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Home and Garden

How to Design the Perfect Lap Pool: A Comprehensive Guide

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

How to Design the Perfect Lap Pool for Your Home

Lap pools are a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, and they can be a beautiful addition to any backyard. But before you start planning your lap pool, there are a few things you need to consider.

What is a Lap Pool?

Lap pools are long, narrow swimming pools that are typically used for exercise. They are typically rectangular in shape and range in length from 45 to 75 feet. The only standard length lap pool is an Olympic-sized pool, which is 50 meters long.

The History of Lap Pools

Lap pools have been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans built pools that were likely used for athletic training and military exercises. In the early 1970s, landscape designer Cleo Baldon brought the lap pool to California, and it quickly became a popular choice for homeowners who wanted a pool for exercise.

Considerations for Lap Pool Design

When designing your lap pool, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  • Length: The length of your lap pool will depend on how much space you have and how long you want to swim. The minimum recommended length for a lap pool is 45 feet, but pools can be up to 75 feet long.
  • Width: Lap pools are typically 8 to 10 feet wide, but they can be wider if you have the space.
  • Depth: The depth of your lap pool will depend on how you plan to use it. If you will be using it primarily for swimming laps, you will want a depth of at least 4 feet. If you plan to use it for other activities, such as playing with children, you may want a shallower depth.
  • Shape: Lap pools are typically rectangular in shape, but they can also be oval or L-shaped.
  • Materials: Lap pools can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
  • Deck surround: The deck surround is an important part of your lap pool design. It provides a place to sit and relax, and it can also help to prevent debris from entering the pool.
  • Heating: If you plan to use your lap pool year-round, you will need to heat it. There are a variety of heating options available, including gas heaters, electric heaters, and solar heaters.
  • Cover: A pool cover can help to keep your pool clean and warm, and it can also reduce your energy costs. There are a variety of pool covers available, including thermal blankets and fully automated covers.

How to Build a Lap Pool

Building a lap pool is a complex project, and it is important to hire a qualified contractor to do the job. The process of building a lap pool typically involves the following steps:

  1. Excavating the pool site
  2. Installing the pool shell
  3. Plumbing the pool
  4. Installing the electrical system
  5. Finishing the pool deck

How to Use a Lap Pool

Lap pools are a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few tips for using your lap pool:

  • Start slowly and gradually increase the distance and intensity of your workouts.
  • Use a swim stroke that is comfortable for you and that allows you to breathe easily.
  • Take breaks as needed and don’t push yourself too hard.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.

How to Maintain a Lap Pool

Lap pools require regular maintenance to keep them clean and in good condition. Here are a few tips for maintaining your lap pool:

  • Clean the pool filter regularly.
  • Check the pool water chemistry weekly and adjust as needed.
  • Vacuum the pool regularly to remove debris.
  • Brush the pool walls and steps regularly to remove algae.
  • Shock the pool weekly to kill bacteria.

By following these tips, you can keep your lap pool clean and in good condition for years to come.

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Home and Garden

Ultimate Guide to Making a Stock Tank Pool: A Step-by-Step DIY

by Keira
written by Keira

Guide to Making a Stock Tank Pool in 9 Easy Steps

Choosing the Right Stock Tank

Stock tanks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are key considerations for choosing a stock tank for your pool:

  • Size: Determine the desired capacity by considering the number of people who will use the pool. For comfortable swimming, choose a tank at least 8 feet in diameter.
  • Shape: Oval tanks are ideal for stretching out, while circular tanks accommodate more people.
  • Depth: Ensure the tank is deep enough for your shoulders to be submerged without having to lie down. A depth between 26 to 28 inches is recommended.
  • Material: Plastic tanks are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while metal tanks are more durable under sun exposure.

Location Considerations

Select a level and stable location for your stock tank pool. Avoid areas where water runoff could undermine the stability of the pool. Ensure the ground is as flat as possible to prevent settling once the pool is filled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Location:

  • Level the ground by digging out high spots and filling low spots with dirt or gravel.
  • Tamp down the added material to minimize settling.

2. Bring the Power Source:

  • Run an extension cord from an outdoor outlet to the pool location, ensuring it is safely positioned to avoid tripping hazards.

3. Water Test the Stock Tank:

  • Fill the tank to the top and inspect for leaks, particularly around the seams.
  • Seal any leaks immediately using silicone from the inside of the pool.

