Working up to swimming longer lengths in the pool? Or are you training for a half a mile swim outdoors but training in your local leisure centre? Understanding pool distances is key for all types of swimmers. While a seemingly simple question—"How many laps in a pool is a half mile?"—the answer will simply depend on the length of the pool you are swimming in.
How Many Laps In A Pool Is A Half Mile
Across the UK and the whole world, there are several different standard pool lengths, from the common 25-metre pools to the 50-metre Olympic-size pools. So we’ve pulled together some of the different pool lengths that you might come across and give you the number of laps you’ll need to swim to complete your half a mile. Let’s help you complete your half-mile distance in the pool and beyond.
Pool Lengths
If you are a swimmer in the UK, you’ll find that swimming pools come in a range of sizes, with both metric and imperial lengths commonly found to measure these. Helpful isn’t it? So here are the most likely sizes for UK pools, especially those used in private gyms, leisure centres, schools, and competitive venues:
25-Metre Pools
The 25-metre pool is the standard for many public and leisure centres in the UK and the most common size. You’ll also find this length is likely to be standard for school pools and swim training centres.
25-metre pools are used for short course competitive events, which are held across the UK and further afield in Europe.
In a 25-metre pool, a swimmer would need to complete 32 lengths to cover 800 metres, which is roughly half a mile.
50-metre Pools (Olympic-size pools)
A 50-metre pool is used for long-course competitive swimming, including Olympic and international competitions. This size is less frequently found but will be found in major swimming areas. Since London hosted the 2012 Olympics, there has been a real investment in bigger pools in the UK, such as the London Aquatics Centre.
In a 50-metre pool, swimming a half mile requires roughly 16 lengths, as swimmers will find each length is twice the size of a 25-metre pool.
20-Metre Pools
Many local leisure and private gyms or health clubs have 20-metre pools. These aren’t really suitable for competitive events but are very useful if you want to get some good lengths in for lap swimming.
In a 20-metre pool, you would need to swim 40 lengths to cover half a mile (this roughly equates to 805 metres).
33.3-Metre Pools
You’ll still find some of these more unusual pools. This size dates back to earlier pool standards when the length was 1/3 of 100 metres. If you live locally to this size pool, you’ll find they are still very much used for swim training and possibly even some local competitions.
To swim half a mile in a 33.3-metre pool, a swimmer would need to complete around 24 lengths.
Other Pool Sizes
15- metre pools can be found in some hotels, gyms, and smaller leisure centres. These are often used for lap swimming and classes like aqua aerobics. You’d need to swim around 54 lengths for half a mile.
Private pools, pools in the back garden, and smaller pools found in spas and health clubs can be anywhere from 10 to 15 metres in length, used more for leisurely swimming than distance training. You’d probably be up and down at least 54 to 81 times to complete half a mile. Find out who invented the swimming pool here.
Choosing the Right Pool Size
For competitive swim training, most UK swimmers use 25-metre pools for short-course practice and 50-metre pools for long-course training. Lap swimmers will most likely use the local leisure centre or private gym which have 20-metre or 25-metre pools.
Converting Half Mile to Pool Laps
A half mile in swimming is approximately 880 yards or 805 metres. This calculation is crucial because “a mile” in swimming is actually different from the true mile on land, which is 1,760 yards or 1,609 metres. In swimming terms, a "mile swim" is typically about 1,650 yards or 1,500 metres, also known as the “metric mile.” So, a half mile would be half of this distance, or 880 yards/805 metres.
Here’s how you can break down that distance by pool size:
In a 25-metre Pool
The 25-metre pool is slightly longer than a 25-yard pool, at 82 feet compared to the 75 feet of a 25-yard pool. These are common in international competitions. To cover 805 metres, you will find that you will need 32.2 lengths or approximately 16.1 laps in a 25-metre pool.
In a 50-metre Pool (Olympic Pool)
If you are swimming in an Olympic-size pool, each length of the pool covers a full 50 metres. Professional swimmers often find that the longer length helps them prepare for open water swimming and long distances. In a 50-metre pool, a half-mile (805 metres) would take you 16.1 lengths or around 8 laps. Doesn’t sound far, does it?
In a 25-Yard Pool
This standard length is for many pools across the world, including the United States. In a 25-yard pool, one lap (one full circuit to the opposite end of the pool and back) is 50 yards. To swim a half mile (880 yards) in a 25-yard pool, you would need to swim 35.2 lengths or about 17.6 laps.
Pool Distances
You’ll find that intermediate swimmers, advanced swimmers, and competitive swimmers often train with specific goals in their minds. Swimmers aiming to increase their endurance might gradually work up from a quarter of a mile to a full mile (or perhaps even longer distances). Here’s how you might approach a half-mile swim:
Recreational Lap Swimmers
A half-mile is a great full-body workout that offers both cardio and muscle endurance benefits. If you’re in a local pool or private gym, 17-18 laps in a 25-yard pool is quite a manageable distance, even for an intermediate swimmer.
Competitive Swimmers
If you are an athlete you might aim to complete a half-mile swim within a specific time, measuring your progress with each swim session. Swimming in a 50-metre pool, like those used in the Olympic Games, will require fewer laps but would involve maintaining speed over longer distances.
Tracking Your Swim: Fitness Devices and Timing Tools
Swim workouts are so easy to track these days with the invention and adoption of fitness tools like the Apple Watch, which can count your lengths automatically in certain modes, and apps that log your laps and track progress over time. Advanced swimmers use devices like these to monitor their pace and progress, while beginner swimmers might find it helpful for motivation. Everyone loves a stat, especially when you are looking to improve your time, fitness or both.
If you live in an area with a newer pool, you might find that your pool has touchpads. This is a smart invention that has revolutionised competitive swimming as it allows swimmers to track their times accurately at the end of each lap.
Why Half A Mile?
Swimming a half mile is a great goal for anyone training for endurance and fitness. It’s particularly good for anyone keen to dip their toe in open water swimming or marathon swimming, as building up to a half-mile and then a full mile in a pool prepares you for real open water distances, which can feel more challenging due to factors like the waves and currents. If you talk to those who swim regularly and cover longer distances, they’ll tell you that starting with a half mile in a pool, then working up to a “metric mile,” gives them the confidence to tackle longer distances over time.
Tips for Your Half Mile Goal
Understand Your Pool Size
First, make sure you know the size of the pool, if you aren’t sure, just ask someone who works at the pool. It;’s key to know if it’s a 25-metre, 50-metre pool or something else to accurately track your laps.
Warm Up and Cool Down
A good swim workout includes a warm-up and cool-down to avoid fatigue and injury. Make sure you factor in time for this.
Consistency is Key
All levels of swimmers will know that regular practice helps you reach distance goals faster. Aim for at least a few sessions a week to gain momentum.
Use Lap Counters or Fitness Watches
To avoid losing count, you might want to use a lap counter or swim-friendly fitness watch. There are lots of great options out there.
Pace Yourself
If half a mile seems too challenging at first, start with a quarter mile and build up. Remember, even Olympic athletes worked up to these distances. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you are still lapping those sitting on the sofa!
So, next time you hit the pool, remember that a half mile and that goal that you want to achieve. Good luck!