About Swimming Pools

For the water lovers among us, swimming pools are some of the most valuable commodities on the market. For their ability to offer escape from the summer heat, a place of recreation and an all-around fun time, swimming pools rank among the most important recreational inventions of all time.

Invented

The oldest known pool dates back more than 4,000 years to the Mohenjo-Daro archeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization. At this archeological site, a pool was unearthed that measured 12 meters long and came complete with an advanced tar-based sealant. Innumerable remnants of swimming pools can also be found in the ruins of ancient Greek and Roman cities. Reportedly, the Greeks and Romans used pools to train athletes and soldiers, in addition to their serving as social gathering spaces. The first heated swimming pool was built by Gaius Maecenas of 1st century B.C .Rome.

Evolution

Many ancient pools were created simply as bath houses for the wealthy, often featuring elaborate marble sculpting and open-air designs. In the modern era, however, the British in the 19th century began to pioneer the use of pools for competitive and recreational swimming. As such, the 1896 Olympic Games were the first to include competitive swimming. In 1907, above-ground swimming pools were developed and the first oceanliner to sail with swimming pools followed shortly thereafter. With the end of World War II, private backyard swimming pools began to become more widespread.

Type

Swimming pools come in a variety of forms. Private pools probably constitute the most widespread type and can be found anywhere from Manhattan rooftops to suburban neighborhoods. Public pools--usually larger than private ones--are also common and can be found in local gyms, neighborhood associations and water parks. Competition pools such as the international Olympic pool have strict design regulations and are employed in the field of competitive swimming. Hot tubs and spa pools are also sometimes included in the pool category. Ocean pools, mostly found in Australia, are not common in other parts of the world.

Features

Pools have different features based on their differing purposes. Some pools are shallower than others for competition or recreational purposes, while deeper pools feature diving capabilities. Other features include heated water for comfort and relaxation, artificial waves to help in athletic training and lane lines for competition. Pool water everywhere around the world must have filters and be treated with chemicals such as chlorine, bromine or mineral sanitizers in order to prevent algae, bacteria, viruses and even insect larvae.

Significance

Swimming pools can be found in almost every country throughout the world, even some of the smallest. New Zealand, for instance, boasts almost 200,000 total swimming pools for its approximately 4 million people, making it the leader in pools per capita. The social significance of swimming pools has, since ancient times, been central to their reason for being. As promoters of social harmony through competition, public socializing and recreation, swimming pools are an oft-unnoticed facet of a successful civilization.

Resources

• Find swimming pool equipment and supplies.
• Get do-it-yourself swimming pool kits.