Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility 101 Facts About Swimming Pools In 2023
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101 Facts About Swimming Pools In 2023

We know finding facts and figures about swimming pools can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we put together this list of the top 101 facts, notes, and statistics so you can easily reference them and refer back to them any time in the future.  This space is constantly changing, so if you see a fact that is not up-to-date, feel free to let us know. And if you know a stat that we should add, let us know that too!

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1. In 2023, Swimming Pools Are Expected To Become More Inexpensive, Allowing More Individuals To Acquire One.

In just a few short years, the high cost of swimming pools is expected to become a thing of the past. 2023 will see prices dropping significantly, making these once-pricey recreational installations much more accessible to homeowners who want to make a splash in their own backyards. 

 

2. A 6-Foot-Deep Olympic Pool Is 164 Feet Long, 82 Feet Wide, And Has These Dimensions.

Swimming in an Olympic-size pool is quite the experience! At 6 feet deep, a 164 by 82 foot pool is big enough to facilitate a great workout, while giving swimmers the ability to really enjoy themselves. Whether you choose to glide across the lap lanes in a steady stroke or practice your flip turns in one of the deeper ends, this type of swimming pool offers something for everyone.

 

3. There Are A Whopping 660,430 Gallons Of Water In An Olympic Pool.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool is an impressive sight – at 164 feet long and 82 feet wide, it's no wonder they contain such a huge amount of water! As if their size wasn't impressive enough, it turns out that Olympic pools can hold a remarkable 660,430 gallons of water! That's enough to fill up 15 large hot tubs or fill 528 average-sized bathtubs. 
 

4. The Water In A Pool Should Be 77 To 82 Degrees Fahrenheit At All Times.

Keeping your pool's temperature right is super important! Believe it or not, the temperature of your pool water actually plays a big role in ensuring that swimming remains a safe and enjoyable activity. A great rule of thumb to maintain a safe temperature range would be somewhere between 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. 

 

5. Ten Times Less Salt Is Present In Saltwater Pools Than In The Ocean.

It's no surprise that saltwater pools have gone mainstream in recent years; what could be better than taking a swim in water that is similar to the ocean but with ten times less salt! This makes it easier on the eyes and significantly easier to float, making it ideal for those seeking leisurely afternoons by the pool.

 

6. In The First Century BC, Gaius Maecenas Of Rome Constructed The First Heated Swimming Pool.

Gaius Maecenas of Rome was ahead of his time when it came to modernizing the ancient city with contemporary architecture and technology. He was the first person to design and build a heated swimming pool back in the first century BC. 

 

7. The Earliest Known Swimming Areas Are The Great Baths Of Mohenjo-Daro, Which Were Built Approximately 2600 BC.

Humans have been swimming for millennia! Swimming is extremely old. The 2600 BC Mohenjo-Daro baths in Pakistan are the oldest known (and still functioning) swimming places. This suggests that almost 4,000 years ago, individuals could build pools with privacy walls and watertight plastering.

 

8. A Swimming Pool's Dimensions Typically Range From 10 Feet By 20 Feet To 20 Feet By 40 Feet.

 

9. The Most Popular Style Of Swimming Pool Is One With A Vinyl Liner.

 

10. Marco Polo Is The Most Well-Liked Game In The Pool.

 

Sharks and Minnows follow closely. Marco Polo, also known as "Mermaid on the Rocks" or "Alligator," was invented in the 1960s. No one knows who originated it. After 60 years, it remains the most popular pool game.

 

11. The Most Well-Liked Method Of Diving Into A Pool Is The Cannonball.

The cannonball has been around since ancient Roman times and is still one of the most popular ways to dive into a pool. Its sheer force and potential for a huge splash make it incomparable to any other way of getting into the water. 

 

12. Interactive Components For Immersive Swimming Pools Are Projected In 2023. 

Augmented and virtual reality will provide poolside games, educational programs, exercises, and training sessions.

 

13. The Most Common Pool Accessory, Diving Boards, Are Present In 38% Of Swimming Pools.

Any pool needs diving boards to give swimmers a thrilling way to enter the water. Diving boards provide fun pool time and help competitive swimmers practice dives. 38% of pools have diving boards, according to surveys.

 

14. The Citystars Sharm El Sheikh In Egypt Has The Largest Swimming Pool In The World, At Just Over 1 Million Square Feet.

