POOLS 43 



SWIMMING POOLS 



Swimming pools permit of little variation in general type of con- 

 struction. To be permanent, they must be built of reinforced con- 

 crete. The only exception to this occurs where a natural pool may 

 be dug in rock substratum, and often such a pool contains fissures, 

 necessitating a "lining" of waterproof concrete in order to retain the 

 water. 



The shape and size of a swimming pool are determined by its 

 relation to the general design of the place, the extent of its use, and 

 the supply of water available to fill it. These factors also determine 

 its location. 



It is to be regretted that many people regard a swimming pool 

 merely as a large outdoor bathtub, losing sight of its ornamental pos- 

 sibilities. High copings of cement or stone, and grass or iron hand- 

 rails sticking up in the air serve to make the pool less attractive than it 

 might be, and in most cases these features are unnecessary. 



The most pleasing pools are those that allow the water to be seen 

 as a flat, mirror-like surface, reflecting some attractive elevation of 

 buildings or trees. The coping should not project over six inches 

 above the ground, and is most attractive? in cut stone. Entrance to 

 the pool may be provided by steps; by iron ladder rungs set into the 

 ends of the pool ; or by "toehold steps" fashioned in the cement walls 

 or in stone set into the walls, so that there is nothing projecting beyond 

 the surface of the walls of the pool. The coping, whether of stone or 

 cement, may be molded to form a combination handrail and gutter, 

 thus avoiding the unsightly handrail of pipe, rope or cable. 



An especially attractive type of pool is one that has only a narrow 

 line of cement about two inches wide visible to separate the expanse 

 of water from the surrounding green turf, which is level with the cop- 

 ing. The coping also serves as a handrail. Overflow is provided 

 for by small catch-basin inlets sunk in the turf at intervals along the 

 coping. 



Most swimming pools have a shallow end for children and novices, 

 and a deep end for expert swimmers and divers. The shallow end is 

 usually about 3 feet deep, and the deep end varies from 7 to 1 2 feet 

 deep. Seven feet is safe for ordinary standing or springboard diving at 



