Pool activities offer many benefits from providing a low impact way to exercise, which is safer for the joints, to enabling you to receive your daily dose of sunshine, which is needed for vitamin d absorption, and more. Proper pool maintenance helps ensure you retain these benefits by keeping your water free of harmful bacteria, which can make you sick. A swimming pool provides more than just a beautiful, costly addition to your yard that impresses your neighbors, family, or friends; in fact, according to experts, it actually provides various health benefits. In this article, we will discuss some of those benefits. Keep reading to learn more. A Fun Way to Get Your Daily Dose of Sunshine Just 15 to 30 minutes of sunshine each day is needed to boost vitamin D production. This helps keep your bones and teeth healthy, and it has also been shown to make you feel healthier and happy. Sunlight also helps increase insulin resistance, which may help regulate your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight. Pool activities provide a great opportunity to take in some sun. However, too much sun can be damaging to the skin. The last thing anyone wants is a nasty sunburn from too much fun in the sun. It is important to apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before getting into the pool. Don't forget to reapply it each time you exit and then reenter the water to enjoy the sun safely. Water Exercises the Entire Body When you engage in a pool activity, such as swimming, whether you're doing side strokes, backstrokes, or free-styling, it takes most of the muscles in your body to maneuver you through the water. This gives your entire body a workout and helps tone your muscles and build strength. It also increases your heart rate, which helps manage cholesterol levels, as well as increases your endurance, which helps build stamina, balance, and posture for performing everyday activities. Swimming also helps strengthen your cardiovascular system, which helps improve heart and lung health. As a general rule, strive for at least 30 minutes of pool activity 3-days per week to experience benefits. A Great Alternative to High Impact Exercise Some exercises, such as jogging, cross-training, and aerobics, exert more pressure on the joints; however, pool activity provides low impact exercise, so it is gentler on the body, which makes it a great form of exercise for those looking for a less strenuous way to get in a good workout. Pool play may also help improve flexibility and reduce pain in those with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, MS, and other disabilities that are characterized by muscle or joint pain and stiffness. It may also help improve recovery after injury in both athletes and non-athletes alike. Water Helps Prevent Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke As outdoor temperatures rise, it can also cause your body heat to rise, especially when participating in vigorous outdoor play or yard work, which can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or a heat stroke. One way to combat heat-related issues is to stay cool, which participating in pool activities can help you do. For instance, taking frequent swims in between strenuous outdoor activities in hot weather helps you rest and reduce your body temperature, which protects against overheating. In the event you or someone else becomes afflicted by heat exhaustion, a relaxing pool activity can help you quickly cool down, which can help prevent a heat stroke. Burn More Calories Than Other Low Impact Activities Pool activity may also burn more calories per hour than many other low impact exercises, such as walking, cycling, and elliptical training. In fact, on average, a 160-pound person can burn approximately 420 calories per hour swimming just a few laps at a slow to moderate pace as compared to taking a 3.5 mile per hour walk, which only burns approximately 310 calories. Pool Activity Improves the MoodSwimming helps you relax, which research shows provides various psychological benefits that help improve the mood. In fact, one study conducted on more than 40 overworked, depressed adults showed that after swimming, the majority of participants reported feeling less stressed and depressed soon after. Another study showed that swimming also helped reduce stress in school-aged kids. Swimming was also shown to help improve depression associated with dementia as well as other mental illnesses. Pool activities also provide a great way to create fun memories with your family, thus encouraging bonding, which has also been shown to help boost mood. Improved Quality of SleepPool activities, especially swimming, cause many of the major muscles in the body to work, which leads to physical exertion. When you are physically tired, you are more likely to succumb to deep sleep. Water play also usually involves a combination of stretching and relaxing movements, in addition to deep breathing, which, similar to yoga, helps calms the mind and relaxes the skeletal muscles, thus preparing your body for a good night's sleep. The cool water also boosts mental clarity and feel-good endorphins by increasing brain activity, leading to increased well-being, which helps ease anxiety, making it easier for your mind to unwind and relax and thus prepare for a peaceful slumber. Several studies show that many people reported experiencing both prolonged and improved quality of sleep after exercise, such as pool activity. How a Clean Pool Helps![]() No matter which pool activity you choose, it is equally important to ensure it is in a clean pool, which helps prevent bacteria buildup that can make you sick, and thus counteract the many health benefits that pool activity provides. Therefore, it is recommended you have your pool cleaned at least once weekly to help keep it safe and beneficial, which a professional pool cleaning service can help you do, so you don't have to fret over it. During professional pool cleaning, the technician will also inspect for any signs of equipment wear and then repair or replace any parts as needed before they lead to costlier issues later. They can also help you safely prepare your pool for winter, as well as assist you with the proper reopening of your pool again in the spring for greater peace of mind. You can also sign up for a pool service agreement, which will help ensure your pool receives the proper care when it should and also help you save you money on regular service. For more information on how we can help ensure a safe pool for engaging in healthy pool activities, don't hesitate to contact us.
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