Public pools are shared spaces where swimmers of varying abilities come together to exercise, train, or simply enjoy the water. Understanding pool etiquette makes the experience better for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned lap swimmer. While most pools post basic rules, many aspects of pool etiquette are unwritten, passed down through swimming culture over generations.
If you've ever felt intimidated by lap swimming lanes or uncertain about pool protocols, this guide covers everything you need to know to navigate public pools with confidence. From choosing the right lane to handling common situations, these guidelines will help you become a considerate and confident pool user.
Understanding Lane Speed Classifications
Most lap pools divide lanes by speed, typically indicated by signs at the lane ends. Understanding these classifications helps you choose an appropriate lane and swim harmoniously with others.
Common Lane Designations
- Fast lane: For competitive swimmers and experienced lap swimmers maintaining continuous, fast-paced swimming
- Medium lane: For competent swimmers maintaining a steady pace with minimal resting
- Slow lane: For beginners, those doing rehabilitation, or swimmers who prefer a relaxed pace
If you're unsure which lane suits you, watch the swimmers for a minute before entering. Can you maintain their pace? If a lane seems too slow, you'll be constantly overtaking; if it's too fast, you'll be holding others up. Neither is ideal. When in doubt, start slower and move up if needed.
Choosing the Right Lane
The goal is to swim with people of similar speed, allowing everyone to maintain their rhythm without constant stopping and starting. It's better to be slightly faster than your lane-mates than slightly slower, as the faster swimmer has more control over when and how to pass.
Don't let ego influence your choice. Choosing a lane that's too fast for your ability disrupts the flow for everyone and can be stressful for you. There's no shame in any lane; each serves a purpose.
Circle Swimming
When more than two people share a lane, circle swimming becomes necessary. This system keeps swimmers moving smoothly without collisions by establishing a consistent directional flow.
How It Works
In Australia, circle swimming typically follows the left-hand-traffic pattern: swim up the left side of the lane and return on the right (from your perspective while swimming). Some pools may specify otherwise, so check for any posted signs or ask a lifeguard if you're unsure.
Stay to your side of the lane throughout your length. The lane's centre line becomes a divider; crossing it can result in head-on collisions with oncoming swimmers.
Before entering a lane where circle swimming is already in progress, wait at the end until you can clearly see an approaching swimmer. Make eye contact and gesture to indicate you're joining. Then wait for a gap in the flow before pushing off. Never dive into a lane with active swimmers.
Overtaking Other Swimmers
Speed differences within lanes are normal, and knowing how to handle overtaking situations keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
If You Need to Pass
When you catch up to a slower swimmer, gently tap their foot to signal you'd like to pass. Most swimmers will stop at the next wall or pull to the side to let you by. Pass quickly, stay aware of oncoming swimmers, and return to your side of the lane as soon as safely possible.
If there's no safe opportunity to pass (busy lane, oncoming swimmers), slow down and wait for an opening. Forcing a pass in tight conditions risks collisions.
If Someone Wants to Pass You
When you feel a tap on your foot, the swimmer behind wants to pass. At your next opportunity, usually the wall or a safe mid-lane point, move to the side and let them go. A brief pause doesn't significantly affect your workout, and it maintains harmony in the lane.
Don't speed up when someone wants to pass; this frustrates both of you and doesn't change the underlying speed difference. Just let them by.
- Choose a lane that matches your speed; when in doubt, start slower
- Circle swim counter-clockwise (left-hand traffic) unless otherwise posted
- Tap feet gently to signal you'd like to pass; let faster swimmers by when tapped
- Rest in corners, not the middle of the wall
- Enter and exit carefully, aware of approaching swimmers
Resting and Turning
How you handle the walls affects everyone sharing your lane. Thoughtful wall behaviour prevents bottlenecks and collisions.
Resting at the Wall
If you need to rest, move to the corner of the lane, out of the path of swimmers turning. The lane corners exist specifically for resting without blocking turning swimmers. Never stand in the middle of the wall where swimmers need to touch and push off.
Tumble Turns and Open Turns
Not everyone does tumble turns, and that's perfectly fine. If you're doing an open turn (touching the wall and pushing off face-up or to the side), just be aware that you may be slightly slower at the wall than tumble-turners. Stay aware of swimmers close behind who may be turning faster.
Pool Hygiene and Considerate Behaviour
Basic hygiene and awareness contribute to a pleasant pool environment for everyone.
Before You Swim
- Shower before entering the pool; this reduces contamination and keeps water cleaner
- Tie back long hair or wear a cap; loose hair clogs filters and can wrap around other swimmers
- Remove heavy makeup, sunscreen, and lotions if possible; they contaminate pool water
- Use the toilet before swimming; pool chemicals exist because they're needed
Awareness and Courtesy
Keep your eyes open as much as possible to see other swimmers and obstacles. If you need to stop mid-lane, move to the side first. Be especially aware of your surroundings when pushing off walls, starting, and turning.
Keep lane conversations brief. Extended chatting in lanes or at walls blocks space and can be disruptive to others focusing on their workout. Save lengthy discussions for the pool deck.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Occasionally, misunderstandings or conflicts arise. Handling them gracefully keeps the pool a positive space.
Accidental Collisions
Minor contact happens in busy pools. A brief "sorry" and moving on is usually sufficient. If someone else bumps you, assume it was accidental and respond accordingly. Aggressive or angry reactions over minor incidents are never appropriate.
Persistent Issues
If you're having ongoing difficulty with a particular swimmer, whether they're blocking the lane, swimming erratically, or behaving inappropriately, speak to a lifeguard rather than confronting them directly. Lifeguards are trained to handle pool conflicts diplomatically.
Public pools work best when everyone extends patience and assumes good intentions from fellow swimmers. Most issues arise from inexperience rather than rudeness, and a little understanding goes a long way in shared aquatic spaces.
With these guidelines in mind, you can approach any public pool with confidence, knowing you'll be a considerate lane-mate and a welcome addition to the swimming community.