Friday, October 25, 2013

Above Ground Pools - A Primer

Recreational swimming pools didn't become popular until the mid 19th century. Modern Olympic Games (which began in 1896) included many competitions that signaled the popularity of swimming pools, which eventually prompted Oxford to build the first public swimming pool 1939.

Privately-owned, home pools became popular after the Second World War (partially due to the prominence of pools in Hollywood movies in that era). The growth of the suburban life in the in the 1950s solidified the pool's role as a status symbol for middle-to-upper class Americans.

However, in-ground swimming pools are expensive and require major landscape modifications-conditions that many people can't accommodate. On the other hand, above ground pools are light, affordable and are easily-assembled. Also, many of them are portable-favorable for prospective pool-owners who don't intend to stay in one location permanently.

Because of their afford-ability, above ground pools have allowed more people access to summertime recreation than ever before.

Above ground pools can be made of a simple PVC-material and sold in any department store. Often considered "kiddie" or splasher pools, they nonetheless provide a refreshing place to sit on a hot summer day. Plus, many of them are now inflatable which makes storage easy when they're not in use, especially during the off-season.

High-end models are more durable and constructed of a steel frame. The liner is made from vinyl or polyester, both of which are incredibly long-lasting. Legacy, a flagship manufacturer of above ground pools offers almost every shape and size, including ovals, circles and standard rectangles-some can reach up to 52" deep!

Above ground pools require the same amount of sanitation of a regular, in-ground pool and that's why most come with filters and pumps. Water pumps are the base of operations of any sanitary swimming environment. In pool pumps, an electric motor spins an impeller which draws water from all the drains in the pool and through a metal strainer before entering the pump. The strainer catches all the large debris. Then, water is pumped through the filter, where debris and chemicals are removed.

Even lap pools can be above ground¬-Legacy makes one that reaches up to 41 feet in length and is the perfect option for privatized exercise instead of battling for lanes at the local gym. Exercise pools are also very popular and not as pricey as lengthy lap pools. Developed over the last two decades, these recreation devices create adjustable resistance so the swimmer feels like they are actually swimming long distances when they are actually staying in one place.

Safety should always be the number one concern for all pool owners. Never leave young ones unattended around a pool area! It's also a good idea to keep the surface covered when it's not in use. Common sense is probably the best weapons against pool-related injury-according the Center for Disease Control, six people drown in pools every day and most of these cases are in public pools with certified lifeguards on duty.

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