators in the pool are temporary ropes that are used on the surface to separate the pool width into parts, helping swimmers stay in their respective lanes during races and practices. The swimmers usually practice in laps within this lane. These ropes with plastic discs can be added and removed from the pool as and when needed.

Swimmers should be careful of the lane separators when swimming as they tend to hurt the swimmers if they accidentally dash into them.

Swim Lane Markers

Signs may designate specific swim lanes for different purposes, such as lap swimming, recreational swimming, or swim lessons. There are markings on the floor that help the swimmer

Underwater Lights

Lights are installed in the swimming pool’s walls or floor to illuminate the pool at night. Swimmers should be aware where these lights are and avoid accidentally dashing into them.

Ventilation and Heating Control

Swimmers should know the locations of ventilation and heating controls. They should take proper safety as instructed.

These are the drains that are located at the bottom of the pool. They are important for draining water from the pool and for keeping the pool clean. It is important to be aware of the pool drains so that you do not swim over them.

Diving Board

A raised platform from which swimmers can dive into the deeper section of the pool. There are many public pools where there diving boards and young swimmers should be careful not to use them. You would find these diving boards in 50m public pools in Bangalore.

Backstroke flags

These are typically hung above the pool’s water surface, a few meters away from the wall, to help backstroke swimmers gauge their distance from the wall during turns.

The strings of backstroke flags are hung on both sides of the pool, approximately 5 meters from the end of the pool. The swimmers usually count the number of strokes before they flip turn or finish the race.

Starting Blocks

These are platforms at the pool’s edge that are used by competitive swimmers for race starts. The swimmers dive into the pool from these blocks. These are not available in all pools, especially in India but are there in most of the public swimming pools in Bangalore.

Steps

Access points into and out of the pool, providing swimmers with a safe entry and exit. There are usually more than one entry and exit point to the pool and swimmers should know when to use them.

Swimmers should be aware of the designated areas for entering and exiting the pool safely.

Fun fact

Swimmers hardly use the steps to enter or exist the swimming pool.

Changing room

Changing rooms are usually available on one side of the pool. There is clear demarcation for the male and female changing rooms. Sometimes there are lockers where swimmers can keep there things. There are usually multiple showers for the swimmers to use.

First Aid

Signs direct swimmers to the location of first aid supplies or stations in the pool area.

The pool rules

Most pools in India have a board where the authorities mention the rules to use the pool. Every pool has its own set of rules. These rules may include things like no running, no diving in the shallow end, and no swimming without a lifeguard on duty. It is important to be familiar with the pool rules so that you can swim safely and avoid getting in trouble.

Pace clocks

The clock that you find in swimming pools is known as a “pace clock” or “swim clock.” It is a large clock typically placed at the end of the pool, visible to swimmers during training or competitions. The pace clock is an essential tool for swimmers and coaches as it provides a reference for timing and pacing during workouts.

For example, if a coach instructs swimmers to swim a set of 100-meter repetitions on a specific interval, the pace clock helps them start each repetition at the appropriate time.

Many pools have specific rules about where diving and jumping are allowed. Knowing the depth change warning helps swimmers follow these rules and maintain a safe swimming environment.

In addition to these specific parts, it is also important for swimmers to be aware of their surroundings in general. This includes being aware of other swimmers, pool equipment, and any potential hazards. By being aware of their surroundings, swimmers can help to prevent accidents and injuries.