Information on Swimming Pools

Swimming is one of mankind's most ancient sports and recreation activities. Swimming pools have been in use in various guises for thousands of years. In modern times, personal swimming pools are common, and come in a variety of designs, water types and sizes. Swimming pools are also built for public use, and are popular attractions in summertime.

  1. Types

    • Both public and private pools range from small paddle pools to Olympic-size swimming pools (164 feet long). Pools can be in-ground or above-ground models, and may be filled with either fresh chlorinated water or saltwater. Pools may be built indoors or outdoors. Shapes include the traditional rectangle, oval or kidney shapes, or long, thin lap pools. For the kids, small inflatable pools are popular.

    History

    • According to Best Swimming Pool Supplies, the first public swimming pools were found in ancient Rome. Swimming was an important part of Greek and Roman education, and Rome is also the home of the first recorded heated swimming pool. Roman baths were another version of the swimming pool, and the Roman baths at Bath in England became a popular bathing resort. According to Story of London, swimming organizations began to develop as early as 1600, and the first indoor swimming pool in England was built in 1742. In 1896 swimming was included in the first modern Olympic Games, and after that swimming pools became more and more common.

    Uses

    • Swimming pools are used for recreational or training purposes for swimming. As a recreational activity in the summer months, swimming is a way to cool down. Professional swimmers or health-conscious individuals swim "laps" in swimming pools to improve fitness, and in the case of professionals, to improve time and endurance for swimming races.

    Benefits

    • Swimming pools have numerous benefits, including the health improvements swimming provides, as a cooling aid in summer and a recreational area. Private swimming pools provide the additional benefit of in-home access to the fitness and recreational activities that a swimming pool provides.

    Precautions

    • Swimming pools come with their own risks that include drowning, poisoning from pool chemicals, bacterial infection from unclean pools or injury from inappropriate diving or slipping on the edges of the pool. Most countries nowadays have legislation governing the proper fencing around pools to minimize child drowning. According to Swimming Pools 101, swimmers should never swim alone or when intoxicated; people should not run near a swimming pool and should avoid swimming in the rain or in storms.