Fun Facts about In Ground Swimming Pools!
1. Ancient Origins
Inground swimming pools have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. The first known pool was the “Great Bath” in the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, which is now part of modern-day Pakistan. It was built around 2600 BCE and is considered one of the earliest public water tanks designed for swimming and religious rituals.
2. The Deepest Inground Pool
The Y-40 Deep Joy in Montegrotto Terme, Italy, holds the title of the world’s deepest inground swimming pool. It reaches a staggering depth of 137 feet (42 meters) and is a popular destination for freediving and scuba diving enthusiasts.
3. Swimming Pool in Space
In 1994, the space shuttle Endeavour carried a 4,000-pound swimming pool into space. Don’t worry; it wasn’t for the astronauts to splash around. The pool was part of the Hubble Space Telescope’s second servicing mission, allowing astronauts to practice repairs and upgrades in a weightless environment.
4. The Largest Residential Pool
If you think your neighbor’s pool is big, wait until you hear about the world’s largest residential pool. Located in a mansion in El Campo, Texas, this massive pool covers an area of 2.9 acres and holds a staggering 600,000 gallons of water. It’s so large that it even has its own private island!
5. The Most Expensive Pool
If you have millions to spare, you might consider investing in the most expensive pool ever built. The pool at the luxurious Hearst Castle in California cost a jaw-dropping $10 million to construct back in the 1920s. Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $150 million today!
6. Record-Breaking Swims
Inground pools have been the stage for numerous swimming world records. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps set an impressive 39 world records in his career, many of them achieved in inground pools during various competitions.
7. The White House Pool
The White House, the official residence of the President of the United States, has had its own inground swimming pool since 1933. It was initially constructed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it for hydrotherapy to help with his polio-induced paralysis.
8. Pool Water Chemistry
Proper water chemistry is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool. The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6, slightly alkaline to keep the water comfortable for swimmers and prevent corrosion of pool equipment.
9. Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is not just a fun activity; it also offers numerous health benefits. It’s a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. Regular swimming can also reduce stress and boost mood levels.
10. Energy-Efficient Pools
Modern inground swimming pools are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Pool owners can now opt for energy-efficient pumps, LED lighting, and solar heating systems, reducing the environmental impact and cutting down on utility costs.
11. Olympic size pools
Hold up to 850,000 gallons of water
12. The oldest swimming pool
Dates back to the 3rd Millennium BC and is known as The Great Bath, located in Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan
13. The longest swimming pool
Is Casablanca, Morocco. It is 480 meters long and 75 meters wide, covering 8.9 acres
14. Of the 11 million swimming pools in the USA
Over Half are In Ground pools
15. The most popular accessory add-on for in ground pools is….
The Diving Board!
Inground swimming pools have a fascinating history and continue to be a source of enjoyment and relaxation for people around the world. Whether it’s an impressive record-breaking pool or a small backyard oasis, swimming pools play a significant role in our lives, offering countless hours of fun and exercise.
