18 Indoor sports facilitiesCI/SfB: 541, 562
UDC: 725.74, 725.85
Uniclass: F541, F562
Peter Ackroyd and Gerald Perrin
KEY POINTS:
• Because of the British climate, more and more indoor facilities
for sport are needed
• Encouraging everyone to learn and enjoy swimming is a priority
• Provision divides into leisure and competitive facilities
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Sports centres
3 Sports halls
4 Ancillary halls
5 Projectile halls
6 Special spaces
7 Types of swimming pool: competition, learner, training and
diving pools
8 Water activities
9 Leisure pools and water features
10 Movable floor pools
11 Pool details and lane markings
12 Changing provision
13 Provision for disabled people
14 Pool capacity analysis
15 Bibliography
1 INTRODUCTION
Indoor sporting activity can be competitive, recreational or for
training purposes. Most facilities are designed to cater for all
three, and are either general-purpose spaces such as sports halls
or special to one activity or range of activities, such as a swimming
pool, squash court or ice rink. The different sports and activities
will be found in alphabetical order in sections 3–6: whichever is
appropriate. Swimming is covered in sections 7–14. Outdoor activ-
ities are covered in Chapter 20 of this Handbook.
In this chapter, the information given about each activity will
generally be confined to the required overall sizes at the various
recognised levels:
N – international and national competition
C – county and club competition and
R – recreational.
For further information, such as detailed dimensions, equipment,
environmental installations, etc. refer to the Handbook of Sports
and Recreational Building Design.
2 SPORTS CENTRES
Some sports centres are large complexes encompassing wet and
dry sports. 18.1 shows the possible elements of such a complex,
some of which are omitted in smaller centres. 18.2 is a plan of a
large centre. The essential elements of a small dry sports centre are
shown in 18.3, and a plan of a centre in 18.4.
3 SPORTS HALLS
3.01 Use of facilities
Sports halls are general-purpose spaces intended to cater for a great
variety of activities. Some of these can take place simultaneously,
but others need exclusive use for a time. In general, all the
activities in sections 3–5 and even some of those in section 6 can
take place in a suitable sports hall. However, the demand for time
in sports halls is so great that those activities that can be carried on
in less expensive accommodation tend to be confined to projectile
halls and ancillary halls. In this section, information about the
activities will be found under the most appropriate space.
18.1 Space and circulation diagram of a large wet and dry sports
centre
18.2 Dunstable leisure centre: a leisure pool and dry facilities on
a school site
18-1
3.02 Sizes
Only the largest of halls will satisfy all required standards of play
for all indoor sports, and therefore it will be necessary to decide on
upon the range of sports and levels before determining the floor
area. Table I shows what can be accommodated in the various
standard sizes of hall.
The same floor area may provide for international standard in
one or two sports and at the same time offer a wide variety of other
activities at a lower standard. Typical arrangements are shown in
18.5–18.18.
3.03 Height
The height of the underside of the roof structure, or the ceiling if
there is one, above the floor is specified by each sport’s governing
body, and this is a critical design factor. Badminton, tennis and
trampolining require an unrestricted height of 9.1m for interna-
tional competition, while 7.6m is necessary at C level in all sports
except those for which height is not critical. However, a height
greater than justified by the intended use will increase running
costs in heating, lighting and maintenance.
3.04 Construction
The construction and fabric of the hall should be such as to mini-
mise damage, both accidental and from vandalism. Sports halls
should only be naturally lit from above; any form of vertical
glazing will produce some glare.
3.05 Activities
The sizes required for various activities in the sports hall are shown
in 18.19–18.32 (scale 1:500).
4 ANCILLARY HALLS
To economise in the use of the large sports halls, larger centres
have practice halls suitable for some smaller-scale activities. The
two suggested sizes are:
• 15� 12� 3.5–4.5m
• 21–24� 12� 4.5m with a divider.
Sizes for various activities in this type of hall are given in 18.33–
18.40 (scale 1:500). For yoga, each person will lie on the floor on a
mat or blanket and will ideally need a clear area of 2.5m diameter.
5 PROJECTILE HALLS
18.41–18.43 show plans and sections of a range of projectile
rooms, and Table II shows which sports can be covered by them.
The spaces required are given in 18.44–18.48 (scale 1:500).
Where the projectile room is to be used for firearms shooting,
the construction must be to safety standards and robust enough to
withstand the use. It may be found that this use will severely
restrict the projectile hall’s use for other activities.
6 SPECIAL SPACES
There are a number of activities that need spaces permanently and
exclusively reserved for them. This may be due to the weight or
size of the equipment, such as billiards/snooker, or because the
playing area is closely defined, such as squash or real tennis. For
some of these, semi-portable equipment is now being produced,
but these are generally designed for special occasions such as
national championships. The critical sizes for these special spaces
are given in 18.49–18.59 (scale 1:500 except where shown
otherwise).
