The history of swimming pools goes back to the “great bath” constructed at the 3rd millennium BC site of Mohenjo-Daro. Ancient Greeks and Romans also had artificial swimming pools built at their places. However, swimming pools were never become as popular as they are nowadays.
The modern swimming pools stand for opulent lifestyle. Swimming pools are popular parts of hotels, homes, hostels, schools, universities, clubs, etc. There are many types, sizes, and styles of swimming pools, such as ocean pools, private pools, public pools, competition pools, fast & slow pools, exercise pools, hot tub pools, etc.
Ocean pools became popular in the early part of the 20th century in Australia. These pools were constructed typically on headlands by enclosing part of the rock shelf, with water circulated through the pools by flooding from tidal tanks or by regular flooding over the side of the pools at high tide. Ocean pools come in a number of pre-made “above ground” and “in the ground” pool kits for homes and other places.
Private pools are very common in the countries and regions with some warmer climates. These pools are often viewed as status symbol. These pools are extremely popular in the western countries. Most of the westerners and rich people of the world have private pools at their homes. Private pools can be constructed “above ground” and “in the ground” at homes. Private pools can be indoor as well as outdoor. These pools may have some additional features like waterfalls or artificial seashores, hot tubs, etc. Private pools also come in a number of different styled and sized pre-made pool kits. Private pools may include baby pools, backyard pools, patio pools, etc.
Public pools are often found as part of a larger leisure centre or recreational complex. These pools are generally at clubs, resorts, swimming training schools, etc. These pools may also have spas or Jacuzzis. These pools are open for public and may have features, such as artificial waterfalls, fountains, splash pads, wave machines, varying depths of water, bridges, and island bars.
Competitive pools are meant for swimming and diving competitions. The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) – International Swimming Federation sets widely recognized standards for competition pools, which must be 25 m (~82 feet) or 50 m (~164 feet) long and at least 1.35 m (~4.4 feet) deep.
Fast & slow pools are specially designed pools to increase or decrease swimmer resistance in pool. These are a type of exercise pools, which are mainly designed for physical work outs, water toning, jogging, or water yoga. These pools go under several names, such as swim spas, swimming machines, or swim systems. Hot tubs are small pools in which people sit on an underwater bench along the edge with water streams and air bubbles.
