Swimming pool owners know that pools are great for relaxation, quality family time, and health and fitness.  But did you know that the history of swimming pools dates back thousands of years with many interesting facts?  We’ve put together a list of 10 fun swimming pool facts that you may be surprised to learn.

  1. Ancient drawings and paintings found in Egypt depict people swimming dating back to 2500 BCE.
  1. The first heated swimming pool was built by Gaius Maecenas of Rome, a friend to Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.
  1. The first swimming club was the Maidstone Swimming Club. It was established in Kent, England in response to people drowning in the River Medway.
  1. The Titanic was the first ocean liner to have a swimming pool.
  1. Swimming has been part of the Olympic Games since 1896.
  1. The world’s largest pool, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was built in Algarrobo, Chile in December 2006. The Alfonso del Mar Seawater Pool is 1013 metres long.
  1. In Brussels, Belgium, the Nemo 33 is the deepest indoor pool in the world with a depth of 34 metres. It’s kept at a very comfortable 30 degrees celsius, so divers don’t need wet suits to protect from hypothermia.
  1. The turbo pump on the space shuttle’s main engines are so powerful they could drain an average swimming pool in 25 seconds.
  1. Australia builds more domestic swimming pools (per capita) than any other country in the world.
  1. Swimming is what Australians do best. Our most Olympic medals come from swimmers: Ian Thorpe with 9 medals and Leisel Jones with 9 medals.

Swimming pools have stood the test of time for many, many centuries.  Have these fun swimming pool facts convinced you to jump into pool ownership? If you need some more inspiration, take a look at our many pool styles, or check out the many choices we have for colours. Discover the joy and fun of owning a pool by contacting us today (leisurepools.co.nz) and Get Swimming in Quality and Style.