18.3 Main elements of a dry sports centre
18.4 Harpenden, a small compactly designed centre. The social
areas have been positioned to take advantage of the parkland site.
a First floor. b Ground floor
18-2 Indoor sports facilities
Table I Definition of sizes: maximum number of courts related to standards of play
Large hallfr Medium hallsfr Small halls Community halls
36.5 � 32� 9.1m1168m2
32 � 26� 7.6–9.1m
832m2
29 � 26� 7.6–9.1m
754m2
32 � 23� 7.6–9.1m
736m2
32 � 17� 6.7–7.6m
544m2
29.5 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m486.75m2
26 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m
429m2
22.5 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m371.25m2
17.0–20.0 � 15.6 �6.7m
265.2–321m2
17.0–8.5� 6.7m144.5m2
No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard
Aikido 46
NC
4 N 4 N 2þ3(�)
CR
23(1�)
NR
2 N 2 N 12
NR
1 N – –
Archery (lengthof shoot)
�30m25m18m20 yd
�25m18m20 yd
18m20 yd
s25m18m20 yd
s25m18m20 yd
18m20 yd
18m15 yd
18m15 yd
– – – –Badminton 8 N 5
6(2�)N�R
3/44
NCR�
46
N1
R4 C�� 3
4C��
R�3 C�� 3 R 2 R1 1 R1
Basketball 2 N 12
NC�/R
12
NR�
1 N 1 C�� 1 C�� 1 C�� 11
R�
Mini BB1 Mini BB – –
Bowls (portablenon–competitiverinks)
7 R 5 R 5 R� 4 R 3 R 3 R� – – – – – – – –
Boxing (trainingrings)
912
NR
612
NR
49
NR
68
NR
36
CR
35
CR
25
CR
24
CR
24
CR
2–
R–
Cricket six–a-sidepitches ns
12
NC
1 C – – 1 C 1 R – – – – – – – – – –
Cricket nets 8 N 6 N 6 C 5 N 4 C 4 C 4 R – – – – – –
Fencing (pistes) 1214
NC
8(3�)9
NC
78
NC
68
NC
3/42/3
N/CR�
3/4�
þ2N/CR�
3/4�
þ1N/CR
34
NC�
3 C 2 R
Five-a-side football 12
NR�
12
CR�
1 R� 1 C 1 R� 1 R� 1 R� 1 R� 1 R� – –
Gymnastics(Olympic)
– N – C – P – C – P – P – P – P – P – –
Handball 1 N� 1 C 1 R� 1 C 1 R 1 R� – – – – – – – –
Mini handball 1 C 1 C 1 C 1 R� 1 R�
Hockey 1 C� 1 R 1 R 1 R 1 R 1 R 1 R 1 R – – – –
Judo 46
NR
24
NC
14
NC
24
NR
23
NR
12
NC
12
NR
12
NR
1/2–
R– – –
Karate 412
NR
2/46
N/CR
24/6
N�
C/R26
NR
26
NR�
23
N�/CR
1/23
N/CR
12
NR
12
NR
2–
R�
–
Keep fit; Movementand dance; Yoga, ns
� � � � � � � � � �
Kendo 46
NR�
24
NC
24
N�
C24
NR
2 N 22
N�
C12
NC
12
NR�
1–
R–
– –
(Continued)
Table I (Continued)
Large hallfr Medium hallsfr Small halls Community halls
36.5 � 32� 9.1m1168m2
32 � 26� 7.6–9.1m
832m2
29 � 26� 7.6–9.1m
754m2
32 � 23� 7.6–9.1m
736m2
32 � 17� 6.7–7.6m
544m2
29.5 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m486.75m2
26 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m
429m2
22.5 � 16.5� 6.7–7.6m371.25m2
17.0–20.0 � 15.6 �6.7m
265.2–321m2
17.0–8.5� 6.7m144.5m2
No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard No. Standard
Lacrosse F 1 N 1 C� 1 R 1 C� 1 C� 1 R – P – P – – – –
Lawn tennis 12
N�
R1 R� – – 1 R� 1 R� – – – – – – – – – –
Micro korfball 1 C 1 C 1 C 1 C 1 R� – – – – – – – – – –
Netball 12
NC�/R
1 R – – 1 R 1 R – – – – – – – – – –
Table tennisc/c 1015/21
NC/C
610/15
NC/C
610/12
NC/C
610/12
NC/C
7/914
C/CR
712
C/CR
6/710
C/CR
48
C/CR
3–66-8
C/CR
4 R�
Trampolining 12 N 812
N�R
8 N� 48
N�C/R
46
C��
R4 C�� 4 C�� 4 R 2 R 1 R
Tug of war – N – C – R – C – C – R – – – – – – – –
Volleyball 2
3
N�
R
123
N�
CR�
1
2
N�
R
2�
2
N�/C
R
1 C�� 1 C�� 1 C�� 1 C�� 1 R� – –
Weight liftingcontests
– N – N – N – N C – C – C – C – C – – –
Wrestling 412
NC
26
NC
6 C 26
NC
23
N�
C38
CR�
26
CR
26
CR
24
CR
2–
R–
KeyN National/international standardC County/club standardR Recreational standardP Practice area onlyc/c For table tennis there are two grades of minimum space allowances for inter-county/inter-club standards of playfr Fire regulations and maximum compartment volumes should be checked. Halls of 7000m3 or over need a DOE waiver, ‘Volume’ can include an unenclosed structural roof spaces ns No standards have yet been laid downS Area behind shooting line is below safety standard recommended. Acceptable space can be provided with a slight lengthening of the hall; or existing spaces may be used for practice purposes� Below minimum space standard recommended by the governing body concerned, but capable of providing purposeful and enjoyable activity�� Recreational standard where the hall is less than 7.6m clear height for badminton and trampolining, or less than 7.0m for basketball and volleyball 6.7m height is suitable for mini basketball and mini volleyball� County/club standard where the hall is less than 9.0m clear height
18.6 Alternative arrangements for large sports halls
18.5 Alternative arrangements for large sports halls
18.7 Alternative arrangements for large sports halls
