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National Swimming Pool Day

Where liquid serenity welcomes weary souls, offering respite from the world's cares in its shimmering, aqua embrace.

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Drive summer pool season sales by promoting swimming gear, pool accessories, and backyard pool installations as essential lifestyle upgrades for families seeking outdoor recreation.

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Summer essentials: pool noodles, floaties & water games—shop the trending accessories families are buying now
Transform your backyard: above-ground & in-ground pool options for every budget & property size
Family fun challenge: Marco Polo tournaments, diving contests & water volleyball—gear up for pool season
Beat the heat: why July is the perfect month to invest in a home swimming pool

History

Pools were built in ancient times and often used as baths, but some of them may have also been used as swimming pools as early as 3000 BC. In 4th century Sri Lanka, pairs of pools were built and decorated with a special scroll design and flights of steps.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used pools for athletic activity, and some Roman emperors may even have stocked their swimming pools with fish. In the first century BC, the first heated swimming pool was built in Rome.

The first indoor public swimming pool in London was opened in 1742. Called the Bagino, this pool was open only for men who could pay one guinea, no ladies allowed. There was a cold pool as well as a warm one, and ‘waiters’ were available to give swimming lessons.

When the Olympic games were revived in modern time in 1896, the games included swimming races, which spread the popularity of swimming pools throughout the world. National Swimming Pool Day made its first appearance in 2016 and it has been a delight to celebrate each year since!

How to celebrate

Go for a Swim

Obviously, the first point of order for National Swimming Pool Day is to don your swimming suit and take a dip in a local pool. Whether it’s your own pool, one belonging to a friend, or a public pool, head on over on this hot day and dip a toe into that delightful water. Jump off of the diving board, practice the backstroke, or start up a game of water volleyball. Or perhaps just engage in a silly round of “Marco Polo” which is basically like playing blind hide-and-seek in the swimming pool.

Get Some Swimming Pool Gear

Of course, just swimming on its own can be fun. But it can be even more entertaining with some swimming accessories. Bring along some floatie wings to pop onto the kids’ arms. Grab some pool noodles, beach balls, water frisbees, squirt guns, swim-through rings, floating basketball hoop, inflatable volleyball set, floating lounge chairs and games.

Install a Swimming Pool

One of the most extreme ways people might choose to celebrate National Swimming Pool Day is to go ahead and install a swimming pool in their backyard. The kids would be happy to have it – and it would be a blast for adults too! Depending on the size of your property, it might be possible to put in a full-blown below-ground swimming pool that has options for swimming short laps. But those with a small yard might consider an above ground swimming pool. Some even have the option of choosing salt water instead of chlorine to regulate water safety.

FAQ

What is the oldest documented swimming pool still in use?

The world’s oldest known pool still in use is the Neptune Pool in Bath, England, built during the Roman Empire. It was constructed in 70 A.D. as part of the Roman Baths. Today, it remains a historic site and a testament to ancient engineering, though no longer open for swimming.

How did Hollywood influence swimming pool design?

In the 1950s, Hollywood stars began showcasing elaborate swimming pools in films and at their homes. This trend popularized kidney-shaped pools and private backyards with poolside patios. These designs became synonymous with luxury and leisure in post-war America.

Are there cultural swimming traditions tied to pools?

In Japan, water-related rituals are significant during summer festivals, like the Nagoshi no Harae purification ceremony. While not directly tied to modern pools, the culture’s reverence for water has inspired elegant pool designs in contemporary spas and resorts across the country.

What are the most unusual swimming pools in the world?

The Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls allows swimmers to peer over the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. In Switzerland, the Thermalbad Zürich has a rooftop pool offering stunning alpine views, blending modern design with natural beauty.

Did swimming pools play a role in any famous legal cases?

In 1972, the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Kentucky led to a lawsuit involving a swimming pool being used as a safety violation escape route. This case highlighted the need for better safety regulations in public spaces, including pools.

How are swimming pools celebrated in different countries?

Australia celebrates its “Big Lap” culture by combining road trips with stops at famous pools, like the Bondi Icebergs. In Finland, many pools are attached to saunas, creating a unique hot-and-cold swimming experience.

What were the first “infinity pools” designed for?

Infinity pools originated in Bali, Indonesia, designed to mimic the seamless views of rice paddies and natural landscapes. Today, they’re a hallmark of luxury resorts, but their roots lie in connecting swimmers with nature.

Are there eco-friendly swimming pools?

Natural swimming pools use plants and biological filters instead of chlorine for water purification. Popular in Europe, these pools create habitats for wildlife and offer a chemical-free swimming experience.

How have pools appeared in art?

David Hockney’s painting A Bigger Splash immortalized the suburban pool as a symbol of freedom and modernity in the 1960s. His work reflected the cultural shift where pools represented leisure and aspiration.

Why do pools sometimes have myths about being “haunted”?

Urban legends often surround pools built on old properties or abandoned hotels. Some believe these areas retain “energy” from past events, like accidents. While unproven, such stories add a spooky twist to certain locations.