Pools

Pools are man-made water-filled enclosures used for bathing, swimming, and recreation. They range in size from compact residential units to large commercial facilities and vary by construction, water treatment, and zoning. The most common form is the swimming pool, available as in-ground or above-ground installations. In-ground pools are built into the landscape and may be constructed of concrete (gunite or shotcrete), fiberglass, or vinyl liners. Above-ground pools are freestanding structures with a frame and a vinyl liner. Natural swimming pools use biological filtration and planted beds to maintain clear water without conventional chemical sanitizers, offering a more ecologically integrated option.

Conventional pools typically rely on chemical sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine and a mechanical filtration system to remove debris. Water is circulated through filters to remove particulates, with a turnover rate that depends on pool size and use. Beyond chlorine systems, saltwater chlorinators, mineral treatment, ultraviolet light, and ozone are common alternatives. Maintenance tasks include regular water testing (pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness), balancing chemicals, cleaning surfaces, skimming debris, brushing walls, and monitoring equipment. Seasonal care, winterization, and routine inspections of pumps, heaters, and safety devices are part of standard operation.

Safety and regulation emphasize drowning prevention and electrical and structural safety. Residential pools often require barriers such as fences or covers and appropriate drain covers to reduce entrapment risk; public pools follow lifeguard, inspection, and record-keeping requirements.

Costs include installation, ongoing chemicals and energy, routine maintenance, and eventual replacement of equipment. Energy-efficient options and covers can reduce evaporation and heating costs.