What are your thoughts when thinking of a swimming pool? Probably swimming lessons or leisure centre. A swimming pool, however has many other uses that sometimes we simply don’t think of when we 'calculate' the benefit. We are not only speaking about how swimming affects, mental health or wellbeing, but a swimming pool has a huge range of opportunities and benefits we keep forgetting about.

1. People

We will start with people. Obviously, there are swimming pool for animals but we will be focusing only on people in this article. What is the age range? You probably guessed wrong. All ages, from unborn to seniors. Swimming is one of the very few exercises that’s recommended to pregnant women. We even have babies born in a pool, with swimming lessons starting at usually 3 months old (for vaccinations purposes). Nursing homes would benefit tremendously of a local swimming pool. Why not? The exercise is so gentle on the joins that it is indeed the best exercise for our seniors.

2. Safety

With many families going on holidays with a pool resort, or to cruises, or just living near the water, it is a health and safety hazard. Having anyone, but especially a child near the water who can’t swim, Why? In other countries children are taught to swim while at primary school. An example is a nice day on a beach. Would you go with family without a lifeguard in place?

3. Social

A swimming pool is a fantastic excuse to socialise with family and friends. A great way to keep fit and make friends in an easy and unassuming way. One of the few sports where parents have to stay with the kids, so definitely improves family connections.

4. Mental Disability

Exactly. In this category we could have several groups. There is a demonstrated great improvement for kids on the spectrum when swimming lesson are undertaken. Same for people with mental problems, as it reduces anxiety often associated with this disability. Why don’t we appreciate these facilities more?

5. Rehabilitation

And rehab? Do you have a problem with the Achilles tendon? Or back pain? Or were you unfortunate enough in an accident and lost a limb? How about after a stroke? Whether it's lower-back pain, arthritis, or rehab following a knee or hip replacement, water therapy is one of the best activities you can do. It is highly recommended particularly for injuries to ligaments, muscles, or tendons.

6. Post-Rehab

So you are injured and you use the pool. Great. Water reduces impact and stress when exercising, supporting injured muscles and joints during recovery, and pressing in on injured areas, reducing swelling and improving motion. Why stop then when the injury is gone? Swimming improves the quality of life and decreases disability, especially of chronic illness like arthritis.

7. Relax

What better time before/after work to go to the pool, do a few laps, and have time just for yourself? Have a little time, just for yourself, with no worries, no stress?

8. Cross Training

People shouldn't just focus on one sport. Need cross training to reduce the possibility of injury. Swimming is a recommended cross training sport for runners, soccer players, gymnastics, you name it. The pool improves conditioning and builds muscle while minimizing impact. Remember that it is an activity with low impact where you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.

9. Water Sports

Many sports need water. The most obvious is water polo, but also triathlons, aquarobics, diving, rowing, there is such a selection it should be available to everyone. This is a sport that increases flexibility, strengths the core and where you can have longer workout without being hard on the body.

10. Jobs

It is not just only for fun. You can make a career out of a pool. From Ship/Pearls treasure hunters to police scuba divers, to aquariums or even marine vets. How about cross borders security boats, or lifeguards?. Could you imagine if they didn’t know how to swim?