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...