Pool vs. Lido — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
A pool is a general term for any contained body of water designed for swimming, while a lido is a public outdoor swimming pool or bathing beach, often offering amenities and leisure activities.
Difference Between Pool and Lido
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A pool refers broadly to any artificial structure designed to hold water for swimming, diving, or recreational activities. These structures can vary in size, shape, and purpose, ranging from private backyard swimming pools to public aquatic centers. Pools are found indoors and outdoors and are used for various activities, including exercise, leisure, and competitive swimming. On the other hand, a lido is a specific type of public outdoor swimming pool or section of a beach set aside for swimming, typically equipped with amenities such as changing rooms, sun loungers, and sometimes cafes or recreational facilities. Originating from the Italian word for "beach," lidos are particularly associated with leisure and outdoor recreation, often found in seaside towns and cities.
While pools can be located indoors, facilitating year-round use regardless of weather conditions, lidos are inherently outdoor facilities, capitalizing on natural sunlight and the appeal of swimming in an open-air environment. This distinction means that lidos are seasonally operated in many climates, popular during warmer months for sunbathing, socializing, and outdoor swimming. Conversely, pools, especially those indoors, serve a more versatile role, accommodating activities such as lap swimming, aquatic exercise classes, and swim lessons throughout the year.
In terms of accessibility and public use, pools cover a broad spectrum from private pools in homes or exclusive clubs to public aquatic facilities open to the community. Lidos, by contrast, are inherently public spaces, designed to offer a communal place for outdoor swimming and sunbathing. They often charge an entry fee but are meant to provide a public amenity that enhances community life and leisure opportunities.
The social and cultural significance of lidos as public gathering places for leisure and recreation is a notable aspect of their appeal. They often feature architectural design elements that reflect the styles and values of the times in which they were built, making some historic lidos landmarks in their own right. Pools, while also serving as important community hubs, may not always carry the same historical or architectural significance, focusing more on functionality and accessibility.
The choice between visiting a pool or a lido often comes down to personal preference and the desired experience. Those seeking a leisurely day in the sun with the added ambiance of open-air swimming might prefer a lido, while individuals looking for a more controlled swimming environment or specific aquatic activities might opt for a pool.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A contained body of water for swimming.
A public outdoor swimming pool or beach.
Location
Can be indoor or outdoor.
Always outdoor.
Usage
Swimming, diving, exercise, and recreation.
Leisure, sunbathing, and outdoor swimming.
Accessibility
Ranges from private to public access.
Public, often with an entry fee.
Seasonality
Year-round use, especially for indoor pools.
Seasonal, popular in warm months.
Amenities
Varies widely; may include diving boards, lanes.
Often includes sun loungers, changing rooms, cafes.
Compare with Definitions
Pool
Public pools provide community access to swimming facilities.
The local public pool offers swim lessons and lap swimming.
Lido
A lido is an open-air public swimming pool or beach.
The Bristol Lido attracts visitors with its heated outdoor pool.
Pool
A swimming pool is a water-filled enclosure for swimming and recreation.
The hotel's indoor pool is open year-round.
Lido
Historic lidos reflect architectural and cultural values.
The art deco lido on the coast has been preserved as a landmark.
Pool
Therapeutic pools are used for aquatic therapy and exercise.
The therapy pool's warm water helps in rehabilitation.
Lido
Seasonal lidos become social hubs in the summer.
The local lido is the community's favorite spot during heatwaves.
Pool
Private pools offer a secluded space for family and friends.
Their backyard pool was the centerpiece of summer gatherings.
Lido
Lidos often feature amenities for leisure and sunbathing.
The lido included a cafe and sun loungers along the poolside.
Pool
Competition pools are designed for racing and diving events.
The Olympic pool met international standards for the games.
Lido
Lidos offer a unique blend of swimming and outdoor leisure.
Spending a day at the lido is a perfect summer activity.
Pool
A small body of still water.
Lido
In British English, a lido ( LEE-doh, LY-doh) is a public outdoor swimming pool and surrounding facilities, or part of a beach where people can swim, lie in the sun, or participate in water sports. On a cruise ship or ocean liner, the lido deck features outdoor pools and related facilities.
Pool
A deep or still place in a stream.
Lido
(British) Part of the sea by a beach sectioned off for swimming and other aquatic activities.
Pool
A swimming pool.
Lido
(British) An outdoor swimming pool.
Pool
An underground accumulation of petroleum or gas in porous sedimentary rock.
Lido
A recreational facility, especially one including a swimming pool for water sports.
Pool
A game of chance, resembling a lottery, in which the contestants put staked money into a common fund that is later paid to the winner.
Lido
A recreational facility including a swimming pool for water sports
Pool
A fund containing all the money bet in a game of chance or on the outcome of an event.
Pool
A supply, as of vehicles or workers, available for use by a group.
Pool
A group of journalists who cover an event and then by agreement share their reports with participating news media
The White House press pool.
Pool
A mutual fund established by a group of stockholders for speculating in or manipulating prices of securities.
Pool
The persons or parties participating in such a fund.
Pool
A grouping of assets, such as mortgages, that serves as a basis for the issuing of securities.
Pool
An agreement between competing business concerns to establish controls over production, market, and prices for common profit.
Pool
Any of several games played on a six-pocket billiards table usually with 15 object balls and a cue ball. Also called pocket billiards.
Pool
To form pools or a pool
The receding tide pooled in hollows along the shore.
Pool
To put into a pool, as for common use
Let's pool our resources to finish the project quickly.
Pool
To join or form a pool.
