How deep is an artistic swimming pool?
Officials' detail · The routines · 2 of 2At least 3 metres deep throughout at the Olympic Games and world championships, over an area of 30 by 20 metres. Elsewhere the minimum is 15 by 25 metres, with a 12 metre square at least 3 metres deep and the rest at least 2. The water must be 27 degrees Celsius or warmer and clear to the bottom.
How it works
- Olympic Games and world championships: "a minimum area of 30.0 metres by 20.0 metres" with a depth "consistently not less than 3.00 metres".
- Other competitions: at least 15 metres by 25 metres. Inside it, 12 metres by 12 metres must be at least 3.0 metres deep. The rest must be at least 2.0 metres.
- Temperature: "not less than 27° Centigrade".
- Clarity: "of sufficient clarity for the bottom of the pool to be visible".
- Floor markings: contrasting lines along the length of the pool.
- The starting platform: 0.7 metres high at the Olympic Games and world championships. Elsewhere 1.0 metre is recommended and 0.5 is the minimum.
- Judges: on raised platforms on opposite sides of the pool.
- Under water: speakers, and a camera with slow-motion replay for checking use of the bottom.
- Lifeguards: three during competition, one of them beside the coach of the swimmers in the water.
The glossary has the competition pool and use of the bottom.
Tricky cases
Can the swimmers touch the bottom?
No, not to help the routine. Deliberate use of the bottom to propel oneself or to assist another athlete costs eight points.
Is an artistic swimming pool the same as a racing pool?
It depends on the pool. A racing pool is deep enough only if it meets the depths above. The figure and routine areas may share the same water.
Does the pool need lane ropes?
No. The rules call for floor lines along the length of the pool and no ropes.
Why is there a lifeguard beside the coach?
To "react immediately in an emergency". The rule places one lifeguard next to the coach of the competing swimmers.
Why the rule exists
Swimmers are thrown several metres up and come down head first, and the swimmers lifting them start from deep under the surface. The depth is there so that nobody reaches the floor by accident, and so that nobody is tempted to push off it. Warm water matters because the athletes spend long spells almost still.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games and world championships | 30 by 20 metres, 3.00 metres deep, lighting of 1500 lux | AS 27.2 |
| Other competitions | 15 by 25 metres, part of it 3.0 metres deep, lighting of 600 lux | AS 27.1 |
| Pools deeper than 2 metres | The wall may be 2 metres deep, sloping to the full depth within 1.2 metres | AS 27.1.3 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Seven: Artistic Swimming Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 16.2, 24.1.3, 24.1.11, 27.1, 27.2, 27.3.9 and 28.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).