4. Cut Holes for Machinery:

  • Mark the desired waterline and drill openings for the hose fitting (or skimmer) and return line using a hole saw.
  • For a skimmer, trace the opening, drill the corners, and cut out the remaining section using snips.

5. Install the Hose Fittings:

  • Insert hose fittings into the drilled holes and apply a bead of silicone for added waterproofing.

6. Install the Filter Pump and Hoses:

  • Connect the inlet of the filter pump to the skimmer or hose fitting, and the outlet to the return hole.
  • Secure all connections with hose clamps.

7. Fill the Tank:

  • Use a hose to fill the pool to the desired water level.
  • Monitor for leaks, particularly around patched areas and drilled holes.

8. Start the Mechanicals:

  • Turn on the filter pump and check for leaks around connections and drilled holes.
  • Seal any leaks before proceeding.

9. Add Chemicals:

  • Test the water and add chemicals as needed to balance the pH, alkalinity, calcium, and chlorine levels.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance:

  • Check the pool chemistry weekly and run the filter pump for at least 8 hours a day.
  • Regularly inspect for leaks and repair them immediately.

Winterization:

  • Disassemble the filter pump and store it indoors.
  • Drain the pool and store it in a protected location.

FAQs

Q: Are stock tank pools worth it?

A: Yes, stock tank pools offer an affordable, removable option for backyard swimming. With proper care, they can last for several years.

Q: What’s the average cost of a stock tank pool?

A: The cost varies depending on the size and type of tank and filter pump used. Typically, a budget of around $500 is sufficient.

Q: Can you use a stock tank as a pool?

A: Yes, stock tanks can be converted into pools by ensuring water tightness, installing a filter pump, and maintaining water chemistry.

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Biographies

Éva Székely: Holocaust Survivor, Olympic Champion, and Unwavering Spirit

by Kim
written by Kim

Éva Székely: Holocaust Survivor and Olympic Champion Swimmer

Early Life and the Holocaust

Éva Székely was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1927. Her interest in swimming was sparked by listening to a radio broadcast of Hungarian swimmer Ferenc Csik winning the 100-meter freestyle at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. She joined a local sports club team, but was later removed due to her Jewish heritage.

As the Holocaust intensified in Hungary, Székely and her family faced increasing persecution. In 1944, she was rounded up by members of the fascist Arrow Cross Party, but her father intervened, claiming that she was sick and unable to walk. When that failed, he revealed that she was the Hungarian swimming champion, hoping that her fame would save her life.

Miraculously, Székely was spared. She spent the latter years of the war in a Swiss-operated safe house, where she kept fit by running up and down five flights of stairs 100 times every morning.

Post-War Swimming Career

After the war, Székely resumed her swimming career. She competed in the 1948 Olympic Games in London, placing fourth in the 200-meter breaststroke. Four years later, she achieved her Olympic dream by winning the gold medal in the same event at the 1952 Helsinki Games, setting an Olympic record in the process.

Székely continued to dominate Hungarian swimming, winning 32 national individual titles and 11 national team titles between 1946 and 1954. She also married fellow Hungarian athlete Dezső Gyarmati, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest water polo players in history.

Defection and Coaching Career

In 1956, Székely and Gyarmati defected to the United States after the Hungarian Revolution was brutally crushed by the Soviets. However, they soon returned to Hungary to care for Székely’s elderly parents.

Székely retired from active competition and became a coach for young swimmers, including her daughter, Andrea, who went on to become an Olympic medalist herself. Székely also attended the infamous 1972 Munich Games, where Palestinian militants attacked the Israeli Olympic team, killing her friend, Israeli wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg.

Jewish Identity and Legacy

Despite the persecution she experienced, Székely never attempted to hide her Jewish identity. In a 1974 interview with Hungarian television, she recalled the discriminatory laws of the 1940s and stated unequivocally, “I was a Jew.”

Székely’s remarkable life story serves as a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. She is remembered as both a Holocaust survivor and an Olympic champion, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of swimmers and athletes around the world.

Additional Notable Accomplishments

  • Székely won a gold medal in an international swimming competition held on Hungary’s Margaret Island in 1950.
  • She competed in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, winning a silver medal.
  • Székely was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1985.
  • In 2000, she was awarded the Hungarian Order of Merit, Commander’s Cross with Star.
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