The Citystars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt surely knows how to make a splash! With the largest swimming pool in the world, visitors to this luxurious destination will have plenty of aquatic activities to indulge in. It's an impressive 1 million square feet, enough for anyone looking for a great time on or off the water. 

 

15. Filling Up The Citystars Sharm El Sheikh Took 21 Days.

 

16. The World's Highest Infinity Pool, The Aura Sky Pool, Is Situated In Dubai.

The highest infinity pool in the world, Aura Sky Pool, sits atop a huge skyscraper in Dubai! It not only offers incredible views of the city skyline, but also a unique and eye-catching design that looks like a bridge connecting two sides of the building.

 

17. The 479-Foot-Long Infinity Pool At Marina Bay Sands, Which Is Perched Atop Three Skyscrapers, Is The Longest One In The World.

 

18. With A Depth Of 196 Feet, Deep Dive Dubai Is The World's Deepest Dive Pool.

 

19. Due To The Red, Yellow, And Orange Tiles, The Library Resort In Thailand Has The Reddest Pool In The Entire World.

 

20. The Largest Mineral Hot Springs Pool In The Entire Globe Is Located At The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

21. The RMS Adriatic Was The First Ocean Liner To Have A Pool.

 

22. Per Capita, Australia Produces The Most Swimming Pools Worldwide.

 

23. Queensland Is The Australian State With The Largest Percentage Of Residences With Pools, With About 20% Of Homes In That State Having Swimming Pools.

 

24. With 643 Pools, The Lexic Hibiscus Port Dickson In Malaysia Holds The Record For Having The Most Pools In A Single Resort.

 

25. In The 1800s, Modern Swimming Pools Gained Popularity In Britain.

In the 1800s, a newfound appreciation for hygiene and physical fitness in Britain saw modern swimming pools become all the rage. People of all social classes partook in this form of leisure, making it a popular pastime among many.

 

26. With One Pool For Every 26 Households, Quebec Has More Swimming Pools Per Capita Than California.

Quebec may seem like an unlikely destination for beach-goers, but the province is home to an impressive number of swimming pools per capita. In fact, there is one pool for every 26 households, making it far higher than California.

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27. Most Swimming Pools Now Feature Some Kind Of Automated System That Allows Users To Easily Adjust Water Temperature, Salinity, Lighting, And Even Music While They Swim. 

 

28. There Are 10.4 Million Swimming Pools Located In Private Homes Across The United States.

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29. The Number Of Public Pools In The US Is Somewhere 309,000.

In the summer, nothing beats a plunge in a cool public pool. How many public pools are there in the US? Recent estimates place the nation's public pools at 309,000. Families can have fun and bond in public swimming pools.

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30. A Swimming Pool Is Present In About 15% Of American Houses.

Swimming pools are a luxurious backyard feature and having one in your own home makes for a convenient summertime paradise. A recent study has found that swimming pools are present in about 15% of American homes, making it one of the most popular amenities in the US. 

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31. In Addition To Traditional Chlorine-Based Pools, Saltwater And Natural Swimming Pools Are Gaining In Popularity Due To Their Environmental Benefits. 

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32. Pool Owners May Save Electricity And Stay Comfortable With Green Technologies. Some Pools Cut Their Electrical Bills By Using Solar Energy And Sunlight.

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33. Unsurprisingly, The Number Of Pools Is Highest In The US's Warmest States And Cities, While It Is Lowest In The Country's Coldest Areas.

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34. Arizona Has The Most Pools Per Person, But Florida Has More Pools Overall Than Any Other State.

Arizona has the most pools per person due to its bright climate, ideal for outdoor pools. Pool paradise or not, other states have more pools. Given its warm weather and laid-back beach culture, Florida has the most swimming pools in America.

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35. Since Many Individuals Are Uninformed Of Pool Concerns, Pool Safety Has Become A Major Issue. Residential Pools Now Have Safety Covers And Life Saving Gadgets.

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36. The World's Largest Swimming Pool Is 20 Acres In Size.

The world's largest pool, at Algarroba, Chile, cost about $2 billion to build in 2006. The San Alfonso del Mar resort's pool holds 66 million gallons of water, is 1,013 meters long, and goes as deep as 35 meters (about 12 storeys). It also has a pool within the pool and a saltwater pool in an indoor glass pyramid.

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37. The World's Oldest Swimming Pool Is From The Third Millennium BC.

The Great Bath, the world's oldest swimming pool, is located in Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan. It was thought that ritual bathing ceremonies and religious uses including purification took place at the Great Bath.