18.8 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
18.9 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
Indoor sports facilities 18-5
18.10 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
18.11 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
18.12 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
18.13 Alternative arrangements for medium-size halls
18.14 For small halls
18.15 For small halls
18-6 Indoor sports facilities
18.16 For small halls
18.17 Wycombe sports centre: plan of court markings and equipment fixings in sports hall
Indoor sports facilities 18-7
18.18 Tamworth sports centre: plan of court markings and equipment fixings
18.19 Badminton, a doubles court for all standards of play. Where
courts are placed side by side, tournaments are held with seating
and play on alternate courts. Heights lower than 7.6m are
discouraged by the Badminton Association of England
18.20 Basketball. At a recreational level, this game can be played
in a school gymnasium 21.3� 12.2m
18.21 Five-a-side football. This needs rebound walls all round to
about a height of 2m, but can be adapted to the available space. In
a medium-size sports hall 18.10, the playing area is the size of the
hall. At a recreational level the game may be played in a small size
hall, about 30� 15m being regarded as a reasonable minimum.
Depending on age and sizes of players, their numbers on the pitch
could be reduced as necessary for satisfaction. This game can also
be played out of doors, but difficulties may be experienced in
installing suitably robust rebound walls
18-8 Indoor sports facilities
18.22 Men’s gymnastics. See 18.54 for special practice spaces
18.24 Handball, seven-a-side
18.25 Hockey. Team sizes are adjusted according to the size of the
available pitch. Side boards should be provided 100� 100mm
with a 20mm inward tilt
18.23 Women’s gymnastics. See 18.54
18.26 Korfball. In halls of smaller dimensions, allow for full safety
margins, keep pitch width about 18–20m, and maximum possible
length up to 40m
18.27 Netball
Indoor sports facilities 18-9
18.29 Tennis
18.28 Pop Lacrosse. This has superseded indoor women’s
lacrosse. It can also be played out of doors, when there is no
boundary. The size approximates to four badminton courts, and
could be played on a five-a-side football pitch. For further details,
refer to the English Lacrosse Union, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs, or
the All England Women’s Lacrosse Association, Birmingham
18.30 Trampoline. The ‘bed’ is 0.95–1.05m above the ground.
Synchronised competitions must be parallel to each other and 2m
apart. Note etxended length of end frame units from that previously
published
18.31 Tug-of-war
18.32 Volleyball
18.33 Aikido
18-10 Indoor sports facilities
18.35 Fencing pistes
18.36 Judo
18.34 Boxing. A ring for recreational purposes may be only 3.6m
square. For competitions, in addition to the ring and spectator
accommodation the following are needed:
• Medical examination room
• Weighing room
• Gloving-up room
• Administrative facilities
• Lighting above the ring
• Water supply to each ‘corner’
18.38 Kendo
18.37 Karate. Regional competitions require three international
size combat areas
18.40 Wrestling
18.41 Small projectile hall: a. Section. b. Plan
18.39 Table tennis. See Table III for overall dimensions. The table
is 0.76m high, and normally requires a space 1.4� 1.6� 0.5m for
storage. When in use, each table requires individual lighting
18.42 Medium-Projectile hall: a. Section. b. Plan
Indoor sports facilities 18-11
7 TYPES OF SWIMMING POOL: COMPETITION,
LEARNER, TRAINING AND DIVING POOLS
7.01
There has been a general trend away from pools designed specifi-
cally for competition and diving towards shallow water, free-form
‘fun’ pools with many features including water rides. The intro-
duction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) has further
increased the emphasis on income-producing dryside provision, in
the form of fitness rooms, health and beauty suites, sunbeds, saunas
and steam rooms. This dryside space around the fun pool is often
themed to represent ‘tropical paradises’ where dense planting
provides the backcloth for steel bands, travel agencies, and pool-
side refreshments. Indoor/outdoor pools – often seen in European
countries – are becoming popular.
Demand for serious swimming facilities in the meantime has
reappeared in the form of 25m pools with six or eight lanes, 18.60.
