The History of Swimming Pools

Did you know that man-made swimming pools were known to exist as far back as 2600 B.C.? The first intentional and elaborate human bathing site is cited as The Great Baths of Mohenjo Daro, an ancient terraced plaster and brick affair that was created for use in religious ceremonies.

Throughout the rest of the world swimming pools were incorporated in educational settings. For example, in Rome and Greece, elementary school-aged boys were taught to swim and the first heated pool is often attributed to a first century Roman lord and arts patron, Gaius Maecenas, a great supporter of the early poets Virgil and Horace.

In their modern iteration, swimming pools didn’t achieve popularity until the mid-19th century when a complex of six large indoor pools and diving boards were built in 1837. In subsequent years, the Olympic Games added swimming as a competitive sport in 1896 and the desire for pools skyrocketed. In the U.S., the first neighborhood swimming pool opened in Boston in 1868.

Pools as We Know Them
The 20th century witnessed numerous technology developments including chlorination and filtration systems that allowed for cleaner, safer pools to be built. With the invention of gunite during post-WW1, the relative affordability of pools enabled middle-class families to have pools built in personal, backyard environments. Similarly, above-ground pools also contributed to the proliferation of single unit pools.

Today
Pools today continue to evolve in both style, material, structure and features. Their reputation as a luxury is pervasive but with financing and other options, Americans today love private backyard oases as a destination to complete their rest and relaxation time.

At Blue Water Pool Chemical Company, we are in the business of serving both residential and commercial pool needs. With over 45 years of experience, our team is well adept at keeping pool water sanitized and balanced to the highest of standards.