Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Pool — Long Course (SW Rule SW 1.1)
The long course pool shall measure 50 metres (164 ft 1 in) in length. The tolerance for pool length is 0 cm (no shortfall permitted); pools may not be shorter than 50 m at any point. The length is measured 0.3 m (11.8 in) below the water surface between the touchpads at both ends.
3.2 Pool — Short Course (SW Rule SW 1.1)
The short course pool shall measure 25 metres (82 ft) in length, measured under the same conditions as the long course pool.
3.3 Pool Width and Lanes (SW Rule SW 1.2)
Competition pools for World Aquatics events must have a minimum of eight lanes. Lane specifications:
- Lane width: minimum 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) per lane
- Two spaces outside lanes 1 and 8: minimum 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) each
- Total minimum pool width for 8 lanes: 21 m (68 ft 11 in)
- Lane numbering: Lane 1 is on the right side when facing the pool from the starting end
3.4 Pool Depth (SW Rule SW 1.1)
The minimum depth of the pool throughout shall be 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in). A depth of at least 2.0 m is required for the entire length of the pool. For pools with moveable floors, the floor must be secured at competition depth before events begin.
3.5 Water Temperature (SW Rule SW 1.1)
The water temperature shall be maintained between 25°C and 28°C (77°F and 82.4°F) during competition. The temperature must be measured and recorded before the session and displayed to team officials upon request.
3.6 Lighting
Illumination of the competition pool must be uniform and sufficient for officials to observe swimmer technique throughout the race. World Aquatics recommends minimum illumination levels of 1500 lux at water level for televised events.
3.7 Bulkheads and Moveable Walls (SW Rule SW 1.1)
Bulkheads used to divide a pool or create the 25 m short course distance must be rigidly fixed during competition. Touchpads must be mounted on both faces of a bulkhead when used as a turning and finishing wall. The wall surface at 0.3 m depth must be vertical and unobstructed.
3.8 Target Lines and Markings (SW Rule SW 1.6)
Each lane must have a clearly marked target line on the floor of the pool, centred in the lane, running the full length of the pool. The target line shall be a contrasting dark colour and:
- Width: 0.2–0.3 m (7.9–11.8 in)
- Length: ending 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in) from each end wall
- A cross (T-mark) of minimum 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) in width shall mark the 2.0 m point from each wall
3.9 The 15-Metre Mark
Flags must be suspended across the pool at a height of 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) above the water surface, positioned 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in) from each end wall. These backstroke flags allow backstroke swimmers to gauge their proximity to the wall. Additionally, a mark on the lane lines at 15 m from each end wall indicates the maximum underwater distance permitted after starts and turns.