When buying equipment for your aquatics program, it’s important to know that pool lane dividers, also known as swimming lane lines, are a key factor in helping swim teams find success in the water. Not only are they a required component for competitions but also help swimmers better navigate the pool as they compete.
Competition-grade pool lane dividers can be somewhat tricky to buy. You must know the key features you need when purchasing the best options for your pool. This post will help you learn the basics of lane dividers before you start shopping.
Why Are Pool Lane Dividers Important?
Lane lines are a vital feature of swimming pools, especially for competitive swimming. In general, lane dividers help swimmers focus on staying straight while also helping to reduce the accumulation of water turbulence. With multiple swimmers competing at once, the intensity of the waves can increase significantly. Lane dividers help keep the pool water relatively flat and calm.
Another primary function of lane lines is to create definitive lanes to help swimmers avoid a collision, whether in competition, during swim practices, or during leisurely lap swims.
Finding the Right Length and Color
The most common type of pool lane divider is often a lane rope. These nylon ropes have 3-5″ floats set every few feet and are designed to separate swim lanes. They’re also sometimes used to mark a pool’s shallow and deep ends. Since this type of lane line isn’t designed to calm waves, it isn’t often used for competitive swimming.
That said, 6″ racing pool lane dividers are much more popular for aquatics programs. The racing lane divider is strung out on a 3/16″ steel cable and secured to the pool walls with a steel spring and ratchet reel. Swim racing lanes are available in varying lengths, usually up to 50m, and a variety of color combinations.
In general, there are no standard colors for lane dividers. Outside of competition rules and regulations, you have the liberty to customize swimming lane lines to match your aquatics team colors, school colors, or general preferences.
Quick tip: Most short course pools change float colors at the 15m mark. In long course pools, the color will change at the 25m mark.
Pool Lane Dividers Float Styles
When it comes to pool dividers, there are different lane line float styles to choose from. For competition purposes, racing pool lane dividers are designed with discs made of 6″ polyethylene. Vents in the discs allow water to move freely through, helping to decrease any water swells and preventing swimmers from crashing into each other.
Since pool lane divider floats are subjected to regular wear and tear, it’s essential to find a superior product that substantially increases the usable lifespan of the discs. Competitor uses protective additive formulas with cutting-edge polymer stabilization components to withstand harsh pool environments.
Maintaining Lane Dividers
You can invest in a lane roller to keep your swimming lane dividers in competition-ready shape. Lane storage reels help to clear the pool quickly of designated lane lines to keep them protected from pool chemicals and sunlight while also making the pool usable for other activities.
It’s also important to purchase all your lane dividers at once. Doing so will ensure the colors are consistent and that all lane lines last the same amount of time. It’s much easier to replace them all at once instead of one at a time.
Customize Your Pool Lane Dividers With Competitor
Competitor offers the longest-lasting swimming lane lines with the science to prove it. With our easy-to-use Lane wizard, you can design and configure the perfect length and color pool lane dividers for your aquatics program. All of our products are custom-built by hand with expertise, pride, and a passion for swimming sports. Our swimming lane lines are made in the USA and are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Need some help choosing the right options? Contact us, and we’ll help you make the best decisions for your pool.
