Top Reasons Why You Should Own a Swimming Pool

It happens every summer – the heat and humidity soar and so does your longing for a swimming pool.

While winter may have chilled your interest temporarily, summer is right around the corner. If you’re getting that same familiar urge to own a backyard pool – we say, go with it!

Christmas Central has eight excellent reasons why you should make your swimming pool dream a reality.

When you have your own pool, you don’t have to face overheated, irritable children begging you to take them swimming. Besides, everyone loves a dip in the pool – not just the kids! Adults may enjoy lazing in a pool lounger with a cool drink and the latest beach read. If you want to be more active, start a game of pool volleyball or water basketball or challenge the kids to diving and obstacle course contests. There are so many ways to have fun in the water!

Tempers tend to rise with the temperature and patience evaporates. You may lack the stamina to pack up all your swim gear, towels, sunscreen, drinks, snacks and kids and head to the nearest community pool or beach. Who needs that kind of frustration? Instead, a backyard swimming pool makes enjoying a cool dip quick and convenient. You avoid travel time and never need to keep track of open swim times at the community center. Plus, there’s no need for a swim club membership. 

The best place to teach kids to swim is in your own backyard! Easy access to a swimming pool provides plenty of opportunity for kids to build confidence in the water. They’ll soon learn the basics, like blowing bubbles, paddling and kicking. The more they can practice their swimming skills, the more successful and safe they will be in the water. Toss in fun pool accessories like inflatable floats, swim vests, goggles, swim fins, snorkels, diving rings and other water games. While your kids are splashing and having fun, they’ll be learning a lifesaving skill they can enjoy for a lifetime.

People with pools are popular when temperatures soar! A swimming pool is a great place to entertain and hang out. And everyone loves a pool party – the more the merrier. Invite family, friends and neighbors for a social splash or spontaneous evening swim. If you love a party, make your pool the center of your summer social life.

Public swimming pools aren’t for everyone. Some people appreciate space when they swim; it’s hard to swim laps in a packed public pool. Others prefer not to be seen in a bathing suit. Thankfully, many swimming-related anxieties go away when you own a pool. In your own backyard, you can swim at your own pace, gaining confidence without fear of intimidation or embarrassment. You can concentrate on your technique, stretch out and enjoy the water.

Some weather experts predict higher summer temperatures throughout the U.S. over the next few years. Swimming provides relief from intense heat, making owning a pool a practical way to keep your cool during a heat wave.

Not only is swimming fun – it’s great exercise. Swimming builds muscle and strengthens your lungs and heart. Swimming and water aerobic activities are great ways for seniors to stay active and mobile. The resistance of the water provides a great low-impact workout for people with arthritis or joint pain. Water exercises also are useful when recovering from some types of injuries and surgery.

An above ground pool can last eight to 15 years; an inground pool 20 years or longer. Attentive pool maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your swimming pool keeps your family entertained for a long time to come. A swimming pool installed this year could provide decades of water fun for you, your kids and grandkids!

If you’ve been thinking about buying a pool, now is the time to get in touch with pool contractors to discuss your options. The pool business starts picking up in early spring so call early for an appointment to discuss styles and plan for installation.

Christmas Central will be ready with all the accessories, pool chemicals, equipment, floats and pool deck furniture you need to turn your backyard into your own swimming haven. 

Swimming is fun for the whole family but, as with many activities, proper behavior in and around the pool makes swimming more enjoyable and safer for everyone.

Make sure everyone who uses your pool – especially children – understands the importance of following some important swimming pool rules.

Christmas Central offers these basic rules, which can be tailored suit your own family and situation.

1. Never swim alone. Children should always have an adult present.

2. Never dive in head first.

3. No eating or chewing gum in the pool.

4. No pushing, shoving, dunking or rough play.

5. Keep electrical appliances out of the pool area.

pH indicates the acidic or alkaline level of your pool water, measured on a scale from 0 to 14.

A balanced pH level of 7.0 is considered neutral. Keeping your pool pH between 7.2 and 7.8 maximizes the effectiveness of your pool chlorine and limits skin and eye irritation in swimmers. Unbalanced pH levels also contribute to pool equipment corrosion.

Many types of pool testing kits are available to help pool owners keep track of pool pH levels. Testing should be done at least once a week, or more often after heavy swimming or a rainstorm.

Adding a pH increaser or decreaser will help restore pH balance for the safest and most comfortable experience in the water.