POOL PLEASURES IN TENERIFE

Pool pleasures in Tenerife come in a multitude of thousands, and in this column, I playfully narrate the connection between swimming and health.

It is fitting to begin this column with a passage from the book The Swimming Pool by Spy. Many will recognize the feeling you get when appearing at a pool in nothing but a flimsy outfit or, conversely, when sweating past a pool without possessing any swim accessories.

“You step into the pool area. It feels as though everyone is staring directly at that part of your body you are most self-conscious about. The smart thing to do is to hold your head high and ignore it, but if only it were that simple…
Every man wants that muscular, tanned six-pack physique. Every woman wants a body free of cellulite, wrinkles, and those extra two chins. Keep on dreaming.”

You have to work with what you’ve got, and people will just have to accept me as I am.

Types

This is probably the best attitude I know: not caring about it. In Tenerife, pools are everywhere, covering the island. No matter where you go, you will come across them, and with that, pool pleasures in Tenerife are a given.
Every self-respecting hotel establishment has at least one; private pools are everywhere, and sea pools are far from an exception. These last ones can be found in both the south and the north, positioned just at the edge of the sea—or not quite. Still, it’s a great option to have on a sun-drenched island.

The swimming pool is usually a centrally located basin around which people consciously or unconsciously bask in the sun. Some even have a pool bar, a clever way to keep hotel guests within the premises.

Swimming is Healthy

A swimming pool serves multiple purposes, the most important of which are swimming and water play. A pool has an undeniable attraction; it magnetizes people. Even if you’re not physically drawn to it, you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. On the contrary, the subconscious is triggered by the shimmering water in the blue basin, by the refreshing sensation it radiates, and perhaps even by the overall ambiance.

Swimming is healthy; it strengthens your body and keeps you active. It’s beneficial for both people and the weight their bodies must bear. It’s far more enjoyable than sweating in a gym, and because swimming engages all your muscles, it increases calorie expenditure. Swimming for just 30 minutes can burn up to 400 kcal, which is more than walking or cycling. Without even realizing it, you are engaging in a fat-burning cardio workout that also enhances your strength and endurance.

Swimming is also gentle on your muscles, tendons, and joints, and it benefits the heart. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The effort involved is relaxing because the water literally lightens the body and eases the strain on the heart. Many people also sleep better after swimming, and this improved rest has a positive impact on overall health.

Sweating in a Pool?

Have you ever wondered why you never seem to sweat in swimming pool water?
That’s because the body’s temperature regulator never goes into overdrive. The water provides a cooling effect from the very first contact. Unlike other sports, swimming does not cause dehydration.

I’m not saying you won’t crave a refreshing drink after a swim—that’s part of the poolside experience. However, drinking to compensate for fluid loss is unnecessary. Swimming increases lung capacity and improves breathing, which greatly benefits people suffering from hay fever and asthma.
Physically challenging, visually appealing, and morally captivating—that’s the essence of this story. Pools—there should be more of them! Thankfully, we still have the sea pools!

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Pool Pleasures in Tenerife ©