Olympic-size swimming pool

An Olympic-size swimming pool is the type of swimming pool used in the Olympic Games, where the race course is 50 metres (160 ft) in length. This is typically referred to as "long course", distinguishing it from "short course" which applies to competitions in pools that are 25 metres (82 ft) in length. If touch panels are used in competition, then the distance between touch panels should be either 25 or 50 metres to qualify for FINA recognition. This means that Olympic pools are generally oversized, to accommodate touch panels used in competition.

Specifications

FINA specifications for an Olympic-size pool are as follows:

There must be two spaces 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide outside lanes 1 and 8 (in effect, two empty lanes). The length of 50 metres (164 ft) must be between the touch pads at the end of each lane, if they are used. If starting blocks are used, then there must be a minimum depth of 1.35 metres from between 1.0 metres from the end of the pool to at least 6.0 metres from the end of the pool. At all other points, the minimum depth is 1.0 metres. If the pool is used for Olympic Games or World Championships, then the minimum depth is increased to 2.0 metres.

Olympic Pool, Montreal

The Montreal Olympic Pool was constructed for the 1976 Summer Olympics as part of the Montreal Olympic Park. The Olympic Pool is part of the larger swimming centre, located in the base of the inclined tower. The centre has a spectator capacity of 3,012 seats.

At the 1976 Olympics, the venue hosted swimming, diving, water polo, and the swimming part of the modern penatathlon events. It had a capacity of 10,000 seats at the time (6,988 temporary seats were installed).

The building was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert, who also designed the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Village.

Outside of the actual aquatic complex, inside the tower, a small museum exists, commemorating the 1976 Games as well as Games past, with posters and displays in French and English.

As of 2014, the aquatic complex is closed while undergoing extensive renovations to bring the facilities in line with FINA+ standards, including: