There are different types of swimming pools and they are named based on their usage. Swimming pools can be public, private, infinity, competition, exercise, natural swimming pools and swimming ponds, ocean and hot tubs and spas.

Public Pools

These public swimming pools are generally found as section of a bigger leisure complex or recreational center. These centers usually have more than one pool which caters to guests of different swimming requirements. There may also be a hot tub or spa pool and a sauna.

Hotels and resorts have public pools as part of their recreational facilities for their guests. Some of them have natatorium, a pool in a separate building, which has amenities for related activities. In tropical areas, outdoor pools are very common. Others have large pools with a diving board at one end above the water. These pools should be deep enough so that divers will not be injured.

Private Pools

Since private pools are used exclusively by a few people, these swimming pools are usually smaller than public pools. Residential or home pools are sometimes built-in or assembled above ground. Main types of inground pools are fiberglass, concrete and vinyl liner. On-ground or above-ground pools are popular in areas where excavation is difficult due to ground freezing.

Infinity

An infinity pool, also known as vanishing edge pool or negative edge, creates a visual effect of water that extends to the horizon, vanishing or reaching to infinity. The illusion works well if there is a change in elevation.

Competition

Swimming pools used for competitions are usually found indoors and heated to allow usage anytime of the year and to more easily fulfill with the regulations regarding temperature, lighting, and equipment. The International Swimming Federation or the Federation Internationale de la Natation (FINA) sets the standards for competition pools. Pools should be 25 meters (~ 82 feet) or 50 m (~ 164 feet).

Exercise

Exercise pools are also known as swimming machines, swim systems or swim spas. These are all examples of various types of resistance swimming.

Natural Swimming Pools

Natural swimming pools attempt to duplicate the environment of natural swimmable lakes which are healthy, non-polluted and ecologically-balanced bodies of water. The water in NSPs is 100 percent free from chemicals making it very desirable for swimming. The disinfection of the water is obtained with the use of biological filters and plants rooted in the system.

Ocean

Ocean pools have gained popularity in the early 20th century especially in Australia. Lidos, ocean pools, in Australia were created by enclosing a section of the rock shelf where water circulates through the pools or by constant flooding over the side of the pool during high tide.

Spas and Hot Tubs

Spas and hot tubs are generally found in health clubs, fitness centers or the swimming pool area. These are heated pools used for therapy and relaxation.