Swimming pool is a large tank used for swimming and diving. Many people throughout the world enjoy the fun and recreation provided by swimming pools. Some pools are used for swimming races. This article discusses backyard pools. For information on pools used in swim meets, see the article on Swimming .
Manufacturers produce a wide variety of backyard pools. Both the expense and the type of swimming activities planned should be considered when selecting a pool. There are two main kinds of backyard swimming pools, in-ground pools and above-ground pools.
In-ground pools are pools in which the water is below the surface of the ground. Most of these pools cost at least as much as a new automobile, but they last almost indefinitely. Some in-ground pools are made of concrete or fiberglass. Others consist of a vinyl liner in a shell of steel, aluminum, or special wood. Many inground pools have diving boards.
Above-ground pools are pools in which the water is in a metal or plastic frame above the surface of the ground. Such pools are less expensive than in-ground pools. However, they do not last as long. Some aboveground pools are small and shallow, so they provide only limited opportunities for swimming.
Any backyard pool should have basic equipment. Ladders are necessary for getting into and out of the pool. A filtration system for removing impurities from the water is essential. The pool should also have an automatic skimmer, a device that clears the surface of trash.
