10 Fun Facts About Pools.

We love a good pool fact, so here’s a collection of unusual and surprising tidbits to impress your friends and family. From ancient history to modern marvels, these facts show just how fascinating swimming pools really are.

1. The biggest pool in the world is absolutely massive!

The world’s largest swimming pool is still at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Chile. Spanning more than 20 acres (around 13 hectares), it’s the size of 16 football fields and holds about 250,000 cubic metres (66 million gallons) of seawater. Too big to swim across, visitors often use kayaks and paddleboards to get around.

2. The oldest pool dates back over 4,000 years.

The “Great Bath” of Mohenjo-daro in modern-day Pakistan is considered the world’s oldest swimming pool. Built around 2,500–3,000 BC, archaeologists believe it was used for ritual bathing and purification.

3. Diving boards are less common in Australia today.

While diving boards were once a staple of backyard pools, safety laws and insurance restrictions mean far fewer are installed today. Industry sources suggest fewer than 10% of modern home pools include diving boards in Australia, compared to around 80% several decades ago.

7. The Titanic had a heated pool.

The RMS Titanic, launched in 1912, featured one of the first heated pools at sea. Only first-class passengers could use it, and men and women swam at separate times. It was also the last room in the bow section of the ship to flood as the Titanic sank.

8. Olympic pools are enormous.

Olympic swimming pools are always 50 metres long, but they’re also 25 metres wide and hold about 2.5 million litres of water. Swimming has been part of the Olympics since 1896, and Australia is a powerhouse in the sport, winning more than 200 medals to date.

9. The ancient Egyptians were keen swimmers.

Wall paintings dating back to 2,500 BC show Egyptians using a stroke similar to freestyle. Royals and nobles swam in private palace pools, while ordinary people are thought to have swum in the Nile - though it wasn’t without risks!

10. A blood-red pool in Thailand.

At The Library resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, there’s a striking pool tiled with red, orange, and yellow mosaics, making the water appear blood-red. It’s one of the most unusual pools in the world and a favourite for travellers seeking a dramatic photo.

Want to bring a little pool magic into your own backyard? Chat with our team and find the perfect fibreglass pool for your home. Call us on 1300 548 794.