Swimming pool facts for kids
A swimming pool is a big container filled with water. People use pools for fun activities like swimming, diving, or just cooling off on hot days. You can also play games, wade, or exercise in the water. To keep the water clean and safe, a chemical called chlorine is often added. It helps kill germs and tiny plants called algae. Some pools even use saltwater to keep them clean.
Contents
Different Kinds of Swimming Pools

There are many different kinds of swimming pools. Each type is designed for a special purpose or look. Here are some common pool styles you might see:
Play Pools
A play pool is usually not very deep, often less than five feet. These pools are made for fun and games. They often have cool and unique shapes, not just simple rectangles.
Freeform Pools
Freeform pools are designed to look like natural ponds or lagoons. They have curvy, uneven shapes, just like nature. Often, they include features like rocks and waterfalls to make them feel even more natural.
Geometric Pools
A geometric pool has straight lines and clear shapes. The most common shape is a rectangle. This is what many people think of as a "traditional" swimming pool.
Lap Pools
Lap pools are built for people who want to swim for exercise. They are long and narrow, often more than fifty feet long. This design helps swimmers do many laps without turning around too often.
Diving Pools
Diving pools are made to be deep, usually between six and eight and a half feet. They often have a diving board or a platform. This extra depth makes them safe for diving.
Infinity Pools
Infinity pools, also called "negative edge" pools, create a cool optical illusion. It looks like the edge of the pool disappears into the horizon. This makes it seem as if the water goes on forever.
Spools
The word "spool" combines "spa" and "pool." A spool is a smaller pool, often like a very large hot tub. They are usually around 12 to 14 feet wide and long. Spools are great for relaxing in a smaller space.
Perimeter Overflow Pools
In a perimeter overflow pool, the water level is exactly the same height as the ground around the pool. The water gently spills over the edges into a special drain system. This creates a very smooth and modern look.
Images for kids
-
Racing pool at the University of Minnesota
-
Olympic swimming pool and starting blocks used for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia
-
Modern replica ancient Roman baths in Bath Spa, England, UK
-
Cairns Lagoon, a public swimming pool in Australia
-
Rooftop pool in Manhattan
-
An ocean pool at Coogee in Sydney, Australia
See also
In Spanish: Piscina para niños