Health Benefits for Children that Grow up with Swimming Pools

The beginning of summer signals major pool time for kids all over the country! Swimming is fun, and a great way to cool off. Children who grow up with swimming pools not only get to indulge in this popular warm-weather activity whenever they want to (with adult supervision of course,) but they can also invite a few friends over and really make waves. What children probably do not realize, however, is that there is a myriad of health benefits to this particular form of fun in the sun!

Swimming is an effective cardiovascular workout that is widely known to promote lung and heart health, improve flexibility and strength, increase stamina, and contribute to healthy posture and balance. It can also help prevent childhood obesity, which is at an all-time high in this country. Swimming for an hour can easily burn about 800 to 900 calories. Chances are, children will not even realize they are exercising, especially if they are engaged in an intense game of Marco Polo!

Children who swim also build muscle. Swimming aids in bone growth and causes less strain on joints and tissues than other types of exercise. In addition, children who swim tend to exercise longer than when they do other forms of exercise. Why run on a track in the hot sun when you can splash around in cool water? The fact that children can keep cool while being physically fit is an added benefit. This stamina-building activity will also keep kids in top shape over the summer so they will be prepared for the fall sports season!

Swimming is beneficial to the emotional well-being of children. Children tend to congregate at kids’ houses who have pools in their backyards. Children with pools tend to be more social since they are probably hosting events like pool parties, BBQs, and moonlight swims. Swimming can help improve children’s overall mood and may even help combat depression.

Taking a refreshing dip in the pool can be rejuvenating and improve a child’s energy. Taking a swim has also been known to reduce stress. A relaxed kid is a happy kid! If you want your child to have a ton of fun this summer, be physically fit, interact with friends—and feel cool and refreshed while doing so—there’s no time like the present to install a swimming pool in your backyard.