A swimming pool, sometimes also referred
to in some countries as a swimming bath, or wading pool is an artificially
enclosed body of water intended for recreational or competitive swimming,
diving, or for other bathing activities that involve swimming, e.g. play,
wading, water exercise, floating on inflatable toys, or cooling off on
hot days. The chemical chlorine is most commonly used as a sanitiser,
primarily to control algae, bacteria and pathogens.
One can distinguish between private and public swimming pools: in warm
summer parts of the world private swimming pools are usually outdoors,
while public swimming pools can be either outdoors or indoors, with some
complexes having both. In some parts of the world, a swimming pool for
private use is considered a status symbol (an indoor private pool even
more so). Swimming pools can be constructed either above ground (generally
constructed from plastic and metal), or in the ground (usually formed
either out of reinforcing steel bars concrete and lined with sprayed or
pumped concrete, prefabricated sectional walls and a vinyl lined interior),
or a one piece fiberglass shell.
The depth of a swimming pool depends on the purpose of the pool, and if
it is open to the public, or strictly for private use. If it is a private
casual, relaxing pool, it may go from 1.0m to 1.8m (3 to 6 feet) deep.
If it is a public pool designed for diving, a pool may slope from 3 to
4.8 m (10 to 14 feet) in the deep end. A children's play pool may be from
30 cm to 1.2 m (1 to 4 feet) deep. Most public pools have differing depths
to accommodate different swimmer requirements. In many areas, it is a
requirement to show the water depth with clearly marked depths affixed
to the pool walls.
Swimming pool water must be maintained at low levels of bacteria and viruses
to prevent the spread of diseases and pathogens between users. Mechanical
filters as well as chemical disinfectants are commonly used to maintain
the safety of pool water.
In areas which reach freezing temperature, it is important to close a
pool properly. This varies greatly between inground and aboveground pools.
By taking steps to properly secure the pool, it lessens the likelihood
that the superstructure will be damaged or compromised by freezing water.
It is always advisable to keep a close watch on small children around
swimming pools, especially private pools that do not have professional
lifeguards, as pools present a significant risk of infant and toddler
death due to drowning. In regions where residential swimming pools are
common, drowning is a major cause of childhood fatalities. Adults are
more likely to be aware of risks, but it is still a good idea to have
more than one person around when using a private swimming pool. As a precaution,
many municipalities have bylaws that require that residential swimming
pools be enclosed with fencing to restrict unauthorized access.
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