One length of the pool is one lap. Webster's II, New College Dictionary gives this definition in regard to pools: "2.b. One complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool."
I think the confusion comes from a swimmer being "lapped", which is a different term with a different definition. As a competitive swimmer in summer, high school, and college, we counted 1 length as 1 lap no matter how long the pool, and never talked about "lengths of the pool" at all. My lap counters always counted down from 20 for the 500 and from 64 for the mile (in 25m pools). In the Olympics the 50m is one lap. But, the definition of a lap is not linked to any particular measurement; when you turn around, you are swimming a new lap.
Perhaps we can do away with the word "lap" and confusion by just talking about yardage/meters instead.
Although many swimmers consider two lengths (there and back) to constitute a lap. In reading and talking with many other swimmers, this is the common consensus. It is rare to find those who count one length as a lap. Just like in running, a 'lap' is once around the track, to your starting point. The same logic applies to swimming. A lap is when you reach your starting point again.
Usually Formula One tracks are designed in such a way that, they end where they begin. They may have their twists and turns but overall we can consider a track similar to a circle. If you begin at a point, after one full round you would reach the point.
Similarly, in a formula one track, if you begin at the starting point, after taking the various turns in the track you would eventually end up at the same starting point. One full distance across the track from start to finish is termed as one lap.
A lap in a pool is measured by the long side of the pool. The longest length of the pool is often used for races by swimmers.
An Olympic pool is 50 meters in length so 50 meters would be one length of the pool .
A rectangular pool shape is longer than it is wide. A lap would be comprised of swimming the length of the pool.
no a lap is down and back
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Depends on how long the pool is.
A full size Olympic lap pool is 50 meters in length. The width of the pool depends on space and usage requirements.
6 feet
An average recreational pool, is 25 yards per lap, some competetive pools are 25 meters per lap, and an olympic sized pool is 50 meters per lap.
Some people feel that a lap and a length are the same thing. They will use the terms interchangeably. Competitive swimmers do not often talk about lengths, but when they do they usually mean one complete length of the pool. As such, a lap generally refers to two lengths. For example in a 25 yard pool, a mile is ~35 laps, or ~70 lengths.Webster's II New College Dictionary uses the following definition for lap in regard to pools: "2.b. One complete length of a straight course, as in a swimming pool."
A lap pool can be purchased offline from the local agencies providing the same. These are small pools and can be installed at home. The local swimming pool owners may provide this service.
The answer depends on the length of a lap: a lap of a running track will be considerably larger than a lap of a swimming pool!