Many older 33.33m pools have been converted into combined18.43 Large projectile hall: a. Section. b. Plan
Table II Projectile halls
Large30.3 � 12.8 � 4.6
Medium30.3 � 9.75 � 3.6–4.6
Small30.3 � 5.3 � 3.6
Air rifle 12 firing points 8 firing points 4 firing pointsArchery 3 details � 6 archers 3 targets 3 details of 4 archers range 18 m 2 details of 4 archersBowls 2/4.5 � 27m roll-up rinks (if no shooting) 1 roll-up rink (if no shooting) 1 rinkCricket 3 nets 6-a-side cricket 2 nets 1 netFencing 1 piste 4 practice pistes 1 piste 1 pisteGolf practice 4 ranges 3 ranges 1 rangePistol shooting 7 firing points 10 with side screens 5 firing points 3 firing pointsRifle shooting 12 firing points ranges 25 m, 25 yd, 15 yd 9 firing points 4 firing pointsTable squash 15 tables 8 tables 4 tablesTable tennis 15 tables 8 tables 4 tables
Table III Dimensions for table tennis playing space (m)
Standard of play L W Ceiling height Clear height below lights
International matches 14.0 7.0 4.20 4.05Inter-league and inter-county matches 11.0–14.0 min 5.50–7.0 min 4.20 4.05Practice and inter-club matches 10.0 5.0 4.20 4.05Tournaments (more than one table) 8.0 5.0 4.20 4.05Recreational play 7.6 4.6 – 2.7
Table IV Dimensions for indoor athletics tracks (m)
Lap length Length ofstraight (s)
Length ofbend (B)�
Radius ofbend (R)y
Overall length (L1) Overall width (W) Space for sprintstraight (L2)
6-track 4-track 6-track 4-track
200 35z 65 20.49 88 84 53 49 75.9850 50 15.716 93.44 89.44 43.44 39.44 81.4452.25 47.75 15.0 94.25 90.25 42 38 82.2565 35z 10.94 98.88 94.88 33.88 29.88 86.88
160 35z 45 14.124 75.25 71.25 40.25 36.25 63.2540 40 12.532 77.06 73.06 37.06 33.06 65.0645 35z 10.941 78.88 74.88 33.88 29.88 66.88
� Measured 200mm from inside of outer white line around flat-edged track, or 300mm inside a raised border or edge frameworky Nett radius allowing for 200mm deduction. The smaller the radius, the greater the inclination of the banking, 10�–18� maxz A European Athletic Association regulation minimum dimension
18-12 Indoor sports facilities
18.46 Cricket practice nets. For the six-a-side game (not illustrated)
the playing area is 30.4–36.5� 18.9–30.4� 6.1–7.6m high
18.45 Bowling. A single rink in a projectile hall. See also 18.52
18.47 Golf practice
18.49 Athletics: requirements for straight sprint
18.44 Archery. International and national shoots require ranges
of 30, 25 and 18m, and of 20 yards (18.288m). For club and
recreational shoots 15 yards (13.716m) will do, but 30m is
preferred for competition practice. Archers stand no closer
together than 1.25m when on the shooting line, with two or three to
each target. The minimum ceiling height is 3m. Where there is no
public access the distance between the side wall and the first target
should be at least 1.2m. Where spectator accommodation is
required, advice should be sought from the Grand National
Archery Society. Storage is required for straw bosses and stands,
preferably at the target end; and lockable storage for portable bow
racks and tackle boxes
18.48 Shooting range, small-bore target. For rifle shooting,
ranges at 25m, 25 yards and 15 yards are required at minimum
1.05m centres. Pistols (where permitted) use 25m and 25 yards at
1.8m centres, or 1.15m with side screens: a. Section. b. Plan
18.50 Athletics: indoor tracks 200 and 160m laps, with straight
sprint in centre. See Table IV for dimensions. It is no longer
considered satisfactory to fit a running track inside the cycle track
in 18.53. If spectator accommodation is needed around the track, a
building of considerable clear span is necessary as supports in the
central area are not acceptable
18.52 Bowling. Four rinks are the minimum for recreation, six are
required for tournaments
18.51 Billiards and snooker. The agreed international size, due to
become mandatory in 2025, of 3.5� 1.75m measured inside the
cushions, has had little acceptance, even in major competitions
Indoor sports facilities 18-13
18.53 Cycling, 250m track. This is relatively steeply banked. The 333 1/3m track [24.48] can be used internally
18.54 Gymnastics practice: training hall at Lilleshall Hall NSC:
a. Cross-section. b. Plan
18.55 Ice hockey. Rinks are usually sized to accommodate the
‘pad’; this should be surrounded by a 1.2m high barrier
18.56 Rackets, or racquets: a. Section. b. Plan
18.57 Real (or royal) tennis. The dimensions are those at Hampton
Court which is reputed to be the widest and among the longest
18.58 Rugby fives: a. Section. b. Plan
18-14 Indoor sports facilities
competition and learner pools by means of causeways at the 25m
mark, 18.61. Hybrid pools with 25m training lanes down the centre
and free-form sides are becoming increasingly common, 18.62.
