Whether you are looking to relax or exercise, a swimming pool can be your perfect retreat. But there are many things to consider before choosing which type of pool is right for you and your family. Budget, lot size, local codes and maintenance requirements all have an impact on your final choice.
There are 10.4 million residential pools and 309,000 public pools in the United States, according to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. Most swimming pools are indoors and heated so they can be used year-round. They are usually surrounded by concrete or vinyl liners that are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae, and are maintained by professionally trained staff.
In addition to the fun of swimming, pools are also great places for socialization. Countless communities across the country have public pools where neighbors and friends can meet, fostering a sense of community for adults and children alike. Public pools also are the site of neighborhood and community events, such as barbecues and block parties.
The pool as we know it today likely evolved from a primitive bathing practice called balneotherapy, which involved immersing the body in mineral-infused water to treat ailments such as skin diseases and respiratory conditions. This practice is believed to have inspired the modern spa, which offers a range of treatments from body wraps to facials and hair treatments.
The first swimming pools may have been built by Gaius Maecenas, a Roman lord, in the first century B.C. Over the centuries, the popularity of these pools ebbed and flowed until the mid-to-late 1800s when they gained in prominence, especially for athletic competition. Today, Olympic Games and other competitions use pools to host synchronized swimming, diving, and water polo, among other sports.
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