Out Of The Water

  Test your grasp of swimming pool facts with these six multiple-choice questions. Note down your answers (A–D), then check the answer key below to see how you did. Good luck! 1. Ancient Origins Where was the world’s oldest known pool discovered? A. The Roman Baths in England B. Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan) C. Palace of Knossos in Crete D. The Baths of Caracalla in Rome 2. Water Color Science Why do deeper pools often appear more vividly blue? A. Blue paint on pool walls B. Reflection of the sky only C. Red light wavelengths get absorbed first D. Chlorine reacts to create blue pigments 3. Saltwater Pools What makes saltwater pools gentler on skin and eyes than traditional chlorinated pools? A. They use ozone instead of chlorine B. Salt generates chlorine gradually via an electrolytic cell C. The water is unfiltered and remains soft D. They rely on ultraviolet light alone 4. Record-Setting Pools Which pool holds the title for the world’s deepest diving pool? A. San Alfonso ...

  Swimming pools offer more than just a place to splash around. From ancient origins to cutting-edge designs, these water-filled havens reveal surprises in history, science, culture, and engineering. Dive in to discover five fascinating facts you might not know about pools. 1. Pools Date Back Over 5,000 Years Ancient civilizations prized communal water sites long before modern pool decks existed. The oldest known pool, excavated at the “Great Bath” of Mohenjo-Daro in present-day Pakistan, dates to around 2600 BCE. In Minoan Crete, elaborate stone baths served both ritual and recreational functions by 1500 BCE. Romans took it further with expansive thermae—public bathhouses with heated pools, steam rooms, and social areas. 2. Record-Breaking Pools Around the World Some pools set records for sheer size or uniqueness. Here’s a snapshot of a few legendary contenders: Name Location Size or Feature San Alfonso del Mar Pool Algarrobo, Chile World’s largest outdoor pool (20 acres) Citystar...

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  Keeping children safe around water doesn’t have to be complicated. These five actionable tips help reduce drowning risks and give parents, caregivers, and kids clear steps to follow every time they’re near a pool, lake, or beach. 1. Always Maintain Active Supervision Children should never be left unattended in or near water, even for a moment. Designate a “water watcher” whose sole job is to keep eyes on the kids—no phones, conversations, or distractions allowed. Rotate this role every 15–30 minutes to ensure vigilance stays sharp. 2. Teach Age-Appropriate Swim Skills Enroll children in swimming lessons as early as possible—many community centers offer water familiarization classes for toddlers. Focus on basic skills like floating, treading water, and safe entry/exit techniques. Reinforce these skills regularly so they become second nature. 3. Require Proper Flotation Gear Life jackets or approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) should always fit snugly and be Coast Guard–appro...

  Essential Guide to Pool Filter Cleaning: What to Look For Regular pool filter maintenance is vital for clean, clear water and efficient circulation. Neglecting filter cleaning can lead to higher chemical use, equipment strain, and poor swimmer experience. This guide breaks down methods for sand, cartridge, and D.E. filters, highlights key warning signs, and offers best practices to keep your system running smoothly. Why Regular Filter Cleaning Matters Regular cleaning prevents debris buildup that restricts water flow and drives up pump pressure. A clean filter maximizes filtration efficiency, reducing chemical consumption and energy costs. Proactive maintenance extends the lifespan of filter media and pump components. Types of Pool Filters and Their Cleaning Methods Sand Filters Backwash to flush out trapped dirt. Inspect laterals for breaks and sand levels yearly. Cartridge Filters Remove cartridges and rinse with a hose. Soak in filter cleaner quarterly to dissolve oils and sca...

  The Science Behind the Tint Blonde swimmers often return from the pool with an unexpected souvenir: a greenish tint to their hair. While it’s easy to blame chlorine, the real culprit is copper—its presence in pool water, combined with oxidation, leads to that telltale hue, especially in light or porous hair. Copper, Not Chlorine, Is to Blame Copper ions—from pennies turning green to the Statue of Liberty’s patina—oxidize when exposed to pool water and chlorine. As copper oxidizes, it leaches into the water and binds to the proteins in hair shafts, depositing green-tinted particles. How Copper Enters Pool Water Municipal or Well Water Sources Many well-water supplies naturally contain dissolved copper. Even some city water systems can have elevated copper levels, seeding pools with the metal. Copper-Based Algaecides Copper is a powerful algaecide, so many pool owners use copper-bearing treatments to prevent algae blooms. Overuse or improper dosing raises copper concentration...