Pool tricks

The backyard pool is a staple for many Australian homes but Olympic gold medallist, Poolwerx ambassador, and mother of three girls, Libby Trickett shares how she uses the pool for more than just swimming!

A vocal mental health advocate, Trickett said while the pool has been there for some of her life’s greatest achievements, the role it plays in her life now is more restorative. “I’ve clocked thousands of hours in the pool training and competing over my life but while I cherish these memories, the pool is now a place to take care of my mental health and connect with friends and family. Today, a pool is about so much more than just swimming!” Indeed, Australians are becoming more health conscious, with pools now playing an important role in fitness, mental health management, relaxation and sports recovery. Pool water treatment is also evolving towards health-conscious alternatives that promote wellness through salt substitutes like magnesium or chemical and chlorine-free swimming environments.

Poolwerx CEO Nic Brill has seen a strong shift in Australians taking a holistic health approach to their pools. "We’re seeing the role of the backyard pool change from a source of kids’ entertainment to becoming the centrepiece of social gatherings, a form of exercise and an important way to take care of your mental health. Even the role of community pools has changed from just summer fun to offering hydrotherapy, aquaerobics, community sports and events and a social gathering space. Pools will always be a staple of Australian life, and we love seeing new ways Australians make the most of their pool."

Here are Libby’s five ways to make the most of your pool as the weather starts warming up:

1. Exercise

Movement is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping your mental wellbeing in balance. Get creative with exercise as a family with a water basketball hoop or pool volleyball, take some ‘me’ time by swimming laps, or add a banded resistance if you’re in a plunge pool, or break out the classic pool games like Marco Polo.

2.Relaxation

Magnesium has a magnitude of health and wellness benefits including reducing stress and anxiety, muscle recovery, stimulated hydration and improving sleep. More and more gyms are opting for magnesium pools for recovery and we have seen the rise of floatation tanks using salt and magnesium for float therapy and relaxation. No longer just for day spas, mineral pools can now be used in your own backyard, any chlorine pool can be converted to become a mineral pool. Using natural minerals like salt, magnesium or potassium and a water purification system to keep your pool clean can significantly reduce the pool’s need for harsh chemicals that cause itchy skin and stinging eyes and enjoy gliding through smoother, cleaner water. 3.Mental wellbeing

A recent Poolwerx survey shows that 83% of pool owners use their pool for wellbeing purposes. The feeling of being weightless is incredibly restorative so combine that with blocking out the noise of daily life for some alone time and you’ve turned the backyard pool into your own day spa.

4.Social connections

Taking care of your mental wellbeing isn’t just physical, it’s also social. Use the pool as the centrepiece of your next gathering to spend quality time with friends and family. The home cocooning trend born from the pandemic saw Australians invest more money in making their home a sanctuary, which includes making their outdoor space a welcoming oasis. From outdoor dining to poolside seating and lush gardens, Aussie backyards are the perfect place to spend warmer nights around the pool.

5.Fighting childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is unfortunately on the rise in Australia so incorporating fun, incidental exercise in your child’s routine is important to keeping them healthy and strong. Once the homework is done, encourage the kids to jump in the pool rather than turn on the TV or gaming console. Keep them entertained with toys like water balls, dive sticks and pool noodles.