An inground swimming pool is built directly into the ground as a permanent fixture, usually using concrete as the primary material for construction. Unlike above ground swimming pools, an inground swimming pool is extremely difficult to remove should the need arise, as they are designed to be permanent structures in private or public spaces. The size, shape, and design of the inground swimming pool varies depending on the builder's desires, and while many pools designed for home use are small enough to fit in a back yard, public pools can be much larger to accommodate the surrounding community.
Many gyms and fitness centers commonly feature an inground swimming pool designed for athletes who intend to swim laps for fitness. Such pools are built on the ground floor of the fitness center so the body of water does not run the risk of leaking onto the floors below. the pool is generally split up into lanes using floating markers so more than one swimmer can use the pool at one time without running into another swimmer. All inground swimming pool structures, regardless of location, are built with filtering systems so the water can remain clean and safe for swimmers at all times.
Since most inground pools are constructed from concrete, the size and shape can be easily manipulated to fit the needs of the owners. Backyard swimming pools are not always rectangular, like public pools usually are. The backyard inground swimming pool can be designed to mimic the irregular shape of a pond or swimming hole, or it can be made oval, rectangular, square, or any other shape the builder wants to create. Concrete is also useful in making the pool multi-leveled, meaning one end of the pool can be much deeper than the other end. Inground pools often feature concrete steps at one corner of the pool to allow easy access.
The concrete is often finished with a waterproofing material as well as paint to improve the aesthetic of the structure. In some cases, the pool can be decorated with tile or other materials to further enhance the visual appeal. The area surrounding the pool is also often concrete to promote traction and allow a flat surface on which excess water from the pool or from the elements can be drained. Some swimming areas feature a hot tub very close to the pool itself, as such an inground structure is also easy to build and convenient for swimmers.