What Is a Swimming Pool?

A swimming pool is any structure in which people swim for fun, exercise, or recreation. It includes in-ground and above-ground structures, as well as portable spas and non-portable wading pools. Swimming pools must be properly sanitized to ensure that the water is safe for swimmers. They are disinfected using chemicals that reduce the levels of bacteria and viruses in the water.

The history of the swimming pool can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with Gaius Maecenas inventing the first heated swimming pool in the first century B.C. Ancient Romans would later adapt Maecenas’ idea and build pools for public bathing and athletic competition. Swimming pool popularity ebbed and flowed for the next few hundred years, until the mid-to-late 1800s, when they began to rise in prominence once again.

Modern swimming pools offer a variety of features and are available in different sizes, shapes, and depths. Many are designed for lap swimming and exercise, while others may feature diving platforms and towers and a water park-like area for recreation and entertainment. Some pools are even equipped with special water jets for massages or therapy.

Whether you are considering building a swimming pool or remodeling an existing one, it is important to make sure the type of pool meets your family’s needs and budget. Talking with several contractors in your region can help you compare costs and find the best option for your unique needs. For example, a pool built for young children or people with accessibility issues is likely to cost much less than a competitive lap pool.