What Type of Swimming Pool Do You Want for Your Self-Catering Holiday?

Everybody loves self-catering holidays in cottages with swimming pools. Whether you use it to do a regular exercise workout, swimming an inordinate number of laps or for pool games with the children, a pool is a great asset to any holiday cottage.

Of course, you do need to check that the pool is suitable for your needs, and in doing so you will encounter a nice list of aquatic jargon describing different types of pools, some are pretty self-explanatory while others are potentially misleading: you cannot dive into a ‘plunge pool’ for example.

To help you, the My Favourite Holiday Cottages team have put together a little jargon buster for swimming pools to help you know whether what’s on offer is what you want.

Here we go:

We have broken the list into three sections:

1. Types of Pool
2. Types of steps giving access to the pool (important if you aren’t strong enough to lever yourself out over the sides or prefer an alternative to jumping straight in).
3. Equipment and pool toys

1. Types of Pool
   1. Outdoor pool - A swimming pool located outside, usually in a backyard or open area. Outdoor pools can be heated or unheated. Don’t forget to check which one it is as it can make a big difference for holidays in May or September.
   2. Indoor pool - A swimming pool located inside, often in a building such as a gym or a hotel. Perfect for holidays out of season.
   3. Lap pool - A swimming pool designed for swimming laps, typically long and narrow in shape.
   4. Infinity pool - A type of pool where the water seems to merge with the horizon, giving the illusion of an edgeless pool.
   5. Plunge pool - A small, shallow pool designed for quick dips or relaxation.
   6. Spa pool - A pool designed for relaxation and hydrotherapy, often with jets for massaging muscles.
   7. Saltwater pool - A swimming pool that uses salt to sanitize the water instead of chlorine (very easy on the eyes).
   8. Olympic-size pool - A large, regulation-sized swimming pool used for competitive swimming. Not many holiday cottages have these!
   9. Wading pool - A shallow pool designed for young children to play in and splash around.
   10. Water park - A sizeable outdoor facility with multiple water slides, pools, and other water-based attractions. Lots of waterparks have holiday cottages. Please read our blog on six of the best waterparks in the UK.

2. Types of steps giving access to the pool

1. In-pool steps are built into the pool, usually in the shallow end, that allows swimmers to enter and exit the water easily.
2. Ladder: A ladder is a device that attaches to the edge of a pool, allowing swimmers to climb up and down.
3. Roman Stairs: Similar to in-pool steps, stairs are more expansive, have a shallower pitch, and are usually semi-circular, making them easier to navigate.
4. Beach entry: Also known as a zero-entry pool, this design features a gradual slope that leads into the pool, similar to a beach.
5. Pool edge entry: This type of entry involves a set of steps or a ladder built into the pool's edge, allowing swimmers to climb in and out of the water.
6. Swim-up bar: This feature is often found in resort pools and involves a built-in bar with submerged seating, allowing swimmers to enjoy drinks without leaving the water.
7. Rock formation entry: This type of entry mimics a natural swimming hole, with rocks and boulders forming steps and ledges to enter and exit the pool.
8. Waterfall entry: This design features a waterfall cascading over rocks or other features, creating a beautiful entrance to the pool.
9. Diving board: A diving board is a board that is mounted over the pool and provides a platform for swimmers to dive into the water.
10. Slide: A slide is a water feature that allows swimmers to slide down into the pool from an elevated platform.

3. Equipment and pool toys

1. Pool cleaning equipment: This includes tools like skimmers, vacuums, and brushes that are used to keep the pool clean.
2. Pool covers: These are covers that can be placed over the pool to keep debris out, maintain the water temperature, and save on energy costs. In the spring or late summer and autumn, you may need to unwind the covers in the evening to retain as much of the day’s warmth as possible.
3. Pool heaters: These devices can be used to warm the water in the pool, making it more comfortable to swim in.
4. Water pumps and filters: These are essential components of a pool’s circulation system, helping to keep the water clean and clear. They are carefully set, so don’t mess with them if there is a problem. Instead, call the owner or manager to arrange for any issues to be fixed.
5. Pool alarms: These safety devices can alert you if someone enters the pool when they’re not supposed to. Very reassuring to have if you have young non-swimmers in your party. NB. Pools are supposed to be fenced off from the rest of the property with a child-proof lock on the gate for safety purposes. Ask or check the photos to see if this is the case.
6. Floatation devices: These are devices like pool noodles, kickboards, and inflatable rafts and rings that can help swimmers stay afloat or play games in the water. If the pool has anything inflatable, don’t forget to ask if or where the pump is in case it isn’t mentioned in the house directory.
7. Water slides: These features can be added to a pool, allowing swimmers to slide down into the water from an elevated platform.
8. Diving boards: These are mounted over the pool and provide a platform for swimmers to dive into the water.
9. Water games: These are games like water volleyball, water basketball, and Marco Polo that can be played in the pool.
10. Underwater cameras: These are waterproof cameras that can capture photos and videos of swimmers and the pool environment. You can purchase simple underwater cameras to bring with you. They are about £18-£20.

So, next time you plan to book a holiday cottage with a swimming pool, before you start searching, think about the guests in your party and what time of pool facility will make their holiday. And if the swimming pool has a poolside bar and BBQ, then all the better. Cheers!

Other Articles About Holiday Cottages With Swimming Pools:

1. Large Holiday Cottages With Private Pools
2. Six of the Best Waterparks
3. Our Favourite Holiday Cottages With Indoor Pools
4. Splash Out on a Holiday Cottage With A Pool
5. 23 Questions That Will Help You Find a Holiday Cottage With a Perfect Pool to Suit Your Needs

 View All Holiday Cottages With All Kinds of Pools in the My Favourite Holiday Cottages Collection.