Another leisure pool is shown in 18.63.
The refurbishment of old Edwardian pools and buildings of simi-
lar vintage (corn exchanges, sawmills, etc.) has increased the present
stock of good pools considerably, especially in the UK and Holland.
7.02 Dimensions for competition pools
Dimensions of these pools, are strictly laid down by major govern-
ing bodies for swimming (FINA – international: ASA for UK).
Changes are made from time to time and it is advisable to seek
up-to-date information from the relevant authorities.
7.03 Competition pools
Competition pools are based upon long-course 50m, 18.64, or
short-course 25m, 18.65 requirements. Long-course pools have a
minimum width of 21m or 25m for Olympic competition. The
minimum depth of water may be 1m, although 1.2m is preferred in
21m wide pools. Olympic standard pools require a minimum depth
of 1.8m.
7.04 Short-course pools
Short-course, 25m, pools should have a width of 13m for six-lane
competition, or 17m for eight-lane competition. Minimum water
depth should be 0.9–1m (preferably 1.2m following recent court
findings relating to accidents in shallow water pools). Maximum
depth may be 1.8–2m. These pools are suitable for ASA National,
District and County standard competitions.
18.59 Squash. All dimensions are highly critical and are to
internal finished surfaces, which are plastered to a special
specification: a. Section. b. Plan
18.60 25m pool complex
Indoor sports facilities 18-15
7.05 Training pools
Training pools of 25m length may have four or five lanes (9 and
11m wide). Depths should be as for short-course pools. In both
cases, the last 6m of the deep end should be level.
7.06 Learner pools
Learner pools for beginners and non-swimmers, 18.66, should
preferably be separated from the main pool far safety reasons and
in order to maintain higher air and water temperatures. Steps along
one side form part of the water-acclimatisation process especially
for the young. Ramps are sometimes included for disabled non-
ambulant users, although with level deck pools these have become
largely unnecessary. Handrails should be provided where steps
lead down into the water.
Dimensions are based upon class size down one long side
(classes are of 30–35 pupils on average), with the width allowing
beginners to take at least three or four strokes before reaching the
side. Common dimensions are length 12–13m, width 7–10m and
depth 0.7m at the foot of steps to 0.9–1.2m at the deep end.
7.07 Pools for the very young (two months old)
These are frequently provided separately, 18.67, to acclimatise
children to water accompanied by parents. Shallow water, seat/
steps, and water features such as slides and play furniture make up
the main characteristics of these pools. There are no fixed dimen-
sions or shapes.
7.08 Hydrotherapy pools
These are commonly seen throughout Europe, particularly in
Germany and Austria, for the elderly or infirm, 18.68. The water
is heavily salinated to assist swimming and healing. The increasing
number of sports injuries clinics now appearing in the UK suggests
a wider role for this type of pool.
7.09 Diving pools
Diving pools attached to main competition pools have been super-
seded by specialist diving facilities in separate self-contained
spaces where diving can be carried on without interruption. The
minimum distance to other pools should be 5m. The minimum
requirements for a diving pool are given in 18.69 and Table V.
Olympic or international standard competition diving requires
more rigorous standards, 18.70, and associated specialist facilities
such as sprays to ripple the water surface and lifts to the higher
diving boards. The FINA/ASA standards for these are shown in
18.71 and Table VI. An example of this type is shown in 18.72.
National training status requires length 30m, width 25m and
depths as Table V.
All dimensions should be checked with the relevant authorities
as they may be amended from time to time.
8 WATER ACTIVITIES
A number of activities are currently associated with deep water in
hybrid or competition pools.
8.01 Water polo
Water depth at Olympic standard should be not less than 1.8m, and
for lesser play, 1.2m. The fields of play are:
• Olympic standard 30� 20m
• Club standard 25� 10m.
The standards are shown in 18.73. However, the game can be
played as a recreation in a standard pool, 18.74. The field is marked
above water level at the pool sides. Space should be accessible for
the free movement of the referee and goal judges at goal lines.
18.61 Plan of 33 1/3þ metre pool, showing use as 25 metre pool plus
learner pool
18.62 Hybrid pool
18.63 Plan of a leisure pool
18-16 Indoor sports facilities
18.64 Plan of 50m pool
a Plan b Longitudinal section
18.65 25m pool
a Plan
b Section
18.66 Learner pool
a Plan
b Section through pool
18.68 Hydrotherapy pool complex18.67 Plan of toddlers’ pool
Indoor sports facilities 18-17
b Sectiona Plan
18.69 Diving pool (see Table V for dimensions)
Table V Minimum dimensions in metres for diving boards
Type of board Spring Spring Fixed Fixed� Fixed
A Board height� 1.0 3.0 5.0 7.5 10.0B Clearance forward 7.5 9.0 10.25 11.0 13.5C Clearance to sides 2.5 3.5 3.8 4.5 4.5D Clearance behind 1.5 1.5 1.25 1.5 1.5E Centre of adjoining board 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5F Clearance overhead 4.6 4.6 3.0 3.2 3.4G Depth of water 3.0 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.5H Depth maintained forward 5.3 6.0 6.0 8.0 10.5J Depth maintained to sides 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.0 3.0K Board length 4.8 4.8 5.0 6.0 6.0M Board width 0.5 0.5 2.0 2.0 2.0N Clearance forwards overhead 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0P Clearance sides and behind 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75
Overhead
� The 7.5m board is mainly used for training.A tolerance of �0.1 is permissible on board height, relate all dimensions to front edge centre of each board.