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38. The Titanic Was One Of The First Ocean Liners To Incorporate A Swimming Pool.

Titanic was a pioneer in many ways, including having a pool. The RMS Olympic, a Titanic "sister," sailed the year before. The RMS Olympic and Titanic's heated pools were exclusively open to first-class passengers at different periods for men and women.

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39. Swim Spas Are Tiny Pools (Some Are Only 10 To 14 Feet Long) That Create An Artificial Current You May Swim Against To Stay In Place.

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40. Although Lap Pools Are Sometimes Small, A Sizable Yard Is Needed. Some Are Designed For Training Or Exercise And Are As Long As An Olympic Pool (25 Meters).

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41. Recreational Pools Often Have Shallow Ends And Deep Ends (9 To 11 Ft.) For Diving.

They have a rectangular shape and come in a variety of sizes.

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42. Many Pool Owners Choose Having Their Pool Installed Adjacent To The Family Area Or Kitchen.

With easy access to the home, it is simpler to carry food and beverages outside and to clean up afterward. Additionally, seeing the pool from the house is simpler.

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43. The Majority Of Pools Created Nowadays Are Made Of Vinyl, Fiberglass, Or Concrete (Also Known As Gunite Or Wet Shotcrete, Depending On How It Is Mixed And Poured).

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44. Every 10 Years Or So, Concrete Pools Must Have Their Surfaces Resurfaced, Which Can Be Considerably More Expensive.

Maintaining a concrete pool can be an expensive endeavor, especially if it needs to be resurfaced every 10 years. This often involves removing the existing surface, repairing any cracks, then applying a new finish. 

 

45. Given Its 25-Year Lifespan, Fiberglass Pools Are A Cost-Effective Solution Over Time.

Fiberglass has a lower propensity to discolor or encourage the formation of algae, which lowers maintenance costs and difficulty.

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46. New Pools Cost More After Construction. Maintenance, Consumables, And Electricity Might Cost $1000–$3000 Per Year, Depending On How Much You Outsource.

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47. 85% Of Pools Use Chlorine To Sanitize.

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48. The State Of California Is Home To 3 Million Swimming Pools.

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49. The Typical Price Of Constructing An In-Ground Pool Is $21,919.

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50. The Construction Of An Above-Ground Pool Typically Costs $6,243 On Average.

Many people dream of lounging in their own pool on a hot summer's day, but the cost of an above-ground pool can be intimidating. On average, construction costs for an above-ground pool is around $6,243. However, this cost can be reduced significantly with careful planning and budgeting.

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51. In 1975, President Gerald Ford Ordered The Construction Of The White House's Outside Pool.

When President Gerald Ford briefly took office in 1975, one of his most ambitious projects (and probably most enjoyable!) was to build an outdoor swimming pool at the White House. 

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52. The Presence Of Hair Generates Friction In Water.

For this reason, competitive swimmers often shave their heads or wear caps when competing. It reduces the amount of friction, which enables them to travel at a quicker rate!

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53. The Country Of Morocco Is Home To The World's Largest Pool.

The Orthlied Pool in Casablanca, Morocco is 480 meters (1,574 feet) long by 75 meters (246 feet) wide and occupies a total area of 3,4 hectares (8.9 acres). That is nearly seven complete football fields!

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54. The Percentage Of Homes In New York City That Have Swimming Pools Is Quite Low.

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55. A Spa, Swimming Pool, Or Hot Tub Can Be Found In The Backyards Of About 20% Of American Households.

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56. The Oldest Public Swimming Pool In The United States Is Known To Be The Underwood Pool, Which Is Located In Belmont, Massachusetts.

Belmont, Massachusetts is home to some seriously cool history! Did you know that the Underwood Pool, located here in Belmont, is the oldest public swimming pool in the United States? 

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57. The Hansen Dam Recreation Center In California Boasts The Title Of Having The Largest Pool In The Entirety Of The United States.

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58. In-Ground Pools Make Up Somewhere Between 51 And 60 Percent Of All Pools In The United States.

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59. The Percentage Of Swimming Pools In The United States That Use Saltwater Is Currently Between 10 And 15%, But This Number Is Expected To Rise In The Near Future Due To The Growing Popularity Of Saltwater Pools.

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60. About Forty Percent Of The Country's Total Swimming Pools Are Located In The States Of California And Florida Combined.

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61. Texas Is The Home To The Nation's Largest Private Backyard Swimming Pool.