Pool
A small and rather deep area of (usually) fresh water, as one supplied by a spring, or occurring in the course of a stream or river; a reservoir for water.
The pools of Solomon
Pool
Any small body of standing or stagnant water; a puddle.
Pool
Ellipsis of swimming pool
Pool
A supply of resources.
There is a limited pool of candidates from which to choose the new manager.
Dating pool
Pool
A set of resources that are kept ready to use.
Pool
A localized glow of light.
Pool
A game at billiards, in which each of the players stakes a certain sum, the winner taking the whole; also, in public billiard rooms, a game in which the loser pays the entrance fee for all who engage in the game.
Pool
(sport) A cue sport played on a pool table. There are 15 balls, 7 of one colour, 7 of another, and the black ball (also called the 8 ball). A player must pocket all their own colour balls and then the black ball in order to win.
Pool
In rifle shooting, a contest in which each competitor pays a certain sum for every shot he makes, the net proceeds being divided among the winners.
Pool
(fencing) A group of fencers taking part in a competition.
Pool
Any gambling or commercial venture in which several persons join.
Pool
The stake played for in certain games of cards, billiards, etc.; an aggregated stake to which each player has contributed a share; also, the receptacle for the stakes.
Pool
A combination of persons contributing money to be used for the purpose of increasing or depressing the market price of stocks, grain, or other commodities; also, the aggregate of the sums so contributed.
The pool took all the wheat offered below the limit.
He put $10,000 into the pool.
Pool
A set of players in quadrille etc.
Pool
(rail transport) A mutual arrangement between competing lines, by which the receipts of all are aggregated, and then distributed pro rata according to agreement.
Pool
(legal) An aggregation of properties or rights, belonging to different people in a community, in a common fund, to be charged with common liabilities.
Pool
To form a pool.
Pool
(transitive) To put together; contribute to a common fund, on the basis of a mutual division of profits or losses; to make a common interest of.
We must pool our resources.
Pool
(intransitive) To combine or contribute with others, as for a commercial, speculative, or gambling transaction.
Pool
A small and rather deep collection of (usually) fresh water, as one supplied by a spring, or occurring in the course of a stream; a reservoir for water; as, the pools of Solomon.
Charity will hardly water the ground where it must first fill a pool.
The sleepy pool above the dam.
Pool
A small body of standing or stagnant water; a puddle.
Pool
The stake played for in certain games of cards, billiards, etc.; an aggregated stake to which each player has contributed a snare; also, the receptacle for the stakes.
Pool
A game at billiards, in which each of the players stakes a certain sum, the winner taking the whole; also, in public billiard rooms, a game in which the loser pays the entrance fee for all who engage in the game; a game of skill in pocketing the balls on a pool table.
He plays pool at the billiard houses.
Pool
In rifle shooting, a contest in which each competitor pays a certain sum for every shot he makes, the net proceeds being divided among the winners.
Pool
Any gambling or commercial venture in which several persons join.
Pool
A combination of persons contributing money to be used for the purpose of increasing or depressing the market price of stocks, grain, or other commodities; also, the aggregate of the sums so contributed; as, the pool took all the wheat offered below the limit; he put $10,000 into the pool.
Pool
A mutual arrangement between competing lines, by which the receipts of all are aggregated, and then distributed pro rata according to agreement.
Pool
An aggregation of properties or rights, belonging to different people in a community, in a common fund, to be charged with common liabilities.
Pool
To put together; to contribute to a common fund, on the basis of a mutual division of profits or losses; to make a common interest of; as, the companies pooled their traffic.
Finally, it favors the poolingof all issues.
Pool
To combine or contribute with others, as for a commercial, speculative, or gambling transaction.
Pool
An excavation that is (usually) filled with water
Pool
A small lake;
The pond was too small for sailing
Pool
An organization of people or resources that can be shared;
A car pool
A secretarial pool
When he was first hired he was assigned to the pool
Pool
An association of companies for some definite purpose
Pool
Any communal combination of funds;
Everyone contributed to the pool
Pool
The combined stakes of the betters
Pool
Something resembling a pool of liquid;
He stood in a pool of light
His chair sat in a puddle of books and magazines
Pool
Any of various games played on a pool table having 6 pockets
Pool
Combine into a common fund;
We pooled resources
Pool
Join or form a pool of people
Common Curiosities
What defines a lido?
A lido is specifically an outdoor public swimming pool or part of a beach set aside for swimming, often equipped with leisure amenities.
Can pools be used year-round?
Indoor pools can be used year-round, while outdoor pools and lidos may be seasonal depending on the climate.
What is a pool?
A pool is a contained body of water, either indoor or outdoor, used for swimming, exercise, and recreation.
Why are some pools private?
Private pools offer exclusivity and privacy for homes, resorts, or members-only clubs.
How do entry fees for pools and lidos compare?
Public pools may have nominal fees or memberships, while lidos might charge entry fees to access additional amenities.
Are all lidos located by the sea?
Not all lidos are seaside; some are inland but are always outdoor and designed for public use and leisure.
What makes lidos special?
Lidos are celebrated for their open-air swimming experience, leisure amenities, and often historical and architectural significance.
Can lidos have indoor facilities?
While lidos are primarily outdoor, they may include indoor facilities like changing rooms, showers, and cafes.
Are there competitive events at lidos?
While less common, some lidos may host swimming competitions, especially those with historical significance or ample space.
What activities are common at lidos?
Besides swimming, lidos often host sunbathing, social gatherings, and sometimes water-based fitness classes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