a Plan
18.70 Olympic regulations diving platform assembly and pool
b Elevation from pool
c Side elevation and pool cross-section
18-18 Indoor sports facilities
8.02 Synchronised swimming
This has become progressively popular over recent years and is
now performed up to Olympic standard. Water should be not less
than 1.8–2m. Provision should be made for underwater windows,
lighting and sound for coaching purposes.
8.03 Sub-aqua diving
Water should be not less than 1.5–2m in depth with a high degree
of clarity. Other requirements are:
• Water depths up to 5.5m for pressure valuation experience
• Compressor room of approximately 15m2
• Club room, 18.75, for approximately 50 people
• Storage space for equipment of approximately 15m, well
drained
• Specialist rooms for advanced training including seminar
rooms, club room, compressor store, equipment shop, separate
changing rooms and an office
• Snorkelling pool ranging in depth from 1.5 to 5m, with a diving
pit 7m deep and
• Access to the pool using suitable ladders, 18.76.
Details from the British Sub-Aqua Club.
9 LEISURE POOLS AND WATER FEATURES
9.01 Fun pools
Fun pools, 18.77, with irregularly shaped sides and a considerable
amount of shallow water space approximately 350–400m2 in area,
may have combinations of the following features:
• Wave-making machinery, 18.78
• Water cannons
• Underwater massage jets
• Waterfall
• Rapids/wild water, jungle river, lazy river/indoor–outdoor rides
• Whirlpool
• Jacuzzi spa bath
• Plume/water rides
• Slides
• Lagoons with Jacuzzi rest ledges
• Underwater lighting and sound.
9.02 Dryside facilities
Dryside facilities usually associated with the above may include:
• Health and fitness suites plus separate changing, toilets and
showers
• Beauty salon – massage, aromatherapy, manicure, hair
treatment
• Rapid-tan sunbeds
• Sauna, steam cabins
• Platform for concerts, receptions, fashion shows, steel bands
• Lighting to match
• Themed baths (Turkish, Roman, Japanese, Scandinavian)
• Creche, meetings room
• First-aid room
• Equipment store
• Landscape features normally themed to represent a tropical
setting
• Food and drinks points
• Administration/supervision/control points
• Travel agency/displays.
9.03 Hybrid pools
These, 18.62, are similar to leisure pools, but have a central area
25m in length marked out with four or six training lanes for serious
a Side view b Frontal view
18.71 FINA/ASA dimensions for diving facilities (see Table VI)
Indoor sports facilities 18-19
Table VI FIN A/ASA dimensions for diving facilities (see 22.71)
Springboard Platform
1 metre 3 metre 1 metre 3 metre 5 metre 7.5 metre 10 metreLength 4.80 4.80 5.00 5.00 6.00 6.00 6.00Width 0.50 0.50 0.60 0.60 min 1.50 pref. 1.50 1.50 2.00Height 1.00 3.00 0.60–1.00 2.60–3.00 5.00 7.50 10.00
Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert. Horiz. Vert.
