In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the major fitness and health benefits that come with swimming pools for many people. From a low-stress form of exercise to the fact that swimming pools offer low-impact cardio and many forms of activity to improve your fitness, there are numerous reasons why pools are so popular for this purpose (among others).
At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we’re here to offer a huge variety of swimming pool design and construction services to clients around Salt Lake City and nearby parts of Utah, plus to serve as a Bullfrog Spa dealer and provide these fantastic custom hot tubs to clients as well. While part one of our series went over why pools can be so beneficial for fitness and health, today’s part two will look at some of the key features and qualities you should be prioritizing in your pool if health and fitness are major areas of importance for you.
Size and Shape
Naturally, if you know you plan to use your pool primarily for fitness and exercise purposes, you should be considering size and shape. Generally speaking, rectangular pools with wider widths are the best choice for fitness use – they offer more space for lap swimming and other forms of activity.
For those looking to diversify their activities constantly in the pool, irregular or free-form shapes might be better. For instance, if you plan to use the pool for water aerobics or other group exercise classes, a more open shape with multiple areas for different activities might be ideal.
Depth
Another important consideration is depth, which should be based on your specific fitness needs and abilities. If you’re primarily using the pool for lap swimming or aquatic therapy, shallow depths are likely best – but if diving or deep-water exercises are part of your plan, deeper areas will be necessary.
Water Temperature
While this isn’t a feature you can necessarily control in the pool design itself, water temperature is an important factor for many people using pools for fitness purposes. Warmer water (around 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit) is generally better for low-impact activities like water aerobics or physical therapy, while cooler water (around 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit) is better for higher-intensity exercises like lap swimming.
Pool Accessories
In addition to the pool design and features mentioned above, there are a few accessories that can greatly enhance your fitness experience in the pool. For example, adding resistance jets or tethers can create more challenging workouts, while pool noodles or buoyancy belts can provide support for those with injuries or limited mobility.
Maintenance and Safety
Finally, while not directly related to fitness, proper maintenance and safety features are essential for any pool owner – especially those using the pool for regular exercise. Keeping water clean and chemically balanced is important for both your health and the longevity of your pool, and safety measures like pool covers and fencing are crucial for preventing accidents.
At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we can help you design a pool that meets all your fitness needs with these important features in mind. Plus, our expert team is always available to answer any questions and provide ongoing maintenance services to keep your pool in top condition. Contact us today to get started with any pool or custom spa!