A short course swimming pool measures 25 yards or 25 meters in length. This differs from long course pools that have a length of 50 meters.
Most collegiate and winter swim competitions in the US occur in short course yards (SCY). More turns are made by the swimmers in these competitions, so they emphasize push-offs and underwater skills. Triathletes and racers in the short-course pools benefit from the frequent interruptions and rhythm changes. But the Olympics use long-course (50-meter) pools that require endurance and endurance.