A From plummet back to pool wall Designation A–1 A–3 A–1 pl A–3 pl A–5 A–7.5 A–10minimum 1.50 1.50 0.75 1.25 1.25 1.50 1.50preferred 1.80 1.80 0.75 1.25 1.25 1.50 1.50
A/A From plummet back to platform Designation A/AS/1 A/A/.5/3.1 a/A10/5, 3, 1plummet directly below minimum 0.75 0.75 0.75
preferred 1.25 1.25 1.25
B From plummet to pool wall at side Designation B–1 B–3 B–1 pl B–3 pl B–5 B–7.5 B–10minimum 2.50 3.50 2.30 2.80 3.25 4.25 5.25preferred 2.50 3.50 2.30 2.90 3.75 4.50 5.25
C From plummet to adjacent Designation C1–1 C3–3, 3-1 C 1–1 pl C 3–3 pl, 1 pl C 5–3, 5-1 C 7.5–5, 3, 1 C 10–7.5, 5, 3, 1plummet minimum 2.00 2.20 1.65 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75
preferred 2.40 2.60 1.95 2.10 2.50 2.50 2.75
D From plummet to pool wall ahead Designation D–1 D–3 D–1 pl D–3 pl D–5 D–7.5 D–10minimum 9.00 10.25 8.00 9.50 10.25 11.00 13.50preferred 9.00 10.25 8.00 9.50 10.25 11.00 12.50
E From plummet to board to ceiling Designation E–1 E–3 E–1 pl E–3 pl E–5 E–7.5 E–10minimum 5.00 5.00 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 4.00preferred 5.00 5.00 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 5.00
F Clear overhead behind and each Designation F–1 E–1 F–3 E–3 F–1 pl E–1 pl F–3 pl E–3 pl F–5 E–5 F–7.5 E–7.5 F–10 E–10side of plummet minimum 2.50 5.00 2.50 5.00 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 3.25 2.75 4.00
preferred 2.50 5.00 2.50 5.00 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 3.50 2.75 5.00
G Clear overhead ahead of plummet Designation G–l E–l G–3 E–3 G–1 pl E–1 pl G–3 pl E–3 pl G–5 E–5 G–7.5 E–7.5 G–10 E–10minimum 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 5.00 3.25 6.00 4.00preferred 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 5.00 3.50 6.00 5.00
H Depth of water at plummet Designation H–1 H–3 H–1 pl H–3 pl H–5 H–7.5 H–10minimum 3.40 3.70 3.20 3.50 3.70 4.10 4.50preferred 3.50 3.50 3.30 3.60 3.80 4.50 5.00
J Distance and depth Designation J–1 K–1 J–3 K–3 J–1 pl K–1 pl J–3 pl K–3 pl J–5 K–5 J–75 K–75 J–10 K–10K ahead of plummet minimum 5.00 3.30 6.00 3.60 4.50 3.10 5.50 3.40 6.00 3.60 8.00 4.00 11.00 4.25
preferred 5.00 3.40 6.00 3.70 4.50 3.20 5.50 3.50 6.00 3.70 8.00 4.00 11.00 4.75
L Distance and depth Designation L–1 M–1 L–3 M–3 L–1 pl M–1 pl L–3 pl M–3 pl L–5 M–5 L–7.5 M–7.5 L–10 M–10M each side of plummet minimum 1.50 3.30 2.00 3.60 1.40 3.10 1.80 3.40 3.00 3.60 3.75 4.00 4.50 4.25
preferred 2.00 3.40 2.50 3.70 1.90 3.20 2.30 3.50 3.50 3.70 4.50 4.40 5.25 4.75
N Maximum slope to reduce Pool depth 30 degrees Note: Dimension C (plummet to adjacent plummet) apply to platforms with widths as detailed.dimensions beyond fullrequirements
Ceiling ht 30 degrees If platform widths are increased then C is to be increased by half the additional width(s)
a Side view b Frontal view
18.72 Ponds Forge, Sheffield: diving stages
a For men
b For women
18.73 Water polo layouts
18.74 Water polo layout for a 25m� 12.5m pool
a Elevation
b Plan
18.75 Sub-aqua equipment store and compressor room
a Elevation
b Plan
18.76 Access to the pool for sub-aqua diving. Specially designed
removable steps assist a heavily laden diver
Indoor sports facilities 18-21
swimming. Depths at either end of this area must be the same as for
normal 25m competition pools. Because the sides may be free-
form in shape and other features intrude (e.g. whirlpool, flume
rides), competitions cannot be judged properly.
10 MOVABLE FLOOR POOLS
18.79 shows a pool with movable floors; while 18.80 shows the
flexibility offered to 50 and 25m pools by movable floors.
Flexibility is further increased by the inclusion of two movable
floors and two laterally moving bulkheads.
18.77 Layout of leisure pool De Mirandabad, Amsterdam.
Architects: Architektenburo Baanders, Frenken
18.78 a Section through a leisure pool showing wave making
machine room and ‘beaching’ of pool b Sectional plan
of wave-making machine room
a Plan
b Cross-section
18.79 A 50m pool with ultimate flexibility. This has two movable
floors and two laterally moving bulkheads
a b
c d
e f
g
h i
j k
l
18.80 Various arrangements of the pool above: a 5:30–8:30 am,
club training and keep fit. b 5:30–8:30 am, alternative for club
training and keep fit. c 9 am to noon, public, school swimmers and
school non-swimmers. d A 9 am to noon, alternative for public,
school swimmers and school non-swimmers, e 4–6 pm, clubs and
public, f 4–6 pm, alternative for clubs, public, keep fit and lessons,
g 6–8 pm, synchro swimming or water polo, public and disabled
people. h 50m competition pool 2.4–3m deep, i 25m competition
pool constant 3m depth, j Twin 25m competition or training pools,
k Water polo: 30m� 20m, or 25m� 17m for women, 3m deep.
l Synchronised swimming: 25m� 20m by 3m deep
18-22 Indoor sports facilities
11 POOL DETAILS AND LANE MARKINGS
11.01 Rest ledges
These are required around pool sides where the water depth
exceeds 1.2m, 18.81.
11.02 Raised ends and touch pads
Where pools are to be predominately used for competitions and
serious training, raised ends should be provided, 18.82, equipped
with touchpads, 18.83.
