We understand what makes an aquatic facility stand above the rest. We have helped build and renovate some of the most celebrated competition pools in the world and have been consistently recognized for our dedication to improving swimming technology.
Area, depth, age and technological features are all elements that can contribute to the speed of a competition pool. Further consideration can be given when looking at history, records, seating capacity and overall notoriety.
After comparing aquatic facilities around the country, we have narrowed the list down to these top 10 competition pools.
10.) Trumbull Aquatic Center — Denison University
The Trumbull Center features a 50-meter long, 25-yard wide competition course, a large diving well and seating for just over 750 spectators. The facility also features a state-of-the-art timing and scoring system, two full color video boards, a sound system and a whirlpool spa.
9.) Denunzio Aquatic — Princeton University
The DeNunzio Pool was constructed in 1990 and measures 50 meters by 25 yards with a minimum depth of nine feet and a maximum depth of 17 feet. The pool has two movable bulkheads which allow for various course configurations for swimming and water polo.
8.) Gabrielsen Natatorium — University of Georgia
The natatorium area contains three separate pools. The 50-meter competition pool contains 844,000 gallons of water and can be configured into four different layouts by utilizing the two movable bulkheads to allow for both short- and long-course training and competition.
7.) Robert Kiphuth Memorial Exhibition Pool — Yale University
The Kiphuth pool is a 25-yard, six-lane pool that was designed for intercollegiate competition. The pool sits at the bottom of a 50-foot high funnel of 2,187 seats, which rise at an angle of 45 degrees and offer every spectator a perfect view of the action below.
6.) Avery Aquatic Center — Stanford University
This facility features four separate pools, which include the Avery Competition Pool, the Maas Diving Center, the Belardi Pool and the Baker Pool. The main attraction is the competition pool, which holds up to 2,530 fans and hosts all of Stanford’s swimming, water polo and synchronized swimming events.
5.) Freeman Aquatic Center — University of Minnesota
This facility features a 50-meter racing pool and adjacent diving well, both of which are accessed by athletes and recreation swimmers alike. The Aquatic Center has hosted over five million participants since it first opened in 1990.
4.) McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion — The Ohio State University
The Bill and Mae McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion is argued as one of the best diving facilities in the country. Since its opening in 2006, it has hosted events including NCAA Championships, Big Ten Championships, NCAA Zone Diving competitions and USA Swimming invitational meets.
3.) Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center — University of Texas at Austin
Completed in 1977, the center is modeled after the pool used in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. This pool is considered one of the fastest pools in the world due to its depth, gutter system, high filtration rate and lane width
2.) Herb McAuley Aquatic Center — Georgia Tech
Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this pool is definitely a swimmer favorite. The competition pool is 50 meters by 10 lanes, and features two movable bulkheads. It also has a movable floor which can be set from zero depth to seven feet, eight inches.
1.) IU Natatorium — IUPUI
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, “The Nat” is home to 19 world records and is recognized as one of the fasted pools in the world. The Natatorium has been a fixture in the swimming community since 1982 and has hosted hundreds of national and international events, including 13 Olympic trials.
We want to hear about your experiences in these pools!
If you don’t agree with our list, let us know what you would change by commenting below.
