The Benefits of Swimming and Keeping Active in Your Own Outdoor Pool
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an effect on nearly everything we do – cancelling holidays, doing online quizzes with friends and wearing face masks and gloves to go to the mall – it’s important to ensure consistency at home. Whether that’s going for a run in the morning, doing yoga or taking a swim, our mental and physical health will benefit from a regular routine.
COVID-19 and swimming pools
CDC states that there isn’t any evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can spread from person to person in swimming pools, water playgrounds or hot tubs. It’s also important to note that these aquatic establishments will have a chlorine or bromine mix in the water, which should stop the virus.
However, for this blog, in particular, we’re covering the concern of home swimming pools. CDC endorses homeowners to use ‘EPA-registered household disinfectants’ and remember to follow the label of your chosen product to ensure the most effective use.
It’s also important to note that if you’re swimming alone or with the family (who you’ve been living with during lockdown and who haven’t any COVID symptoms) then swimming together in your own backyard is fine. For the time being, do not do this with people who have been living in another household as you may come into close contact – opt for a safe, socially-distant BBQ instead.
Taking laps of the pool
Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise that increases your heart rate safely and builds strength, endurance and tones muscles. Incorporating a number of different strokes into the pool can be a nice way to spice up your morning routine to prevent you from getting bored. Try rotating through the front crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, butterfly and freestyle – this will encourage you to maintain your routine and keep you motivated to carry on with your morning laps.
Teaching kids to swim
Since we’re spending the majority of our time at home, now couldn’t be a better time to teach your kids how to swim. Not only is swimming fun but it is also a very important skill that could be life-saving. Getting your children used to the pool and familiar with water will help them to feel comfortable and in future, this will encourage them to go to a water park or even swim in the sea.
Pool games with the family
Adding pool accessories is a great way to encourage the family into your pool and to exercise. Install a volleyball net, a basketball hoop or a slide to change up the uses of your swimming pool. Water games with the family is a great way to make the outside more enjoyable and a perfect way to improve your quality time together.
Using your yard to keep fit
If you decide to take a day off from swimming in your pool, don’t forget about pool care, this will ensure that the water is clean and safe to use.
- Skim the pool’s surface
- Clean out the skimmer
- Keep your pump running
- Check filter and backwash
- Test pool water and add chemicals where necessary
At Master Pools of Austin, we understand that now is a difficult time for everyone, so we want to spread the word that swimming is a safe activity in your home pool when the rules are adhered to. Make the most of your outdoors, improve your wellbeing and stay safe. For any questions or queries, please feel free to contact our friendly team today.