Types of hotel pools: lap, leisure, plunge, rooftop and more
What lap pool, leisure pool, plunge pool, fun pool, rooftop and infinity pool mean, and how many of each we list in the UK.
"Pool" covers everything from a 25-metre lap pool to a small plunge pool in a spa. These are the words we use on Pool-Hotels.com, and exactly what they mean.
Lap pool
A pool with a checked length of 15 metres or more: long enough to swim lengths. We only call a pool a lap pool once we have checked its length.
Leisure pool
A checked length of 8 to 15 metres. Fine for a swim and for families, short for serious lengths.
Plunge pool
A checked length under 8 metres, or a cold or warm plunge pool in a spa. Good for a dip, not for swimming.
Fun pool
A pool with confirmed water slides, a lazy river or a splash zone, mostly at holiday parks.
Indoor and outdoor
We list 4,845 UK stays with an indoor pool and 1,479 with an outdoor pool. Outdoor pools in the UK are often open only in the warmer months, so check dates with the hotel before you book. Indoor pools · Outdoor pools
Rooftop pool
A pool on the roof of the building. Rare in the UK: we list 5 stays with one. Rooftop pools
Infinity pool
A pool whose edge seems to disappear into the view. We use the word only when the property lists an infinity pool; 1 UK stay on our list does. For infinity pools worldwide, see Infinity Pool World.
Children's pool
A separate shallow pool for children. 82 UK stays list one.
Hot tub
A small heated tub for sitting, not swimming. We never count a hot tub as a swimming pool.
Private pool
A pool for your use only. For villas and rooms with their own pool, see Private Pools Hotels. Pool-Hotels.com covers shared hotel, park and cottage pools.
Questions
What is a lap pool?
A pool long enough to swim lengths. On Pool-Hotels.com it means a checked length of 15 metres or more.
What is the difference between a plunge pool and a swimming pool?
A plunge pool is under 8 metres long, or a small spa pool for a dip. It is not long enough for swimming lengths.
Figures come from our UK listing data, updated 29 September 2026. How we check pools