Most people don't expect to find the biggest pool in America when visiting a place like Texas - but that's exactly what you'll get! Located in San Antonio, this massive backyard swimming pool is an incredible sight to behold and just one part of the impressive estate.

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62. The Sun Causes Swimming Pools In The United States To Lose Around 13 Million Gallons Of Water Each And Every Hour Due To Evaporation.

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63. The Filling Of Swimming Pools In The United States Consumes Close To 200 Billion Gallons Of Water Annually.

Swimming pools are a popular summertime accessory to many Americans, but did you know the filling of them in the United States consumes an incredible amount of our water? Recent calculations show that 200 billion gallons of water is used each year to fill swimming pools across the country. 

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64. A Pool That Is Correctly Balanced Should Have A PH Between 7.2 And 7.8, Total Alkalinity Between 80 And 120 PPM, Calcium Hardness Between 180 And 220 PPM, Cyanuric Acid Between 30 And 50 PPM, And Chlorine Levels Between 1-3 PPM.

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65. The Average Monthly Cost Of Maintaining A Swimming Pool Is $100.

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around $100 per month in maintenance and upkeep of your pool. This includes costs such as supplies and chemicals, cleaning, repairs, and energy bills associated with running water pumps.

 

66. The Pump For The Pool Should Be On For Approximately 8-10 Hours Each Day.

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67. The Majority Of People Who Own Swimming Pools Clean Their Pools On A Weekly Basis.

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68. A Compound Annual Growth Rate Of 14.1% Is Being Seen In The Market For Robotic Pool Cleaners Currently.

It looks like pool cleaning is about to get a whole lot easier, as the market for robotic pool cleaners is continuing to see explosive growth this year. An incredible 14.1% compound annual growth rate means that more and more people are looking towards automation and smart technology solutions to keep their pools clean.

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69. The Usage Of Chlorine Can Be Found In Approximately 95% Of Public Swimming Pools.

Chlorine is an essential element of any public swimming pool, with its usage rate in these pools surpassing 95%. Not only does chlorine help to keep water clean and free from contaminants, it also helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and other illnesses.

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70. If The Liner Is Updated Every 6–12 Years Or As Needed, Vinyl Lined Pools Should Survive For About 20 Years.

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71. Fiberglass Pools Have A Lifespan Of At Least 30 Years And Often Longer.

Fiberglass pools are a great choice for anyone looking to invest in a pool that will last. They require minimal maintenance compared to other pool types, and come with a lifespan of 30 years and more, making them a practical and affordable option.

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72. Most In-Ground Pools Are Constructed Between 8 And 12 Weeks.

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73. On Average, A Pool Pump Will Survive Between 8 And 12 Years.

Generally speaking, pool pumps are built to last for a fairly lengthy period of time. From heaters to filters and other pool-related materials and machinery, keeping a swimming pool running can easily become quite the expense in terms of maintenance. Luckily, in the case of pool pumps, it's estimated that they will likely survive somewhere between 8-12 years, on average. 

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74. With Proper Maintenance, Automatic Pool Coverings Can Endure For 5 Years.

Automatic pool coverings are a great investment for anyone looking to protect their pool and reduce maintenance time. With proper upkeep, these covers can extend the life of your swimming pool while also eliminating the time and expense associated with manual cleaning. Automatic covers offer an effective solution that can often last up to 5 years when maintained properly. 

 

75. In Less Than A Minute, Free Chlorine Can Destroy Germs Such As E. Coli.

Chlorine kills bacteria fast! Free chlorine kills E. coli in seconds. This disinfectant reduces health risks and improves sanitation in various facilities. Chlorine kills harmful microorganisms in pools and hospitals.

 

76. New Features Are Added To Pool Technology Quickly. Pool Design In 2023 Is Almost Limitless, From Automated Cleaning Systems To Virtual Reality Simulators.

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77. In 2008, Around 12 Percent Of Pool Inspections Resulted In Pool Closures Due To Public Health Infractions, As Reported By The CDC.

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78. In 2013, Around 58% Of Pools Examined By The CDC Contained E. Coli.

While swimming pools should be a safe spot to cool off during the summer, many people may not know how potentially hazardous they can be! According to the Center for Disease Control, a study conducted in 2013 showed that 58% of examined pools contained E. coli bacteria, indicating contamination and a huge risk for swimmers.

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79. Before Entering A Public Pool, 21% Of American People Utilize A Pool Test Kit To Determine The Chemical Levels.

