Almost any in-ground pool can have a lap lane, usually in an area of the pool that has a long straightaway for the active swimmer. However, some pools are built just for swimming laps.

These pools are extremely popular because they have the beauty of in-ground pools-even offering the active swimmer a place to tone up-but without a deep end. They are usually deeper in the middle and shallow at both ends. An all-shallow pool saves you money because it uses less water, chemicals and energy.

A reflecting pool is not a true swimming pool, as it is only deep enough to reflect its surroundings. Most reflecting pools are made of concrete and do not require elaborate systems to keep them operating.

Diving pools typically have a deeper end for diving and a shallow end for wading. There are standards that must be followed in order to ensure that the diving end is of the proper depth to prevent injury.