A lot of people love to swim. It is a relaxing way to get good exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and interact with children and other people in the water. Getting access to pools for individuals who live in urban areas and the inner cities can be very difficult. For those who are lucky enough to spend time at the beach or in any body of water, there are some interesting swimming pool statistics and facts available that may surprise you.

It is the younger generation that spends the most time in pools and other bodies of water. Infants and toddlers are often enrolled in swim classes at local facilities by their parents. This is a great time for them to learn to paddle and get used to submerging their heads in water without fear. This is especially important for youngsters who are regularly around pools. They will never be part of the sixty-five percent who get into pools without knowing how to swim.

When homeowners decide to purchase pools, they have two basic choices. They can go with the above ground type that comes in a wide variety of sizes and can be put together without the services of a professional. A more costly choice is an in ground type. These can be expensive especially if the homeowners pick out special materials and designs.

There are two basic ways to keep pools sanitary. The vast majority opt for chlorine. The tablets are readily available, and that is what most people are used to. The filter system must have regular maintenance, and the acidity levels have to be tested several times a week to make sure the water is safe. Some people do not like exposure to harsh chemicals however.

Salt water pools are gaining in popularity, but they are still in the minority. Maintaining a salt system has some advantages. You don't have the smell and stinging associated with chlorine for one thing. After the system is installed, the cost of maintenance is lower than with the chlorine. It is much safer for children and pets because of the lower chemical levels.

Pools are not without danger. Every year almost a half million people drown or are killed in other water related accidents. Three quarters of children under fifteen, who drown, die in private pools, and more toddler deaths result from drowning than any other cause. Some misinformed parents believe putting float devices on their little ones' underarms keeps them safe. This is not true at all. Any child that can not swim should wear a life vest even in pools.

There are huge benefits to engaging in regular water activities. It is great for overall fitness, and you will burn about six hundred fifty calories an hour. Swimming is good for heart health and can even help lower cholesterol. It is also an excellent stress reliever and a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Anyone can enjoy the activity from infancy until the end of life.

Personal pools are great to have if you have the means and the backyard it takes to install them. Public pools are also a wonderful way to have fun in the water all summer long.