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80. It Is Estimated That The Swimming Pool Sector In The United States Is Worth More Than $1.1 Billion.

The swimming pool sector in the United States is booming. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to own a swimming pool at home, with an estimated value of over $1.1 billion - and rising. 

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81. On Average, In-Ground Pools Cost Approximately $35,000.

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82. The Typical Price Of An Above-Ground Pool Is Roughly $2,800, Which Is Significantly Less Than The Price Of An In-Ground Pool.

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83. The Market For Swimming Pools Is Anticipated To Expand Significantly Over The Next Five Years.

The market for swimming pools is really heating up, and it's no surprise why. With more people staying in their own homes instead of traveling during the coronavirus pandemic, many families are looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor areas and swimming pools provide fun entertainment that lasts all summer long.

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84. Zodiac, Pentair, Latham, And Hayward Are The Leading Pool Manufacturers In The United States.

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85. When Contemplating The Purchase Of A Pool, Price Is A Consideration For Approximately 36% Of Prospective Buyers.

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86. A Solar Pool Heating System Typically Costs Between $3,000 And $4,000.

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87. A Swimming Pool Can Increase The Value Of A Home By 8%.

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88. On Average, Opening And Closing A Pool Costs Between $300 And $500.

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89. The Water From The Pool Is The Same As The Water From The Tap.

Swimming pools don't contain "chemicals". My pool has less chlorine than tap water (at least in my neighborhood). Most pool water is clean, filtered daily, and balanced with few additives. Drinking pool water is safer than tap water!

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90. The Majority Of Swimming Pools Today Are Constructed With Vinyl Liners.

The majority of the 3.5 million above-ground vinyl-lined pools and nearly a third of the 5 million in-ground vinyl-lined pools in the United States make vinyl the most widely used swimming pool surface material.

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91. The Majority Of Swimming Pool Owners—95%—Add Chlorine To Their Water.

Despite many people (12%) producing their own chlorine using salt water pools, halogen chlorine has reigned. Ozonators, Mineral Purifiers, and UV Systems are reliable additional sanitation options, however most pools use chlorine sometimes. 5% of US pool owners employ biguanide sanitizers or natural approaches.

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92. The First Swimming Pool Was Built In Pakistan 5000 Years Ago.

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93. Swimming Is A Fantastic Workout For The Cardiovascular System.

It makes both your heart and lungs stronger at the same time. When compared to biking, it burns 40% more calories, and when compared to hiking, it burns 30% more calories. Additionally, it uses the main muscle groups in the body.

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94. Swimming Pools Have Changed Over The Years, And In The Late 19th Century, Their Popularity Began To Rise.

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95. Like People, Dogs' Skin And Fur Can Be Harmed By Chlorine.

You should give your dog a good rinsing once it comes out of the pool if you want to make the swimming pool a more secure environment for your animals.

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96. It's Possible That Drinking Pool Water Is Safer Than Drinking Water From The Tap.

Many view swimming pools as chemical baths. However, tap water is allowed to have more chlorine than pool water. Given that pool chemicals should be managed at optimal levels, pool water often has less chlorine than tap water. Check your pool for green algae before taking it.

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97. There Have Been Poll Filters Available For Use For 105 Years.

Pool filters are almost as old as swimming pools. A pool filter lets you reuse pool water instead of adding new. Before that, pool water was dirty.

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98. Even Our Ancestors Were Able To Enjoy The Benefits Of A Swimming Pool.

Egyptian wall art shows people swimming, proving people have long loved a refreshing swim. Swimming pools have been around since 2500 BCE, as these drawings show.

 

99. 2023 Will Make Swimming Pools Safer And More Accessible. 

Pools will have self-locking ladders, motion sensors, and audio/visual alerts to prevent accidents.

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100. 2023 Pools Will Feature A Better Circulation System To Filter And Purify Water. This System Reduces Pool Chemicals.

2023 will bring advances in technology that will revolutionize the swimming pool industry. These new pools feature a better circulation system designed to filter and purify water, reducing the amount of chemical usage.

 

101. More People Will Be Able To Buy A Pool In 2023. Fiberglass And Above-Ground Pools Will Enable This.

In 2023, more people will build pools as summer excitement builds. Many homeowners who thought fiberglass and above-ground pools were too expensive now can afford them thanks to technology. Owning a pool lets families spend quality time outdoors and make memories. Anyone wishing to create a backyard sanctuary is in for a treat!

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