11.03 Edge channels
The present preference for deck level pools requires edge channels
designed for overflow purposes, finger grip and demarcation
between water edge and pool surround, 18.84.
11.04 Lane rope anchorage
This is for fixing lane booms on level deck pools and is usually
behind edge channels on pool surrounds.
11.05 Start-recall
A recall rope and flags are required 15m in front of the start for
competition use.
11.06 Lane markings in competition pools
These should be laid in accordance with FINA/ASA recommenda-
tions, 18.85 and Table VII.
11.07 Backstroke turn indicators
These are required 5m from end walls, 18.85.
11.08 Underwater windows
These may be considered for coaching and video. Underwater
lights may be required for environmental purposes.
12 CHANGING PROVISION
12.01 Facilities
Segregated changing facilities, 18.86, have been largely replaced
by the changing ‘village’ arrangement, 18.87, which is based upon18.82 Removable starting platform
18.83 a Touch pad to conform to FINA regulations, b Touch pad
for ASA Championship requirements in 25m pools
18.84 Edge details for deck level pools
18.81 Rest ledge
Indoor sports facilities 18-23
separation of dry and wet footpaths to and from changing cubicles.
Minimum cubicles are shown in 18.88, but it is important to
provide a proportion of larger cubicles for the use of families and
disabled people.
12.02 Other arrangements
Toilets should be positioned between lockers and poolside.
Precleanse footbaths are no longer mandatory although foot sprays
are still desirable. Showers are largely for after-swim shampooing.
Hairdrying facilities are desirable close to changing room exits.
12.03 Sauna and steam rooms
These may also form part of the ‘village’, 18.87.
13 PROVISION FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
13.01 Disabled people
Consideration for disabled people is mandatory. As well as wheel-
chair users this includes people with impaired vision and those
with learning difficulties. Wheelchair users may be provided for
either in the changing village or alternatively in rooms around the
pool, 18.89 and 18.90. The disappearance of the footbath has eased
wheelchair access to the poolside.
13.02 Deck level pools
These also improve access into and out of the water for disabled
people. Chair hoists are still sometimes provided for this purpose
although they are often disliked by users for the attention they
cause.
a 50 m pool to Olympic standard
b 25 metre and 331⁄3 m pools
18.85 Lane and other marking required for competitive swimming
Table VII Dimensions of lane markings in metres
FINA/ASA50 m pools
ASA25 m pools
A Width of lane markings, end lines, targets 0.25 � 0.05 0.2 � 0.05B Length of end wall targets 0.5 � 0.05 0.5 � 0.05C Depth to centre of end wall targets 0.3 � 0.05 0.3 � 0.05D Length of lane marker cross line 1.0 � 0.05 0.8 � 0.05E Width of racing lanes 2.5 2.0F Distance from cross line to end wall 2.0 � 0.05 2.0 � 0.05G Touch pad 2.4 � 0.05 1.9 � 0.05
18-24 Indoor sports facilities
13.03 Other arrangements
Shallow water spa (bubble) areas are much liked by those with
learning difficulties.
Large, clearly marked signs, colour-coded footpaths and rails
are required for visually impaired people.
14 POOL CAPACITY ANALYSIS
As a rule of thumb, pool capacities may be determined by dividing
the water surface area by 2. Thus a 25� 13m pool can accommo-
date to reasonable comfort standards 325 � 2 ¼ 162 bathers.
Changing cubicles, lockers and car parking provision can be
based upon the same analysis plus the following allowances:
• Locker allowance based upon pool capacity, with a further 162
changing ¼ 324 lockers, usually in two- to three-tier
compartments
• Changing cubicle provision may be based upon a time factor of
5–10-min occupation per bather. Thus in any one hour 162
bathers in the pool plus a further 162 changing ready to enter
the pool ¼ 324 bathers � 10min ¼ 32 cubicles
• Car parking provision may be calculated thus: 324 bathers, 3
persons per car average ¼ 101 spaces þ a further allowance for
staff, disabled, etc. say 125–150 spaces.
15 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Geraint John and Kit Campbell, Ice rinks and swimming pools,
handbook of sports and recreational building design, Vol. 3 (2nd
ed), Butterworth Architecture and the Sports Council, Oxford,
1996
Geraint John and Helen Heard (Eds) Handbook of sports and
recreational building design, Vol. 2, Indoor Sports (2nd ed),
Architectural Press, 1995
The Oxford Companion to Sports and Games, Oxford University
Press, 1976, also as a Paladin paperback
Rules of the Game, Paddington Press, 1974, also as republished by
Literary Guild and Bantam Books
Information published by the ruling bodies for each particular sport
18.86 Traditional layout of changing rooms
18.87 Changing village. No segregation. Average cubicle
occupancy 4 minutes
a Plan b Section
18.88 Changing cubicle
18.89 Minimum changing provision for disabled people
18.90 Better provision for disabled people
Indoor sports facilities 18-25
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