Ocean Pools
Australia probably first started the idea of constructing ocean pools because of its nearness to the ocean. Ocean pools are swimming pools made on the headlands of rock outcroppings jutting out into the ocean itself. The beauty of ocean pools is that there is no danger of swimmers getting carried out to the sea by the strong surf while enjoying the health benefits of swimming in seawater. At least with seawater, pool water is not that stagnant since salt kills bacteria and other harmful organisms normally present in ordinary potable water. The salt or sodium chloride has a strong anti-bacterial effect; hence pool water stays clean a bit longer. Some people purposely add salt to their swimming pools to kill algae, bacteria, viruses and insect larvae which can cause diseases to the swimmers.
View of Pool – Ocean Beyond
Of course, a bonus is the excellent ocean view you get from an ocean pool especially on sunset. The panorama is simply incredible! A variation of ocean pools is the infinity pool which seems to merge the pool with the sea level when viewed from a distance. You feel like you are actually swimming in the ocean itself. Also called as negative edge or vanishing edge pool, the visual effect is that of the swimming pool’s waters extending to the very edge of the ocean’s horizon, almost reaching to “infinity” itself. Ocean pools were the forerunners of the Olympic pools where athletes train themselves. Seaside pools and harbour-side pools use pumps to bring in sea water.
Ocean pool n path at Terrigal, NSW Australia
Photo source: http://hangingpixels.multiply.com/photos/album/14#28.jpg
Photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool (Sydney, Australia)