Last Updated on January 1, 2023

Swimming is a great exercise for the body and mind. It is low impact so great for beginners and anyone that may have injuries. You can burn almost as many calories as running but without putting pressure on your knees. It is also a great way to relax, letting the water carry you along. Despite the benefits and joys of swimming, there are many myths surrounding this activity. Can you break a sweat in cool water? We have the five most common swimming myths right here and the reasons why they should not keep you on the patio.

Common Swimming Myths Debunked

MYTH #1: You can only swim when the weather is warm

While it may be nicer to swim in the warmer weather, this is not the only time you can dive in the pool. You can easily extend your swimming season by keeping the water warm all year round. Invest in a solar cover to keep in the heat and warm your water or a solar heater to absorb heat during the day for warmer water when the sun is not out. You can also get a pool heat pump to warm or cool the water as you want at any time.

MYTH #2: Swimming doesn’t help with weight loss

Any activity that burns calories can help you lose weight. You can actually burn more calories swimming than jogging. For example a person of acreage weight (150 pounds) will burn 255 calories with a half hour of swimming as compared to 140 with a half hour of jogging.

MYTH #3:You need to wait an hour after eating before swimming

This is one of the oldest myths about swimming and it has been disproved many times. Less than one percent of drownings have occurred after the person ate a meal. Your body is smart enough to save digestion for a later time and can commit to exercise when needed.

MYTH #4: Pool maintenance is hard work

Maintaining a pool requires effort, but it doesn’t have to be hard. This is just another one of those swimming pool myths. If you are consistent, you will see the rewards. Clean and balance your pool each week and the more time-consuming cleaning jobs will not be an issue. A well-maintained pool does not get the chance to become a mess. Your maintenance schedule should include:

  • Skimming your pool at least twice a week
  • Brushing and vacuuming at least once a week
  • Testing and balancing your water at least twice a week

MYTH #5: Chlorine kills everything, so you can pee in the pool

Chlorine reacts with sweat, body oil, and urine and when it does, it creates noxious chemicals. These can cause breathing problems and other respiratory illnesses, so it is not a good idea to pee in the pool. You should also get in the habit of showering before you jump in.

 

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