An endless 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 endless swimming pools:
in warm summer parts of the world private endless 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, an endless
swimming pool for private use is considered a status symbol (an indoor
private endless swimming pool even more so). Endless 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 an endless 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 endless pool walls.
Endless 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
endless 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 endless 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 endless swimming pool.
As a precaution, many municipalities have bylaws that require that residential
endless swimming pools be enclosed with fencing to restrict unauthorized
access.
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