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Compact Pools
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise
and recreation. As a form of
exercise, swimming
provides a full body workout
without the
impact and strains found in other
activities.
And as for recreation, what can
beat a refreshing
dip on a hot summer day? Choosing
an in-ground
pool over an aboveground model
can also enhance
the value and prestige of your
home. However,
full size pools can be expensive,
occupy
a large area, and take on an
institutional
or motel look if you want enough
space for
a suitable work out. If you are
concerned
about one or more of these drawbacks,
a compact
swimming pool is an excellent
choice.
Compact swimming pools are small pools --
often only slightly larger than a large spa
or hot tub -- with a current. That is, water
flows from one end of the pool to the other
so that the swimmer does not travel while
swimming. This technique allows a small pool
to be of virtually limitless length. Because
of their size, compact swimming pools are
also more easily included inside the house
to allow for more comfortable year round
use.
When deciding on a compact swimming
pool,
here are some points to consider:
- water current speeds - make sure the pool
you choose propels the water fast enough
for you; otherwise, you will exceed the current
and run into the front of the pool. Similarly,
make sure the pool is long enough to accommodate
fluctuations in your speed without having
to constantly reset or "fine tune"
the current speed.
- a built in water heater is important is you
install the pool outside and want to use
it in cool weather; if you use the pool for
therapeutic reasons, you may also want to
crank the heat up to temperatures rivaling
a hot tub.
- look for a pool that allows you to make adjustments
while still in the water so
that you don't
have to keep hopping out to
adjust the current
speed or water temperature
- creating a current is hard work, so make
sure you buy durable equipment and compare
the energy efficiency ratings of different
models.
If you already have a pool, you might want
to investigate portable current machines
that can be positioned at the edge of the
pool to create a current in just one area. |
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