Swimming in pools or open water? What's best?
04/23/2021 | Written by Nikos Kaskaras in Adults
Swimming is a unique activity. Its special element lies in the fact of combining the acquisition of a life-saving skill with the extensive workout of the whole body. But, there's also another distinct characteristic: Swimming allows everyone to practice it in, both, inside and outside environments. What is more fascinating is that both options provide excellent perspectives for improving the quality of life for all swimmers. Let's find out how.
Swimming in pools is on the rise
There's no doubt that this is the most popular choice in Australia. A great number of households have their swimming pool, making it easy to practice daily. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic caused a boom in demand for swimming pools across the country. Since it's not possible to travel abroad, the holiday budget is instead spent on upgrading the home facilities. This trend seems to reinforce the already strong swim culture of the country and makes it convenient to swim safely at home. There are numerous advantages in that case:
- Safety control
- Manual setting of temperature levels
- Convenient for swim courses
- Easier child protection
- Chlorine controls the levels of bacteria
Of course, teaching children how to stay safe in the water is one of the most significant utilities of domestic swimming pools. All parents can easily call their children's swim teachers for their swimming lessons without moving outside their homes. At the same time, fathers and mothers can always refresh the swim skills of their kids whenever they wish.
Swimming outdoors is the natural way
So, what's the case then with swimming outdoors? Is it beneficial to do it or is it pointless since the pool option seems to be more convenient? Well, this is a different feeling and anyone who has done it, even once, can confirm it. The benefits are, indeed, numerous:
- There's a stronger link to nature
- There's a more adventurous element
- Cold seawater is enhancing health
- It's great for socialising
It's no surprise that regular outdoor swimmers are super healthy. Coldwater causes an increase of white blood cells as well as a stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The effects are striking as the release of endorphins and the improvement of blood circulation produce a natural high that is difficult to match. Because it's much more challenging to swim in the sea, due to the waves, temperature and current, the body works harder, therefore the results are more pronounced. Furthermore, there's an ecological aspect that promotes the interconnection between nature and humans that is highly relevant to our time of climate change.
The difficulties of indoor and outdoor swimming
Nothing is perfect in this world, so we have to keep in mind the possible difficulties that arise in both cases of swimming indoors and outdoors. For the first occasion, the crucial point is the quality of the facility as well as the air quality of an indoor swimming pool. The ventilation must be adequate for assuring a high-level swim session. Thick and humid air affects the quality of breathing during and after swimming, therefore certain criteria should be met. Similarly, the chlorine levels should be regulated in such a way, so that they don't cause intolerances to swimmers.
For outdoor swimming, on the other hand, there are different possible disadvantages. The weather factor is the number one case. Unless you are a winter swimmer-which is though excellent health-enhancing factor- it's not possible to swim outdoors during wintertime. Besides, when speaking about swimming in the sea, the control levels are less possible to be adequately regulated, due to the size of the water surface. That's why almost all drawings occur in seas. Finally, the maintenance costs of an outdoor swimming pool are much higher in comparison to the indoor pool.
Combining indoor and outdoor swimming is the best
After reading the above, what would you consider the best option? As with most things in life, there are no absolute answers that can be implemented in all cases. But again, finding a logical middle ground seems to be the optimal choice. Speaking in general terms, the best moto seems to be: Learn to swim indoors and then explore your limits outdoors. All new swimmers need to feel a sense of safety when taking the first steps to the world of aquatic majesty. A well maintained and adequately ventilated indoor pool is ideal for taking the first lessons of swimming, as they allow swim classes to take place throughout the whole year. In the summertime, a home outdoor pool is equally adequate, since the owners are taking good care of it. Once a swimmer becomes competent in gaining all the survival skills in need, then swimming in a sea environment can come as the completion of the journey. The absence of chlorine, the unlimited “borderline” and the feeling of current will come as a pleasant revelation to the newcomers of open water swimming. In all cases, though, the axiom is one and only: Safety comes first. Noone shall forget it.
