What is a Swimming Pool?

swimming pool

A swimming pool is a man-made body of water where people swim and relax. It can range from a small portable plastic kiddie pool to a large landscape feature costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Budget, lot size and local codes will help you decide what kind of swimming pool is right for your home or neighborhood.

Swimming pools are usually heated to extend the length of time they can be used. Heaters can be electric, gas or oil. In many cases, pools are also covered at night to reduce evaporation and energy use.

Keeping a swimming pool clean is essential to safe and enjoyable swimming. Both Mother Nature and people using your pool bring all kinds of wild things into the water, from leaves and mold to residues from shampoos, perfumes and hair products. Brushing, skimming and vacuuming your pool regularly will keep the water clear and free of debris. Cleaning your skimmer basket and hair and lint pot (the area where the pump intake filter is located) should be done weekly.

Do not enter the water if you have had any signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal illness (i.e diarrhea) in the past seven days. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times. No running, rough play or dunking is permitted. Personal floatation devices may be used in the pool, however, only COAST GUARD APPROVED floatation vests are allowed.